Why Smart Manufacturers Are Quietly Switching to PIM Systems

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6 reasons why your manufacturing business NEEDS a PIM system in 2024 (...this will transform your business):

Most manufacturers are still sending product data sheets manually to distributors...

Using spreadsheets, PDFs, and emails.

But there's a better way.

Here's why Product Information Management (PIM) systems are becoming ESSENTIAL for manufacturers:

1️⃣ Single Source of Truth — Centralize all product data in one hub

Think of a PIM as your digital command center. Instead of juggling multiple spreadsheets across departments, everything lives in one place:

• Product specifications

• Marketing descriptions

• Technical documentation

• Digital assets (photos, videos, manuals)

• Pricing information

Real-world example: One of our manufacturing clients previously managed 50,000+ SKUs across 23 different spreadsheets. After implementing a PIM system, they now update everything in one place, eliminating version control issues and reducing errors by 94%.

2️⃣ Automated Syndication — Push product data automatically to distributors

Modern PIM systems can automatically format and send your product data to different channels:

• Convert data to XML for major distributors

• Generate CSV files for marketplace uploads

• Enable API connections for real-time updates

• Support EDI for traditional systems

We recently helped a plumbing manufacturer automate their data distribution to 12 major distributors, cutting their product update time from 2 weeks to just 4 hours.

3️⃣ Channel-Specific Customization — Tailor product information for different channels

Different channels need different information:

• Distributors: Focus on technical specs, shipping weights, packaging dimensions

• B2C website: Emphasize benefits, features, lifestyle images

• Dealer portal: Highlight wholesale pricing, bulk ordering options

• Marketplaces: Optimize for search algorithms

Example: A industrial parts manufacturer uses their PIM to automatically generate:

• Technical data sheets for distributors

• SEO-optimized descriptions for their website

• Simplified spec sheets for sales teams

4️⃣ Data Validation & Compliance — Ensure all product listings meet requirements

Modern PIMs include built-in validation tools:

• Mandatory field checking

• Image size and format verification

• Unit conversion (metric/imperial)

• Industry-specific compliance rules

Case study: An automotive parts manufacturer reduced listing rejections by 87% after implementing automated validation checks through their PIM.

5️⃣ Faster Time to Market — Launch products quickly across all channels

With a PIM system:

• New product launches take hours instead of weeks

• Updates propagate instantly across all channels

• Seasonal changes can be scheduled in advance

• Price updates deploy automatically

6️⃣ Improved Collaboration — Streamline data sharing between departments

Modern PIMs enable:

• Role-based access control

• Department-specific workflows

• Change tracking and version history

• Automated notifications

• Cross-department data sharing

The manufacturing industry is changing fast.

In the next few years, organized product data will be mandatory.

Not optional.

Get ahead of the curve now.

Whenever you're ready, here's how we can help you:

Harris Web Works is a digital transformation agency that helps supply chain partners (manufacturers, wholesalers & distributors) meet new generational buyer demands & expectations by installing streamlined e-commerce systems.

To learn more about how we can help you future-proof your business, click here.