List of Top Product Information Management (PIM) Software 2023

What is Product Information Management (PIM) Software?

Product Information Management Software (PIM) helps companies centralize and harmonize all their catalogs and products’ technical and marketing information. Businesses use PIM software to create a single comprehensive source for product information that they can manage and share as needed.

A PIM collects and stores all product-related data, including geographic location and multi-lingual data, in a single catalog used to feed product data to channel partners. For companies with many products, or products with a large number of editions or product permutations, a PIM can be an invaluable way of ensuring that the current and correct information about products is constantly being utilized across the organization. A PIM ensures that all parts of a business have a clear picture of each product.

Product information systems are related to Content Management (CMS) and Master Data Management (MDM) but distinct from both. PIM focuses on detailed product information, while Content Management and Master Data Management have a broader scope.

Product Information Management Software Features & Capabilities

PIM software options specialize in different areas, giving them unique features, but some elements are endemic to the category.

  • Collect product information from various files and store them in one source
  • Data publishing and sharing
  • Searchable product data
  • Creating and managing categories
  • Custom user controls
  • Digital asset management and delivery
  • Ease of data importation
  • The ability to view data by channel
  • Bulk editing capabilities
  • Channel readiness
  • Content analytics
  • Managing governance on a global scale

Product Information Management (PIM) Comparison

When comparing Product Information Management (PIM) software, businesses should consider the following factors:

Standard vs. Customizable Exports: Standard exports are connections with distribution channels that help map your product data according to their specifications. If a business uses unique naming conventions and fields, they may want to seek out a PIM system that can customize these exports. Customizable exports offer more flexibility and control, and they allow a PIM system to adapt to the data naming and formatting while successfully exporting product data to different channels. However, if a business doesn’t need this level of control, it should stick with the standard option.

Customer Support Availability: PIM vendors offer different levels of support, and depending on the business, this level of support can be crucial. Customer support levels can range from DIY solutions like a chatbot with automated instructions, to responsive live customer support. If a business is new to PIM software, they should pursue a vendor with various customer support features for setup and maintenance.

Product Information Complexity: The number of products a business has will not affect a PIM system’s performance, but the complexity of the product data around them might. If a business’s products need lots of information and structure, they should pursue a PIM that includes the tools and services for their product team to best manage these needs.

Start a Product Information Management (PIM) comparison here

Pricing Information

Pricing for PIM software heavily depends on what features the organization needs, as well as how large the organization is. Some PIM software provides a free version for smaller businesses with few products or free trials. Beyond free versions, most vendors offer multiple pricing packages with annual subscription fees. Vendors quote subscription fees individually for each business.

More Resources

More resources are available on the TrustRadius Buyer and Vendor Blogs: