Managing product data effectively has become crucially important for builders’ merchants, especially in a market where accuracy, speed, and customer experience are paramount. As we look beyond 2024, the right Product Information Management (PIM) system will make all the difference in enabling smooth supplies of material to constructors. Our article explores the top five PIM solutions whose features are particularly suitable for builders’ merchants – we’ll focus on their key features, customisation options, and unique benefits.
PIM features for builders’ merchants
Builders’ merchants handle a vast array of products, each with complex attributes such as dimensions, materials, and compliance information. A PIM system designed for this sector must be able to manage these complexities efficiently while ensuring data consistency across all channels. Key features of a PIM for builders’ merchants include:
- Centralised product data management: A PIM consolidates all product data into a single repository, making it easier to manage and distribute accurate information across various channels.
- Integration with supplier data: Seamless integration with supplier data ensures that product listings are always up-to-date, reducing errors and reducing time-to-customer.
- Customisable workflows: Builders’ merchants can use PIM systems to tailor workflows that match their specific business processes, including automating the conversion of units (e.g., metric to imperial) and standardising product naming conventions.
- Digital Asset Management (DAM): Efficiently managing and storing images, safety data sheets, and technical specifications is crucial for builders’ merchants. A PIM system with DAM capabilities ensures all digital assets are consistent and easily accessible.
- Bulk import and export: Handling large volumes of product data efficiently is essential. PIM systems offer robust bulk import and export capabilities, streamlining data management and minimising the need for manual processing.
Builders’ merchants: Gains from using a PIM solution
Implementing a PIM system brings significant benefits to builders’ merchants, from improving operational efficiency to enhancing the overall customer experience. Key gains include:
- Improved data accuracy: A PIM system ensures that all product data is accurate and consistent across all channels, reducing the risk of errors and discrepancies.
- Faster Time-to-Market: By automating data workflows and integrating with supplier systems, PIM solutions enable builders’ merchants to bring products to market faster, maintaining a competitive edge.
- Enhanced compliance: Builders’ merchants have to adhere strictly to various industry regulations. PIM systems help manage and standardise compliance and materials sustainability data, ensuring that all products meet the required standards.
- Better Customer Experience (CX): Accurate and detailed product information helps time-poor customers make informed (and rapid) purchasing decisions, leading to increased satisfaction, likelihood of repeat purchases, and enduring customer relationships for high-volume purchases.
- Streamlined internal processes: By automating repetitive tasks and enabling real-time collaboration, PIM systems free up staff to focus on more strategic activities, improving overall productivity.
The best five PIMs for builders’ merchants in 2024
1. Sales Layer
- Features: Sales Layer is a cloud-based PIM solution designed to centralise product data management. It supports automatic data synchronisation, multi-language and multi-currency features, and seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms.
- Customisation options: Sales Layer offers custom data models and workflows, allowing builders’ merchants to tailor the system to their specific needs. Real-time collaboration tools also enhance teamwork across departments and with external partners.
- Why It’s one of the best: Sales Layer’s flexibility and scalability make it an excellent choice for builders’ merchants looking to streamline their data management as they grow, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across all sales channels.
2. Akeneo
- Features: Akeneo offers a centralised platform for managing product information, complete with robust data enrichment tools, multi-channel publishing capabilities, and seamless ERP integration. It’s designed to handle complex product data efficiently.
- Customisation options: Akeneo’s flexibility allows builders’ merchants to create custom workflows, set specific data quality rules, and automate data enrichment processes, ensuring that all product information meets the required standards.
- Why It’s one of the best: Akeneo is ideal for builders’ merchants managing large, diverse product portfolios. Its powerful tools and integration capabilities ensure that builders’ merchants product data is always accurate and ready for distribution across multiple channels.
3. Pimcore
- Features: Pimcore is an open-source PIM system that combines product data management with digital asset management. It offers real-time data synchronisation, advanced data modelling, and integration capabilities with other business systems.
- Customisation options: Pimcore’s open-source nature allows for extensive customisation. Builders’ merchants can tailor the system to handle specific product attributes, automate workflows, and integrate seamlessly with their existing IT infrastructure.
- Why It’s one of the best: Pimcore’s versatility and ability to manage both product information and digital assets make it a strong choice for builders’ merchants seeking a comprehensive, customisable solution.
4. Salsify
- Features: Salsify is a cloud-native PIM that focuses on managing the entire product experience across digital channels. It offers tools for content syndication, workflow automation, and digital shelf analytics, making it easier to manage and optimise complex product data.
- Customisation options: Salsify’s platform allows builders’ merchants to customise workflows, integrate with eCommerce platforms, and leverage digital shelf analytics to monitor product performance and optimise content across all channels.
- Why It’s one of the best: Salsify is ideal for builders’ merchants who need to manage high volumes product information across multiple digital touchpoints, ensuring consistency and enhancing the customer experience.
5. Plytix
- Features: Plytix is a user-friendly PIM designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers dynamic product data management, multi-channel publishing, and integration capabilities with major e-commerce platforms.
- Customisation options: Plytix provides flexible workflows, easy-to-use interfaces, and the ability to customise data models and product attributes, making it accessible and adaptable for builders’ merchants of all sizes.
- Why It’s one of the best: Plytix is a cost-effective solution for builders’ merchants looking for a straightforward PIM system that still offers powerful features and scalability as their business grows.
Final thoughts
Selecting the right PIM solution is key for builders’ merchants aiming to enhance their product data management and overall operational efficiency. The five PIM systems highlighted here offer a range of features and customisation options, making them suitable for businesses of various sizes with a complex range of SKU with multiple variants.
If you’re a builders’ merchant wanting to implement a PIM solution, or you’re upgrading your existing system, Start with Data is your trusted partner. With extensive experience in helping retailers, distributors, brands, and manufacturers, we guide you in selecting the most suitable PIM software, ensuring seamless integration with your existing systems, and maintaining clean, accurate product data. Our tailored solutions unify your processes, product content, and teams, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving growth. Get in touch with us today and we can talk in depth about how we can support your business’s success through effective product information management.