Akeneo or a combination of existing systems & tools? Here’s why PIM is the smarter choice
Many companies, maybe even yours, use a mix of spreadsheets, ERP systems (which handle financials and operations), and other tools to manage their product information. A lot of companies fall into this trap.
This might seem like a practical solution and you feel like you’re keeping everything under control, but it can actually create more problems than it solves.
How much do you really trust your current systems and tools to manage critical product data? In this article we explain why Akeneo PIM streamlines product information management like no internal system you already use in your organization can.
The problem with using multiple tools
When you rely on incompatible tools to manage product details, it’s easy for things to go wrong. This often brings challenges such as inconsistent data, inefficient processes, and scalability problems. Let me explain why.
Imagine one team updating suggested retail prices in an ERP system, another handling product specs in a spreadsheet, and your marketing department working with images in yet another tool.
Before you know it, you’ve got outdated or mismatched information, and your team spends countless hours trying to track down the correct version of a product description. Trying to sync everything up. That's a lot of room for mistakes!
Also, these multiple separate systems quickly become inadequate as your product catalog grows.
Consider these stats:
A lot of organizations deal with product information coming from more than 5 sources, all of which need to be managed properly. (Source: Ventana Research)
Around 48% of businesses continue to depend heavily on spreadsheets, with 41% using them to a lesser degree for tracking product information. Because of this, 94% of spreadsheet users notice mistakes, both minor and major, in their records. (Source: Ventana Research)
Plus, managing all these systems separately is time-consuming and can be overwhelming for your team. Studies show that businesses using multiple systems to manage product data spend 30-40% more time on redundant tasks like data validation and formatting.
Here’s the real issue:
None of these systems are designed for efficient product information management. Instead, you should invest in a single repository for all your product-related data. By making changes in just one location, you ensure that all your channels and platforms pull accurate data from that source, avoiding mismatches and disorganized information.
What is PIM and why is the only way forward for product data?
A PIM (Product Information Management) system is a tool designed to keep and manage all your product details in one place. With a PIM, you have one reliable source where all your data is stored, updated, and shared across your business.
*Further reading: If you're not sure what data should go into your PIM system, this 5-minute blog article will help clear things up.
From online shops to manufacturing businesses, and from managing just a few products to thousands, PIM software is the key to simplifying and improving your workflow.
Akeneo is one of the leading product information management systems in the market, trusted by global brands like Fossil, Staples and Auchan.
How Akeneo outperforms existing systems in your company?
Switching to a PIM system, such as Akeneo, solves many issues and helps enterprises control their product-related information. Here’s why that matters:
1. Data accuracy
No more scattered spreadsheets or incorrect product details. Akeneo PIM guarantees your product descriptions, specs and images stay accurate and consistent across your website, online marketplaces, and print catalogs.
When customers trust the information they see, they’re more likely to buy. And trust is key in today's shopping world.
2. Time savings
Companies adopting Akeneo notice reduced manual data entry and higher productivity. That’s because your team can concentrate on high-value work instead of managing endless data.
3. Expandability
As your product catalog grows, Akeneo scales with you. Unlike many internal tools, Akeneo is a scalable PIM. According to Forrester, businesses with scalable PIM systems can expand their product lines by 30%, while maintaining efficiency in operations.
Don't let disorganized data slow down your business. Want to see Akeneo PIM in action? Contact us today for a free demo!
Exploring options beyond Akeneo? Pimcore offers powerful PIM features that work in a similar way. For more information on Pimcore, click here, or check out the difference between Akeneo and Pimcore.
The bottom line: Internal systems fall short compared to Akeneo PIM
Is your product info scattered across spreadsheets, ERPs, and other internal tools? While it might seem convenient and practical today, it’s holding you back in the long run.
By switching to a dedicated PIM solution like Akeneo, you save time, reduce errors, and make sure your teams are always working with the right information. It’s a smart investment for optimizing how you manage product information and ensuring smooth, efficient operations.
Want to take control of your product management? Check out Akeneo and see how a PIM can help your business run smoother. The time to act is now – before more product errors affect your sales and customer satisfaction.
If you need professional help with PIM implementation, you can reach out to our team. Tandemite's specialists can provide a detailed cost estimate that meets your specific business needs. Schedule a consultation to discuss how Akeneo can solve your product information challenges.
