How to implement a PIM system in your B2B business

A PIM system in a B2B business is the perfect solution for promote marketing strategies and reinforce digital maturity in the industrial sector.

Thanks to this software, you can increase the efficiency of the distribution of your products. In addition, you will optimize the updating of its features in all your digital channels and markets, thus improving the experience of your potential customers and increasing your online revenues.

Un PIM, or a Product Information Management, is a system used to manage, store and distribute all the information related to your product catalog. Its great advantage is that allows you to update the details of each product from one place (or platform) and easily distribute them to different digital channels.

The advantages of a PIM in your B2B business

A PIM system is useful for any type of company that wants to improve efficiency and accuracy in managing product information. However, in a B2B company this solution is essential.

The complexity of product information is one of the determining factors in deciding whether or not to invest in a PIM system. This complexity is even more evident if your business model is B2B ('business-to-business'), is part of the industrial sector and/or if you have an international strategy. Here's why:

• B2B businesses and ecommerce they handle a much larger volume of product information than B2C business.
• Product information in a B2B business is often more complex than in a B2C business, with more technical details and specifications.
• B2B businesses sell through a wide variety of channels, including printed catalogs, e-Commerce portals, different marketplaces and international sales representatives.

For these reasons, PIM systems are used in different B2B industries, from manufacturing, retail and retail, to wholesale and e-commerce.

Companies that rely on this tool have benefited because it allows them to:

Managing complex products

As we have already mentioned, in the industrial sector or B2B businesses, product information is often complex and detailed, including technical specifications, images, videos and technical documentation.

A PIM system in B2B allows you to centralize and organize all of this information in one place, making it easy to manage and update product information. In addition, users can access this information in real time and download it in different formats for use in catalogs, brochures and other marketing materials.

Ensure data consistency across different channels

Product information in a B2B business or eCommerce is usually shared across different channels and markets. A PIM system ensures the consistency and quality of product information on each channel, which improves the customer shopping experience and reinforces the company's brand image.

Errors and discrepancies in product information are eliminated by centralizing and automating processes. With a PIM it is possible to have all the information correctly updated wherever and however.

Improve efficiency during the sales process

By having all the product information in real time, sales teams will be able to respond quickly to customer questions and needs.

In addition, with the automation of processes and integration with other systems, time and human errors are reduced in the sales process.

Analyze the performance of each product in your B2B eCommerce

A PIM system in a B2B company allows you to collect and analyze product information, including sales trends, most popular products, and opportunities for improvement. Thanks to this data, it is possible to make informed decisions about product development, resource allocation, and optimization of marketing and sales strategies.

Facilitate communication with suppliers

A PIM establishes an efficient communication channel between the company and its suppliers. Companies can share updated information with your suppliers on products, which helps maintain an accurate inventory and prevent stock problems.

Improve the customer shopping experience

This solution provides accurate, detailed and up-to-date information about each product in each channel. this improves the customer experience, allowing them to make informed purchasing decisions. It also reduces the possibility of return procedures, increasing the feeling of satisfaction overall customer versus brand.

Optimize web positioning

It also helps SEO! A PIM solution in a B2B business is able to promote the visibility of products in search engines and thus increase sales, since it allows companies to create metadata and product descriptions optimized for SEO.

How to implement a PIM system in your B2B business

Implementing a PIM system in your B2B business or ecommerce can be a challenging process, but it can also be highly rewarding. Therefore, now that you know its usefulness, we explain everything you need to consider for its implementation:

Identify your company's needs

Take the time to understand your specific needs in depth in terms of product data management, such as:

• The type of products you sell
• The amount of information you need to store
• The distribution channels you will use.

It is also important to determine which internal systems and processes require access to this information and how it is shared with suppliers and customers.

Evaluate and select an appropriate PIM system

There is a wide variety of B2B PIM software available on the market, so it's important to evaluate which one best suits your needs.

First, we should consider factors such as the possibility of integrate it with other applications that they manage in your company (such as CRM or ERP systems), flexibility, scalability and cost.

You can also rely on a ecosystem of solutions such as Dynamicweb, which, in addition to offering you a powerful PIM system, has an eCommerce, a CMS and M toolsMarketing Automation, all from one place. Thus improving the experience of your work teams as well as that of your potential customers.

Plan the transition process

Once you've chosen the right PIM system for your company, it's important define a migration plan, to ensure a smooth transition.

Such planning should include both the transfer of existing data and the formation of teams and the definition of each work process.

Integrate other management systems with your PIM

The integration of your PIM system in a B2B business or ecommerce with other systems is essential for optimal efficiency. This includes integrations with the platform of eCommerce, CRM, ERP and marketing applications that they use in your company.

Structure your product information

One of the most important and possibly the most complicated steps is to structure the content to be displayed about each product: Descriptions, images, prices, technical characteristics, etc.

To make this process easier and faster, we suggest different organizational strategies:

• Hierarchical classification: Group products into categories and subcategories. For example, products can be grouped by categories such as clothing, electronics and household, and then subdivided into subcategories such as men's clothing, women's clothing, and children's clothing.
• Product Labels: Associate keywords with products. For example, a product may be tagged with keywords such as “t-shirt”, “short sleeve” and “cotton”.
• Product Attributes: Associate specific attributes to products, such as size, color, weight, material, and so on.
• Integration: Integrate your PIM system with other systems: Inventory management, order management, customer relationship management, etc.

Empower your team

Like any computer system, a PIM needs a Initial training for the efficiency of each process.

Schedule training sessions with team members who will use this solution so they can make the most of its potential.

Establish a work process

It's important to establish a clear and efficient process for creating, updating and maintaining product information in your company's PIM system.

Assign responsibilities and tasks to team members and establish a frequency for reviewing and updating information.

Monitor and strive for continuous improvement

Once your PIM system is implemented, it's important to do monitoring your performance to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure that your investment paid off.

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