What is the difference? PIM vs. ERP Systems

Every business is being told that they need to make a digital transformation, that doing so is the only way to keep up with the competition and customer expectations. The most challenging aspect of a digital transformation, though, is understanding which technology will serve the company best.This is especially true when it comes to ERP and PIM systems, as the two often get jumbled in together. They are, however, unique to one another and, for either to be fully utilized, it is important to understand these differences.

Enterprise resource planning is a software for business that introduces automation to many practices and processes throughout the back office operations, including human resources and IT. The beauty of this software is not simply that it automates tasks, but it also removes silos from a business by integrating everything from sales and marketing to product planning and development. All information is stored in a single database and available on a single platform.

Most ERP platforms are designed as enterprise applications and meant to be used by larger businesses. However, there are small business ERP platforms that are customized for various industries.

What Is a PIM?

Product information management software is a platform that helps businesses to oversee all product information that they use for marketing and sales. This centralized system is the base of information that is fed into any distribution channel, whether it be a print catalogue, a website, or just the ERP system.

PIM platforms help to support businesses that sell products in varied geographic locations, meaning that product information needs to be available in different scientific measurements or different languages.

Rich product information is the center of PIM systems. They hold everything from product descriptions and tools to convert measurements and languages to product videos and images. They contain information that is not only useful to marketing professionals, but also information that can be directly transferred to channels that customers view.

What system is best for your business?

Whether you are using master data management, product information management, or product content management platform, none of these systems were designed to properly seize all the opportunities to win in ecommerce. Salsify co-founder Rob Gonzalez explained how product experience management evolved from other systems and can allow product marketers and ecommerce leaders to create optimized experiences online at the speed of commerce today. Watch his video on the future of PIM.