Skip to content

7 Ways to Store Product Information

As eCommerce-savvy buyers, we know exactly what we want when searching for a product—information. Accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive product details are the foundation of modern commerce. Whether your business is B2B, B2C, or D2C, how you store and manage this vast volume of information directly impacts efficiency, consistency, and sales.

Poorly managed product data—whether inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete—can lead to an inconsistent omnichannel experience, missed opportunities, and a damaged brand reputation. Customers won’t return to a business that provides unreliable product details.

To ensure sustainable consistency, efficiency, and flexibility, businesses need the right product information storage method. Here are seven ways to store and manage product data effectively.

Table of Contents

Cloud-Based PIM Solutions

Cloud-native product information management (PIM) systems are a modern, scalable solution for businesses managing large and complex product catalogues. These platforms store product data in a centralised cloud database, accessible from anywhere via the internet.

Key Benefits:

  • Scalability – Easily scale as product lines grow or new markets open.
  • Cost-Efficiency – No need for on-premises infrastructure, reducing IT costs.
  • Real-Time Updates – Automatic updates ensure data consistency and security.
  • Remote Accessibility – Global teams can collaborate in real time.

On-Premises PIM Systems

For businesses needing full control over their data, on-premises PIM systems are installed on internal company servers and managed by in-house IT teams. This setup is preferred by enterprises handling sensitive or regulated product information.

Key Benefits:

  • Data Security – Businesses control their own cybersecurity protocols.
  • Customisation – Fully adaptable to unique business processes.
  • Controlled Updates – IT teams manage updates, reducing operational disruptions.
Caveat: Requires dedicated IT resources for maintenance, making it a higher-cost option.

Headless PIM Solutions

A headless PIM is an API-driven system that separates back-end data management from the front-end experience. This makes it ideal for omnichannel businesses distributing product data to multiple platforms, such as eCommerce sites, marketplaces, and mobile apps.

Key Benefits:

  • Omnichannel-Friendly – Distribute product data seamlessly across multiple sales channels.
  • Customisable – Works well with custom eCommerce architectures.
  • Scalable – Easily integrates with CMS, ERP, and third-party tools.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Systems

Some businesses store product information within their ERP systems, primarily designed for inventory management, operations, and finance. While ERPs can hold basic product data, they lack rich content management, governance, and syndication capabilities.

Key Benefits:

  • Centralised Business Data – Product info sits alongside financials and inventory.
  • Integrated with Supply Chain – Helps with stock management and procurement.
  • Best for Operational Data – Ideal for businesses prioritising inventory tracking over product experience.

Caveat: ERPs are not designed for product content enrichment, digital asset management, or syndication.

Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets)

For small businesses or start-ups, product information is often stored in spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets. While cost-effective, spreadsheets are manual, error-prone, and lack version control.

Key Benefits:

  • Low Cost – No additional software required.
  • Simple to Use – Ideal for small businesses with minimal SKUs.
  • Flexible – Easily edited and shared.
Caveat: Spreadsheets become unmanageable at scale, leading to errors, duplicates, and versioning issues.

E-commerce Platforms (Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce)

E-commerce platforms often include built-in product catalogue management, allowing businesses to store basic product data directly within the platform. However, they lack advanced syndication, governance, and enrichment features.

Key Benefits:

  • Native Storefront Integration – Easy product listing for small sellers.
  • Good for Start-ups – Ideal for businesses focused solely on online selling.
  • Simple to Use – No need for additional software.

Caveat: Not scalable for multi-channel selling or businesses requiring rich product content across multiple platforms.

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems

PLM systems are designed to manage product design, development, and manufacturing data. These systems store technical specifications, compliance documents, and engineering details, making them useful for manufacturers.

Key Benefits:

  • Great for Engineering Teams – Centralises design, compliance, and manufacturing data.
  • Ensures Compliance – Tracks regulatory requirements for complex products.
  • Collaboration-Friendly – Connects R&D, production, and supply chain teams.
Caveat: PLM systems are not designed for sales or marketing product data, making them insufficient for eCommerce syndication.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to storing product information. The best solution depends on your business size, industry, and digital strategy:
  • Cloud-Based PIM – Best for scalability, remote access, and global businesses.
  • On-Premises PIM – Best for high-security industries like pharmaceuticals.
  • Headless PIM – Ideal for omnichannel eCommerce brands.
  • ERP – Good for inventory-focused businesses, but not for content enrichment.
  • Spreadsheets – Quick fix for start-ups but unsustainable at scale.
  • E-commerce Platforms – Work well for small brands but lack multi-channel support.
  • PLM – Best for manufacturers managing product design and compliance.

Need help choosing the right PIM solution? At Start with Data, we specialise in PIM selection, implementation, and data optimisation. Get in touch to future-proof your product data strategy!

Talk to us about PIM

Get a free consultation

Book a call with our PIM experts

Or request a call back >