How inriver customers maximize the value of their PIM investment

Making the most of the PIM implementation process 

Implementing a PIM solution is a transformative journey for any organization. It can significantly enhance a business’s efficiency and strategic capabilities, but only if the implementation process is successful. Indeed, this part of the PIM journey is not without its challenges. Based on my own experience and the many conversations I’ve had with inriver customers, several common hurdles often arise during the PIM implementation and adoption process. 

Many businesses underestimate the complexity of gathering, organizing, and auditing their existing product data. However, this is an important first step towards any successful PIM implementation. Typically, product information is scattered across various spreadsheets, databases, internal systems, and other external file sources. If managed poorly, this fragmentation can cause significant delays and frustrations during the implementation phase. However, forward-thinking businesses use this implementation process, and the data management capabilities of their new PIM system, to simultaneously audit and cleanse their existing data. Combining these tasks kills two birds with one stone, maximizes the value of the PIM implementation process, and gives businesses a solid foundation for their PIM journey.

Expanding the potential of PIM with new use cases 

Over the past few years, it’s clear that PIM has evolved significantly. This is true both in terms of its functionality, as PIM systems integrate more AI-powered capabilities, and the number of use cases PIM software supports. However, many businesses, including existing PIM users, are not fully embracing the potential of PIM. Indeed, many approach PIM with only a basic understanding of its use; one that focuses solely on the linear movement of product data from A to B.

However, when businesses start their PIM journey with inriver, the inriver team works with stakeholders from across the customers’ business to introduce them to the many different ways they can extract value from their PIM investment. For example, businesses can use the SKU-level traceability provided by their PIM system to streamline regulatory compliance for their product catalog. This takes the onus off of their legal teams and empowers the entire organization to help ensure no product falls short of regulatory standards in any market or on any channel.

Another potential use case of PIM software that is currently expanding in relevance relates to sustainability. With a PIM system, businesses can access detailed product data related to every step of the product life cycle, such as material sourcing, production methods, and transportation. This information is increasingly critical for eco-savvy consumers both on the B2B and B2C side, and having easy access to this level of detail on every component of the product means businesses can deliver this information to where it is most impactful in the buying journey.

Extending the role of PIM into PXM  

As businesses assess their strategic approach to managing and optimizing the entire lifecycle of the product experience, they are beginning to grapple with Product Experience Management (PXM) and what that means for their operations. PXM, which covers the complete experience of a product across every touchpoint, marks a major step forward in how businesses have typically used PIM software. 

From speaking directly to our customers, it’s clear that businesses across all sectors are beginning to adopt PXM strategies to help provide a consistent product experience across the entire product life cycle. It’s also clear that PIM software forms the basis of these PXM strategies, as any successful PXM strategy requires a foundation of market-ready product information that’s only possible with PIM. For example, I recently spoke to an automotive manufacturer that uses PIM as the foundation of its PXM strategy to enhance the customer journey from pre-sales research all the way through to post-purchase support. This approach has helped them ensure consistency and satisfaction at every stage of the buyer journey. 

inriver: Leading the rise of PIM 

As I have observed while working with the many global leader brands and manufacturers currently using the inriver platform, the rise of PIM represents not merely a trend but also a strategic transformation in how businesses understand and operationalize product data to maximize its value.

Integrating Product Information Management software into your tech stack is the only way to embrace this transformation and ensure your data is helping you achieve sustainable growth. For businesses looking to take the next step in their digital transformation and get their data market-ready, it’s clear that PIM can be their secret weapon. PIM software is no longer just about managing information. It’s about maximizing the value of that information for every audience on every channel.