# Best Product Information Management (PIM) Systems - Page 11 *By [Subhransu Sahu](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/subhransu-sahu)* Product information management (PIM) systems centralize and manage an e-commerce business’ product information to ensure a single, accurate view of product data. PIM tools facilitate the maintenance of consistent and quality product data and information. This type of software is used by product managers and data teams to collect data from multiple data sources and to identify and fix problematic data. Marketing teams use PIM system to push product data out to all desired distribution channels. Product experience management (PXM) is an advanced version of PIM that focuses on improving the buyer experience by using product data and digital assets. While PXM usually includes features for [digital asset management](https://www.g2.com/categories/digital-asset-management) (DAM), PIM solutions integrate with DAM tools to enhance product data. PIM software also integrates with [e-commerce platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-commerce-platforms) to make product data available on online stores and with [ERP systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems) or [product data management (PDM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm) to capture product technical specifications. To qualify for inclusion in the Product Information Management (PIM) category, a product must: - Collect and unify product information from various, separate files into one source - Identify and fix problematic or inconsistent product data and metadata - Provide search and filtering functions that can be used internally or online by buyers - Organize product data based on their characteristics, attributes, and similarities - Push product information out to e-commerce, retail, social media, and marketplaces - Analyze product data, its quality, and usage across multiple channels ## Top Product Information Management (PIM) Systems at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (428 reviews) | Omnichannel product data syndication with Shopify-native enrichment | "[Reliable, flexible PIM that keeps complex product data under control](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/plytix-cloud-pim-dam-review-12606072)" | | 2 | [Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/pimberly-saas-pim-dam/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (218 reviews) | Omnichannel product data enrichment with unified PIM-DAM | "[Intuitive Pimberly PIM That Streamlines Product Data and Multi-Channel Publishing](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pimberly-saas-pim-dam-review-13077845)" | | 3 | [Akeneo PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/akeneo-pim/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (201 reviews) | Multi-channel product data enrichment and syndication | "[User-Friendly PIM with Efficient Bulk Features](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/akeneo-pim-review-12630421)" | | 4 | [1WorldSync](https://www.g2.com/products/1worldsync/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (148 reviews) | Multi-retailer product data syndication via GDSN | "[Cuts Email Back-and-Forth and Speeds Up Item Setup](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/1worldsync-review-12700893)" | | 5 | [Sales Layer PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/sales-layer-pim-2025-04-09/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (303 reviews) | Omnichannel product data syndication with centralized enrichment | "[Sales Layer replacing Excel nightmare](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sales-layer-pim-review-6984659)" | | 6 | [Syndigo](https://www.g2.com/products/syndigo-syndigo/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (191 reviews) | Retail content syndication with GDSN compliance | "[Easy-to-Use Portal with an Excellent Product Catalog and Responsive Support](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/syndigo-review-12874556)" | | 7 | [Ergonode PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/ergonode-pim/reviews) | 4.9/5.0 (85 reviews) | Multichannel product data enrichment with workflow governance | "[Effortless Digital Asset Management Built for Creative Teams](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ergonode-pim-review-12565696)" | | 8 | [Catsy DAM & PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/catsy-dam-pim/reviews) | 4.8/5.0 (125 reviews) | Centralized product data and digital asset syndication | "[Over 15 Years and Counting!](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/catsy-dam-pim-review-1326935)" | | 9 | [Inriver](https://www.g2.com/products/inriver/reviews) | 4.2/5.0 (152 reviews) | Elastic data model for omnichannel product enrichment | "[Flexible Data Model, Enrichment 70% Faster](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/inriver-review-8306056)" | | 10 | [Canto](https://www.g2.com/products/canto/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (1,745 reviews) | Centralized DAM and PIM with portal distribution | "[A Cost-Effective Solution for Multiple Business Needs](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/canto-review-11175050)" | --- ## What Are the Most Common Questions About Product Information Management (PIM) Systems? *AI-generated · Last updated: May 26, 2026* ### What best PIM software for eCommerce site? Based on G2 reviews, buyers evaluating Product Information Management (PIM) Systems for eCommerce site workflows most often mention centralized product data, faster updates across storefronts, and smoother syndication to channels like Shopify, websites, and marketplaces. According to verified users, [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) stands out in this review set because users repeatedly describe it as easy to use for bulk edits, catalog organization, feeds, and syncing product content to commerce channels. G2 reviewers mention that other reviewed products also help with catalog control, automation, and channel publishing, but the strongest eCommerce-specific review volume in recent data centers on Plytix. For teams prioritizing a single source of truth and easier multichannel updates, those are the themes that appear most consistently. