IRCE - PIM TAKES CENTER STAGE

Finally getting around to writing a short blurb on the IRCE show that happened last month:

As PIM consultants and self-proclaimed “PIM Guys" with more than 15 years of personal PIM experience each, when we hear that PIM is one of the up-and-coming solutions, we kinda go “huh?”  But, with PIM taking center stage at the most recent Internet Retailer Conference & Exposition (IRCE), it’s apparent that the Small and Medium size business users are suddenly trying to find product management solutions.  And, of course, it’s confusing.

Exhibitor perspective: Going into the show, we had identified more than 60 PIM providers that we track.  We thought we knew it all.  But, we were surprised. We found several more.  And, we found some that may claim they are PIMs, but they may only be data or asset management tools.  We’re not sure if it’s a spin, or if it’s just being generous with the PIM definition.  Overall, we would say that the PIM traffic was strong – those that had just started their journey, those ready to pull the trigger and even some that were second-guessing decisions they’d already made.  The key, of course, since it was the IRCE, was providing data to web sites.  But, multichannel concerns and desires still exist.

PIM Vs. eCommerce, WCMS and DAM: There continues to be some confusion, both from the provider and the buyer side about these applications.  To simplify - PIMs manage products; DAMs manage digital assets that can get associated to products if desired; WCMSs manage web content (not multichannel); and eCommerce systems allow customers to buy off of a site.  Yes, in theory, that’s simple.  However, from a use-case, it can get very complex.

Customer perspective: Did you ever feel like you were on candid camera?  I did a couple of times at the show when talking with prospects about PIM. Is PIM like Google Docs?  Is PIM like Dropbox?  It can sometimes be hard to not laugh, feel sorry, or even get frustrated.  But, we understand the PIM journey, and some start at the “very” beginning.  In fact, we hear that a lot from the PIM providers - “We need to educate the prospects.”  And of course, there’s always the $64K question - “What’s it cost.”  Well, between $5K and $800K. ;-)

Confusion runs rampant in the PIM journey, and that’s why we do what we do.

What are your thoughts about Implementation & Training?
* What do you expect from the vendor or implementation group?
* What are your responsibilities?

We see this as a two-way street.  Yes, you have to depend on the outside source, but you have to commit to the project.

Also, we feel strongly about training the trainer and preparing customized material - designed around your workflows, not the generic manuals provided by the vendor.  Again, a two-way street - their expertise and your context.

http://www.b2xpartners.com/#!Implementation-Training/c21xo/DA772782-5B76-4540-9A4E-6222B446AC82

Don't Miss the Trees for the Forrest(er)

There's a new breed of buyer in the PIM space.  Learn how the Leaders of the Pack may not actually be the right fit for your needs.

http://www.b2xpartners.com/#!Dont-Miss-the-Trees-for-the-Forrester/c21xo/CB87AC29-75B2-458C-9C2C-000D49343128

Data Capture

This is the twelfth of a series of blogs that will last 16 weeks. We will approach how to redefine the preparation of culture, processes and attributes needed to change a Product-to-Market workflow with a focus on PIM solutions and Data Governance.  Last week, we discussed Data Modeling – today, Data Capture.

http://www.b2xpartners.com/#!Data-Capture/c21xo/FE106F2F-CF60-46FC-8116-F7262101CC4A

Data Modeling as part of PIM Prep

This is the eleventh of a series of blogs that will last 16 weeks. We will approach how to redefine the preparation of culture, processes and attributes needed to change a Product-to-Market workflow with a focus on PIM solutions and Data Governance.  Last week, we discussed Optimal Workflow Development – today, Data Modeling

http://www.b2xpartners.com/#!Data-Modeling/c21xo/34528F31-C434-417B-9656-FF2B02A93B94

This is the tenth of a series of blogs that will last 16 weeks. We will approach how to redefine the preparation of culture, processes and attributes needed to change a Product-to-Market workflow with a focus on PIM solutions and Data Governance.  Last week, we discussed Pre-Implementation – today, Optimal Workflow Development.

http://www.b2xpartners.com/#!The-Optimal-Workflow-Development/c21xo/34D4FE6D-5222-40E4-97D7-7E79B0DB7900

Pre-Implementation work for your PIM initiative

This is the ninth of a series of blog that will last 16 weeks. We will approach how to redefine the preparation of culture, processes and attributes needed to change a Product-to-Market workflow with a focus on PIM solutions and Data Governance.  Last week, we discussed Current Workflow Defined – today, Pre-Implementation.

http://www.b2xpartners.com/#!Pre-Implementation/c21xo/CDAD9501-D395-402A-96EF-C1CDD497D966

This is the eighth of a series of blogs that will last 16 weeks. We will approach how to redefine the preparation of culture, processes and attributes needed to change a Product-to-Market workflow with a focus on PIM solutions and Data Governance.  Last week, we discussed Team & Expectation Development – today, Current Workflow Defined.

http://www.b2xpartners.com/#!Current-Workflow-Defined/c21xo/70CF22A1-9299-4BA9-8644-0D1D10E00396

It's Just Data

Ferris could have said that. Once you get in the mind-set that it’s all just data, then your can free your mind of limitations associated with forced hierarchies.  You don’t have to set up your data in the same way as someone else. You don’t have to adhere to governance sets that don’t apply to you.  An attribute can be almost anything.  A taxonomy can create a relationship to data that maybe you hadn’t suspected – until a customer asked for it.  Free your mind!