When does the need for a PIM system arise?
It can differ from webshop to webshop when it becomes crucial for the business to implement a PIM system.
Here are a few examples of scenarios where it would be relevant.
Expansion with another webshop
When you go from 1 webshop to 2 and it is roughly the same products being sold, product data will then reside in 2 systems. It will require extra resources to maintain them in both webshops, and over time, product data will no longer be synchronized and will be deficient.
By introducing a PIM system, product data will be managed in one system going forward, and both webshops will always be updated.
When webshop no. 3 or more is introduced one day, this implementation will be easier and less costly.
Expansion with multiple language layers
When a webshop goes from 1 language layer to 2 or more, it can be a huge task both on the webshop side and in terms of managing texts in several languages.
Many webshops do not handle multiple language layers very well, which is why many choose to create 2 independent webshops instead of two language layers on one.
A PIM system will handle multiple language layers as easily as if there were only one. PIM can help with automatic translations or provide access to a translator who can handle this task. Via export and import, it is also possible to send a file with a language layer to an external translator.
Expansion with multiple currencies
In the same way as with multiple webshops or language layers, PIM will easily handle 2 or more currencies on one or more webshops.
Integration between inventory system and webshop
As a modern webshop grows from being managed by 1 person to being managed by several people, such as product people, warehouse staff, and more, there becomes a need for an inventory system. An inventory system will typically also need a copy of all product data, so PIM can ensure ongoing management of product data between the webshop and the inventory system.
Product data from ERP
Often, master data is created in an ERP such as Business Central or Visma.net, and there will be a need for products to be sent to the webshop, preferably via PIM to be enriched with additional texts, images, and properties.
It will be quite natural for the company to have these data in the ERP, but the webshop will also want them to be automatically displayed there. Since ERPs often cannot handle properties and the like, PIM will be an option to manage these elements.
Business in growth
When the webshop grows, more people are hired, integrations to more systems are created, the product range increases, and more employees must handle texts.
When the business expands, going abroad is an obvious goal. Therefore, more markets, languages, currencies, and cultural differences are introduced, making it necessary for the webshop that started at home in the basement to sell to many countries in the world.
An integration platform like Indexed PIM will therefore be able to support this growth and follow it upwards.