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) – frequently praised for Shopify syncing, bulk edits, feeds, and centralized product data for ecommerce teams - [Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/pimberly-saas-pim-dam/reviews) – reviewers highlight automation, Shopify connectors, and multichannel product distribution - [Sales Layer PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/sales-layer-pim-2025-04-09/reviews) – users mention website synchronization, multichannel publishing, and keeping catalog content consistent ### What most efficient PIM system for product database management? Based on G2 reviews, efficiency in product database management is usually tied to how well a system centralizes information, reduces spreadsheet work, and supports bulk updates or automation. According to verified users, reviewed platforms help teams create a single source of truth for product records, assets, and attributes while improving consistency across departments. G2 reviewers mention that Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM is often used to organize catalogs, manage many SKUs, and push updates to connected channels, while Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM is frequently described as strong for automation, workflows, and structured product control. Across the category, the most efficient options in recent reviews are the ones repeatedly associated with centralization, faster updates, and less manual effort. ### What recommended PIM platforms for medium-sized company? Based on G2 reviews, medium-sized companies often value PIM platforms that are easy to adopt, flexible enough for growing catalogs, and strong at keeping teams aligned around one source of product information. According to verified users, recent reviews consistently highlight benefits such as easier collaboration, cleaner product data, and faster distribution to websites, marketplaces, and internal teams. G2 reviewers mention that Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM is frequently used to centralize product data and assets with approachable day-to-day usability, while Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM is often associated with automation, workflows, and handling broad product catalogs. Sales Layer PIM also appears in reviews focused on multichannel updates and catalog consistency, which are common needs for mid-sized organizations. ### What popular Product Information Management software options? Based on G2 reviews, popular Product Information Management software options in this category are the products that appear repeatedly across recent feedback for centralizing product content, improving consistency, and reducing manual work. According to verified users, Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM is frequently discussed for ease of use, bulk editing, feeds, and Shopify-related workflows. G2 reviewers mention Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM for automation, workflow management, and handling product data across channels, while Sales Layer PIM is commonly tied to website synchronization and keeping product content organized. Other reviewed options, including Akeneo PIM, inriver, Catsy DAM & PIM, and Syndigo, are also mentioned for centralized data management, syndication, or asset handling depending on the team’s specific requirements. ### What best PIM tools for app development teams? Based on G2 reviews, app development teams looking at Product Information Management (PIM) Systems may prioritize API access, flexible data structures, and integration with other systems rather than only merchandising features. According to verified users, reviewed products that stand out for those needs are usually the ones described as integration-friendly or adaptable. G2 reviewers mention that [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) is often praised for straightforward API access and flexible architecture, while Akeneo PIM and Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM are also noted for API connectivity, customization, and support for broader system integrations. For development-oriented teams, the strongest signals in recent reviews focus on central data governance, easier downstream publishing, and less manual synchronization across platforms. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) – reviewers cite straightforward API access, flexible architecture, and easier syncing to connected systems - [Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/pimberly-saas-pim-dam/reviews) – users highlight API access, automation, and integrations with ecommerce and internal platforms - [Akeneo PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/akeneo-pim/reviews) – often mentioned for API connectivity, customization, and multi-system product data management ### What leading PIM solutions for managing product data? Based on G2 reviews, leading PIM solutions for managing product data are the ones users repeatedly associate with centralization, accuracy, and easier multichannel updates. According to verified users, the strongest recent patterns point to platforms that replace spreadsheets and disconnected files with a single source of truth for attributes, images, descriptions, and related assets. G2 reviewers mention Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM for bulk edits, flexible catalog structures, and day-to-day usability, while Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM is commonly tied to workflow automation and handling complex data processes. Sales Layer PIM, Akeneo PIM, and inriver also appear in reviews focused on structured governance, integrations, and faster product publishing across websites, marketplaces, and partner channels. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) – reviewers emphasize centralized product records, bulk updates, and practical multichannel distribution - [Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/pimberly-saas-pim-dam/reviews) – users describe strong automation, workflows, and consistent product data management - [Sales Layer PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/sales-layer-pim-2025-04-09/reviews) – frequently used for keeping product information organized and synced across channels ### What PIM software with best customer reviews? Based on G2 reviews, the PIM software with the best customer reviews in this recent dataset is driven by recurring themes such as ease of use, centralized product data, helpful support, and faster content distribution. According to verified users, [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) appears most often in recent category feedback and is repeatedly praised for usability, bulk editing, integrations, and keeping teams aligned around a single source of truth. G2 reviewers mention strong support experiences and time savings across many reviews, especially for ecommerce and catalog management use cases. Other products in the category also receive positive feedback, but the strongest volume of recent review signals in this export points to Plytix as the most consistently reviewed option. