The right product information management (PIM) system provides simplicity; however, deciding to invest in PIM remains a complex decision. Where do you start when evaluating PIM options and will the investment deliver a solid return on investment? When starting this evaluation process, you must understand business needs and find the PIM solution that meets those needs. Achieve full value from a PIM solution by first answering these tough questions.
The retail industry is competitive and fast-paced, neither of which make it easy to manage growing product lines or the growing network of online retail outlets. Managing the type and volume of data necessary for a successful eCommerce operation is nearly impossible with spreadsheets or other manual means, even if you have a team of staff dedicated to this operation. A PIM system is necessary, but you aren’t sure where to get started.
Download “5 crucial questions you need to answer before choosing a PIM system” for guidance with charting your own path to eCommerce success.
As suggested in the white paper, companies often take advantage of many different channels, formats, and languages to publish product data. You may have products highlighted on your own website, on Amazon or eBay, in digital and print catalogs, social media sites, and shared on mobile apps. Direct customers or dealers likely have different product specifications and price schedules, requiring additional customization beyond what you’ve already prepared for online marketplaces.
Staying on top of product and pricing data across so many channels is time-consuming and risky. When customers are surrounded by so many other retailers and product options, even the slightest delay in getting accurate information could cost a sale, as well as the long-term value that a customer could bring to your business.
PIM = A Single Source of Truth
A comprehensive PIM solution offers an easier way to manage product and pricing data, no matter where it is used or by whom. Our turnkey solution integrates your enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution with a PIM solution by Perfion and an eCommerce solution by Sana. Seamlessly connected, these three best-in-class applications deliver end-to-end functionality for managing warehouse operations, fulfillment, back-office operations and finances, eCommerce operations, PIM and support for customer service and call centers.
Centralizing your data provides you with a single source of truth. From this point, you can map work processes to streamline common tasks, identify which employees can access and make changes to product or pricing information, and decide which external users can access or change information, such as images, translations or product descriptions. Optimizing these processes will save time and money as you bring new products to market, expand into new regions and deliver the information to customers.
Whether you are just getting started with eCommerce or are frustrated with the tools available for existing operations, you can set your business up for success easier than you think. Forward-looking retailers are replacing inefficient systems and software for more powerful tools. Achieve full value from PIM by choosing a system that aligns with your operational needs today and can scale as your business grows and changes over time.
Come Learn More About PIM at IRCE
Western Computer is looking forward to the Internet Retailer Conference and Exhibition (IRCE) in Chicago from June 6-9, 2017. Stop by Booth #1819 and meet our team of experts who work with retailers and distributors every day. And you definitely won’t want to miss our live robotics demonstration! Let us know if we can provide additional guidance with choosing, deploying and achieving the full value from PIM.
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