Pimcore vs Akeneo: A clear guide to choosing the right PIM for your business
Trying to decide which product information management system is right for your business? Many companies are weighing two top PIM options: Pimcore and Akeneo. Both are open-source platforms with free versions, but they serve different types of businesses. Depending on your needs, one may be a better fit than the other.
Looking for a side-by-side evaluation? This article helps companies explore the differences between Akeneo and Pimcore software, specifying which organizations would benefit most from each solution.
We outline significant features, functions, or characteristics of both PIM systems, emphasizing those that matter the most for the decision-making process.
1. Core focus: What is each system designed for?
Akeneo: Mastering product information management
Akeneo is a trusted and efficient tool if your primary goal is to manage product data. It excels at:
- Organizing, classifying, and enriching product information,
- Ensuring data quality through validation processes,
- Distributing data across various channels.
But that's not the only point to bring up.
Akeneo, while strong in core PIM tasks, may not cover all functions a business might need, such as content management, or digital asset management. For any extended features beyond PIM, you should be prepared to integrate other tools, relying on third-party software to extend its capabilities.
Pimcore: A comprehensive, customizable platform
For businesses with more complex requirements, Pimcore provides a broader solution. It's highly flexible and open source, allowing for deep customization.
Besides product data management, it also includes:
- Digital Asset Management (DAM),
- Master Data Management (MDM),
- Customer Data Platform (CDP),
- Content Management System (CMS) / Digital Experience Platform (DXP),
- eCommerce framework support (Pimcore has eCommerce-ready features built in, meaning you can create a complete online store directly within the Pimcore system, without the need for external integrations. Akeneo, by comparison, is more single-role focused, functioning mainly as a PIM and supporting third-party eCommerce platforms rather than being an all-in-one system).
Moreover, Pimcore offers workflow management, making it easier and quicker to launch or deploy a product.
As your company grows, you may find all these modules valuable – that’s why it is very important to consider your long-term goals.
Pimcore’s flexibility makes it perfect for companies with unique requirements, but with that flexibility comes complexity. Implementing Pimcore takes more time and resources, and you may need technical expertise to configure it according to your business needs.
2. Implementation speed and costs: What to expect?
Akeneo: Quick and easy setup
If your business needs a PIM solution that’s quick to implement without a large upfront cost, Akeneo PIM is a great pick. The free Community Edition is simple to get started with and doesn't need complex configurations.
Businesses requiring more functionality can opt for the paid options, which can also be implemented more easily and faster than many other platforms.
It’s worth noting that while the Community Edition of Akeneo is free, it has significant limitations that can't be overlooked. Many businesses will need to upgrade to the paid plans to unlock advanced features like workflow management, enhanced data quality controls, and larger user capacity.
So, you may save on initial implementation, but you’ll face licensing costs down the road.
Take the first step today! Schedule your free consultation, and together we’ll uncover the best way to put PIM software in place that aligns perfectly with your needs.
Pimcore: Investment in time and resources
As noted above, Pimcore's complexity may require a larger initial investment. The platform offers a broad range of features, which means PIM implementation might take longer.
But once it's set up, Pimcore PIM is scalable and capable of supporting businesses as they grow, including those that require advanced data processing capabilities and personalization features.
3. Infrastructure and security: On-premise vs cloud hosting
Pimcore: Full control with on-premise option
If you’re concerned about data security or want to avoid relying on third-party cloud services, Pimcore gives you the option to install the system on-premise.
This means your data stays on your own servers, giving you complete oversight of your infrastructure and security protocols. Pimcore’s flexibility in this area is a huge advantage.
Akeneo: Convenience of the cloud
On the flip side, if you don’t want to deal with the complexities of server management, Akeneo’s cloud-based option is a huge benefit. With Akeneo PIM, your software and data are hosted on external servers.
Akeneo’s cloud solution reduces the burden on your internal IT team and can help lower infrastructure costs. It also offers easy updates and maintenance, which are managed by the provider.
4. Free vs paid versions: What are you getting?
Pimcore: Extensive features, even for free
One of Pimcore’s strongest selling points is the sheer amount of functionality you get, even with the free, open-source version.
Pimcore Community is an all-in-one platform that offers not only PIM but also DAM, CMS, and e-commerce functionalities. This means you can manage your product data, media files, and even your website in one place.
Plus, it supports multiple data models, making it a powerful option if you have complex product structures.
For companies in need of a robust PIM system without the burden of high licensing costs, Pimcore’s free version could be a more cost-effective choice in the long run. Even if you have to invest more at the start during implementation.
If you require additional features, support, or consulting, you have the option to choose from their commercial licenses (Professional, Enterprise and Unlimited) or PaaS (Platform as a Service).
For more details on the Pimcore pricing, click here.
Akeneo: Steep cost for full functionality
The free version of PIM Akeneo, called Community Edition, has limited features. Still, if your business has straightforward product data needs with a small number of users and channels, it might be sufficient!
For more features, like better data quality control and workflow management, you’ll need to switch to the Growth Package at a starting price of €45,000 per year, or opt for the Advanced Package and Premium Package.
Click here for full information on Akeneo's pricing options.
They seem like a must-have for comfortable usage, and most companies will likely need the paid versions to get the most out of the platform.
Does your business need this upgrade, or will the free Community Edition work just fine? We're here to help you find out.
Which PIM is right for you? Quick overview
We recommend Pimcore for businesses that:
- Need extensive features that go beyond just product information management (e.g. DAM, CMS/DXP, e-commerce).
- Manage complex product data and require extensive customization.
- Prioritize having extensive control over their infrastructure, data flows and security.
- Want a powerful free PIM software without major limitations.
We recommend Akeneo for businesses that:
- Are primarily focused on product data management without the need for additional features.
- Want something that’s fast to implement with minimal setup.
- Prefer a cloud-based solution that reduces infrastructure management.
- Are looking for an affordable way to start managing product information.
Simplify product information management with a system built for your business
Both Pimcore and Akeneo offer strong PIM solutions, but they work best for different kinds of businesses. We hope this PIM system comparison helps guide your decision.
Need expert advice? At Tandemite, we specialize in implementing Pimcore and Akeneo. We guide you, step-by-step, to the exact PIM system that transforms your business.
You don’t need to wonder which PIM tool aligns best with your business goals and operational requirements. Let us evaluate your specific goals and provide you with the perfect solution that drives growth, efficiency, and profits.
Want to dive deeper into Akeneo? Discover additional resources and articles to help you learn all about it.
- Who uses Akeneo? A closer look at companies that depend on Akeneo every day
- Why companies like yours need a PIM system like Akeneo?
- Akeneo or a combination of existing systems & tools? Here’s why PIM is the smarter choice
Want to dive deeper into Pimcore? Discover additional resources and articles to help you learn all about it.