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) – users frequently mention ease of use, centralized product information, and responsive support - [Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/pimberly-saas-pim-dam/reviews) – reviewers highlight automation, intuitive workflows, and strong support during setup and daily use - [Sales Layer PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/sales-layer-pim-2025-04-09/reviews) – commonly praised for intuitive product management, synchronization, and multichannel consistency ### What what's the best PIM tool for service industry? Based on G2 reviews, there is limited direct evidence in this dataset around service industry-specific PIM use cases compared with retail, ecommerce, manufacturing, and product catalog workflows. According to verified users, most recent feedback focuses on centralizing product information, managing assets, syndicating content, and improving data consistency across sales channels. G2 reviewers mention that platforms like Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM, Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM, and Akeneo PIM support structured information management and integrations, which may also help service-oriented organizations that still manage detailed offerings, documentation, or multi-channel content. However, the review set is more strongly grounded in product-driven use cases than in service industry examples, so buyers should validate fit against their workflow requirements. ### What best PIM software for small retail business? Based on G2 reviews, small retail businesses tend to benefit most from Product Information Management (PIM) Systems that are easy to learn, reduce spreadsheet work, and simplify updates across storefronts and sales channels. According to verified users, [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) is the most visible option in recent reviews for approachable day-to-day management, centralized catalogs, bulk editing, and integrations with ecommerce platforms. G2 reviewers mention that it helps smaller teams keep product data and assets in one place, improve consistency, and move faster without as much manual effort. Other reviewed products may also fit retail needs, but the most frequent small-team-friendly signals in this dataset point to Plytix for usability, organization, and multichannel product updates. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) – reviewers often describe it as easy to use for centralized catalogs, bulk edits, and retail channel updates - [Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/pimberly-saas-pim-dam/reviews) – users mention intuitive workflows and automation that help reduce manual retail catalog work - [Sales Layer PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/sales-layer-pim-2025-04-09/reviews) – reviewers highlight simple updates, product organization, and syncing content to websites and channels ### What top rated Product Information Management apps? Based on G2 reviews, top rated Product Information Management apps in this recent category data are the ones most often connected to centralized product records, better data quality, and faster publishing across channels. According to verified users, recent feedback most consistently highlights Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM, Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM, and Sales Layer PIM for usability, workflow improvements, and multichannel product updates. G2 reviewers mention that these tools help teams keep attributes, assets, and descriptions aligned while reducing manual maintenance. Akeneo PIM and inriver also appear in reviews focused on customization, integrations, and governance. For buyers comparing options, the clearest review patterns center on ease of managing product information and maintaining one reliable source of truth. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/pimberly-saas-pim-dam/reviews) – reviewers point to automation, easy product updates, and centralized control over product and asset data - [Sales Layer PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/sales-layer-pim-2025-04-09/reviews) – users often mention intuitive product management and smoother synchronization across channels - [Akeneo PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/akeneo-pim/reviews) – reviewers describe flexible product data management, bulk updates, and support for complex catalogs ## G2 Grid® for Product Information Management (PIM) Systems ![G2 Grid® for Product Information Management (PIM) Systems plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-information-management-pim/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=16794&focus%5B%5D=36391&focus%5B%5D=8343&focus%5B%5D=114093&focus%5B%5D=51177&focus%5B%5D=122981&focus%5B%5D=18988&focus%5B%5D=19873) Highlighted products: Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM, Pimberly SaaS PIM & DAM, Akeneo PIM, 1WorldSync, Sales Layer PIM, Ergonode PIM, Syndigo, and Catsy DAM & PIM. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-information-management-pim/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=plytix-cloud-pim-dam&focus%5B%5D=pimberly-saas-pim-dam&focus%5B%5D=akeneo-pim&focus%5B%5D=1worldsync&focus%5B%5D=sales-layer-pim-2025-04-09&focus%5B%5D=ergonode-pim&focus%5B%5D=syndigo-syndigo&focus%5B%5D=catsy-dam-pim) ## How Many Product Information Management (PIM) Systems Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 203 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.53/5 (↑0.02 vs Jun 2026) The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: Crystallize (+28.56%) - Among all products in this category, Crystallize recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 09, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Product Information Management (PIM) Systems Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 6,500+ Authentic Reviews - 203+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Product Information Management (PIM) Systems Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [BetterCommerce](https://www.g2.com/products/bettercommerce/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Ergonode PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/ergonode-pim/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Catsy DAM & PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/catsy-dam-pim/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Plytix Cloud PIM & DAM](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### SimpleRisk SimpleRisk is an Integrated Risk Management (IRM) and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform built for organizations that need enterprise-class capabilities without enterprise-class price tags or implementation timelines. 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[Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=412&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-09T17%3A47%3A41Z&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1447&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=retargeted_product&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1218481&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=1218481&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=412&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fproduct-information-management-pim&secure%5Btoken%5D=1a2aa731e202dada5a22e74f8c2945d39831248d9dfe8f9b92e975311d386d10&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.simplerisk.com%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=company_website) --- ## What Is Product Information Management (PIM) Systems? [E-Commerce Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-commerce) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Product Information Management (PIM) Systems? - [E-Commerce Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-commerce-platforms) - [Web Content Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/web-content-management) - [Catalog Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/catalog-management) - [Order Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/order-management) - [Digital Asset Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/digital-asset-management) - [Multichannel Retail Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/multichannel-retail) - [Master Data Management (MDM) Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/master-data-management-mdm) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Product Information Management (PIM) Systems? ### What You Should Know About Product Information Management Systems ### What are Product Information Management Systems? The importance of PIM software may not be so evident since other solutions can be used to manage products (such as [enterprise resource planning (ERP](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems)), [product lifecycle management (PLM)](https://www.g2.com/categories/plm), or [inventory management](https://www.g2.com/categories/inventory-management) solutions). Therefore, buyers must understand when they need PIM systems and why. The main reasons why a company should use PIM systems are: - The number of products or combinations of items is so high that it cannot be managed efficiently using other systems (such as an ERP) - The business model of the company focuses on regularly launching new products or iterations of existing products - The company distributes products from many providers in different markets - The industry of the company experiences significant fluctuations in demand based on seasonality Buyers also need to understand where PIM fits into their software ecosystem and how it may overlap with other solutions. In a nutshell, product data is initially created using PLM or other design solutions. The data is then transferred to ERP to create bills of materials for production and determine each product's cost and price. When product information is imported into PIM solutions, most product details are already defined and will only change when the company decides to adapt its offering to changes in demand. From a business perspective, it is essential to understand the role PIM plays in the lifecycle of a product and its stages: design, production, sales, after sales, and end of life. While this type of software can provide companies with valuable information at any stage of a product lifecycle, it is most beneficial after the product launch and during the sales and after-sales stages. Finally, PIM systems should not be confused with: - Product data management, which is usually part of PLM solutions and helps designers and engineers manage product metadata - Inventory management, which is never part of PIM; buyers need separate solutions to manage their stock - [Master data management (MDM)](https://www.g2.com/categories/master-data-management-mdm), which can be used to manage product information, but this type of software is not specifically designed for this need and does not offer all the features included in a typical PIM solution ### Why Use PIM Systems? Companies that sell a large number of products benefit most from using PIM software. PIM can also be handy for companies that sell many variations of the same products, such as multiple colors and sizes for the [apparel](https://www.g2.com/categories/apparel) industry When companies need to manage hundreds or thousands of products, it is vital for them to have a central repository that contains all product details such as name, description, price, and physical characteristics such as volume, weight, or color. ### Who Uses PIM Systems? Product managers use PIM to define and track products and categories of products. PIM also helps with managing the relationships between products. For instance, some products may be sold together as kits, while similar items may replace other products. A company’s marketing department can use PIM systems to create printed or online catalogs. Marketing departments also need product information and images to create promotional campaigns or brochures. E-commerce managers need PIM to ensure they make the right products, with the correct characteristics, available online. PIM also helps companies update their e-commerce stores with any changes they make to their products. Manufacturing companies use PIM to sell their products on multiple channels, such as websites, e-commerce, or online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. Manufacturers may also use PIM to transfer product information to other systems such as ERP or PLM. ### What is the best PIM software for small retail businesses? Depending on your or the company's specific needs, G2 offers a variety of options for Product Information Management (PIM) platforms for [small retail businesses](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-information-management-pim/small-business). Here are a few top options: - [Plytix](https://www.g2.com/products/plytix-cloud-pim-dam/reviews): Known by G2 users for its affordability and user-friendly interface ideal for SMBs and medium businesses. - [Pimcore](https://www.g2.com/products/pimcore/reviews): Free, open-source PIM software that offers scalability and flexibility across small to large inventories. - [PIMworks](https://www.g2.com/products/pimworks/reviews): Great for multichannel optimization and integrations, helping you streamline product information across a variety of sales channels. These mobile marketing tools have one of the best capabilities for retail businesses. ### What PIM software has the best customer reviews? Based on G2 user reviews, these are some of the best customer-reviewed PIM software: - [Quable PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/quable-pim/reviews): With 100+ reviews, Quable PIM is ideal for brands and distributors. This SaaS platform centers around product experiences and offers multichannel distribution. - [Akeneo PIM](https://www.g2.com/products/akeneo-pim/reviews): Highly rated PIM software with 200+ reviews, this app offers built-in task management, open-source flexibility, and customization. - [Salsify PXM](https://www.g2.com/products/salsify-pxm/reviews): Ideal for enterprise-level companies seeking intensive product experience management and deep e-commerce integrations. With 100+ reviews, this software offers tons of features. - [Syndigo](https://www.g2.com/products/syndigo-syndigo/reviews): With 150+ reviews, this enterprise-focused platform offers strong integration with major retailers, advanced analytics, and robust data management. ### Kinds of PIM Systems While most PIM providers offer proprietary software, some vendors choose to build their solutions on an open-source model. Open-source vendors usually provide a community edition that is free to use and can be a good starting point for companies that may not want to invest significantly in this type of software. The drawbacks of community editions of PIM are that buyers need to manage the implementation and maintenance on their own and the solution is sometimes delivered on-premises, which means that it needs to be downloaded and installed on a server managed by the customer. From a functional perspective, some vendors focus on PIM only, while others offer related modules or solutions such as [digital asset management](https://www.g2.com/categories/digital-asset-management). There are also [business intelligence (BI)](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-intelligence-platforms) and data management vendors who adapt their solutions to compete with PIM providers. ### PIM Systems Features The following features are must-haves for an effective PIM: - The ability to consolidate product information from multiple sources, including all types of databases, software such as ERP or e-commerce, and files such as [spreadsheets](https://www.g2.com/categories/spreadsheets) - Customizable workflows and processes that define which users can publish or update product information and users who can approve changes - Filters and search options that allow users to quickly find products using criteria such as the physical characteristics of the product (size, color, or weight), price, name, or description - The ability to make mass updates to product information, which can be beneficial when users need to make changes to large numbers of products. For instance, changing the description for all products in a category should be performed in one operation, instead of having to modify each individual product - The management of different types of content about products such as PDFs, images, or videos #### Additional Product Information Management Features **Kind –** For buyers with more complex needs, the following features may be hugely beneficial when used in conjunction with the features described above: - The ability to allow partners such as dealers and distributors to access the PIM solution and use the product information on their websites or e-commerce stores - Provide syndication of product information to make it easier to publish on platforms such as Amazon or eBay - Data governance and master data management (MDM), which can help large companies better manage large volumes of product information and content ### Trends Related to PIM Systems Some PIM vendors already use [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://www.g2.com/categories/artificial-intelligence) to improve their offerings, and the trend is expected to continue. AI can improve data management for large volumes of product information and help users with complex tasks. Another significant trend in the PIM space is related to the focus on the customer experience rather than the products. As customers and consumers become more demanding, brands must adapt their products to the changing market demand. Since many companies sell similar products at comparable prices, their main differentiation can only be the experience they provide to their customers. Furthermore, buying decisions aren’t always made based on product quality and price. New generations of customers are also interested in the values of a company and how its products reflect those values. ### Potential Issues with PIM Systems PIM software can be complicated and challenging to maintain, especially when the system is installed on-premises, and the buyer is responsible for the IT infrastructure needed to run the solution. Even cloud-hosted PIM software may be challenging when it is delivered as a mix of separate solutions that are not tightly integrated. Integration with other solutions, such as ERP or e-commerce software, is critical for companies using PIM systems. How product information is transferred between PIM systems and other software can significantly impact sales and revenue. The ideal data migration should be completely automated; this is not always the case, which can cause errors. For instance, if pricing information is inaccurate, companies may lose money. ### Software and Services Related to PIM Systems **Software:** PLM software provides the product information that is imported and managed in PIM solutions. ERP defines product details such as pricing, which is transferred to each product managed by PIM software. E-commerce software uses PIM data to populate online product profiles and make the information available to shoppers. Advanced analytics solutions can also be used together with PIM to optimize product data management. **Services:** Since not all companies have the internal expertise to define and manage PIM strategies, some vendors offer business analysis consulting to help with this. Companies use this type of service to create product strategies based on best practices and characteristics specific to different kinds of markets.