With so many systems designed to manage your company's data, each bearing a unique acronym, it is impossible to avoid being confused. With an increase in the number of retail channels, the need for an integrated product data infrastructure also increases. Businesses, however, often find themselves stumped when deciding which product data management solution to adopt.
But can you tell me if your company requires any particular type of software? With the information provided in this article, we will compare two of the most common catalog management systems, e-commerce platforms, and sales networks: PIM vs CMS. After learning from this, it'll be far easier for you to make the right decision about leveraging the suitable product data for the digital engagement of your company.
Customers today demand product information while making purchasing decisions, which makes product content management a necessity for companies offering digital commerce. The question remains – how should they disseminate their content? Generally, there are two main types of platforms: Product Information Management (PIM) and a Content Management System (CMS). Which is better? What should you choose?
It may seem like both of them have similar functionalities, but Content Management System (CMS) and Product Information Management (PIM) serve very different purposes across the entire product lifecycle, from product conception to retail sales.
While PIM solutions address that concern, can a CMS address it as well? Let's begin to understand with the bottom of the funnel, the CMS, the gateway to consumer-friendly content.
What is a Content Management System?
CMSs are programs specifically designed to manage content on websites. The content can be anything the domain owner chooses to publish on it. A CMS can store, edit, archive, update, publish, and share content. In addition, they are incredibly affordable. Specifically, it has an easy-to-use and intuitive interface without the need for coding expertise while publishing content.
With plugins, it is possible to develop themes and templates that can be added to an existing CMS, thus extending its functionality. Moreover, they aren't merely passive tools; they can also perform SEO, and extend beyond content consumption. A CMS can be quite helpful to website owners and teams who are unable to design their websites, and those setting up an online store for their products.
Moreover, it serves as a digital library, offering not only articles, but also video, images, and other metadata for search engine optimization, graphics, banners, and pop-ups. Although most websites are created with HubSpot, Drupal, and WordPress, eCommerce requirements are built on Magento, Shopify, PrestaShop, and Joomla, all of them are good platforms but does not have specialized content generation capability and at the same time they are also not scalable.
Hence for building a customer delight experience with your content you need a specialized platform like CatalogsBuilder that is scalable and robust, it comes with API capabilities to connect to multiple development environments. And the great thing about this platform is that it can generate content based using artificial intelligence thereby reducing your turnaround time by 80%.
CMS vs. PIM: How are they different?
In conclusion, CMSs provide content creation tools for websites as well as eCommerce tools.
Despite this, CMSes are unable to intelligently organize product information, instead of providing it to the end-user. For content to reach the CMS, it must have been collected, reviewed, edited, stored, and exported.
Rather, PIM systems enable the enhancement and standardization of content before it is published through a CMS system.
PIM systems have become an essential business tool, ensuring accurate data in all the channels of distribution, and reducing time spent working with data, through automated workflows.
CMSs, on the other hand, differ greatly from PIMs, making them equally compatible. In addition, it would be wise to integrate the two to ensure efficiency and agility.
Here's what it boils down to: PIM vs. CMS – What’s the Difference?
Putting briefly:
- PIMS platforms allow you to gather and enhance a single view of content data. Synced product content is distributed both online and offline across sales and eCommerce channels.
- The CMS on the other hand is a software application that stores digital content like banners, logos, etc on the website. It then distributes this content to the various channels. CMS platforms include two basic types: Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and Web Content Management (WCM).
However, this is not a complete list, it provides an overview. To understand the functional differences between CMS and PIM, let's take a closer look at the two to ponder before making a decision.
Content Management System (CMS) | Product Information Management (PIM) |
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Product information is centralized by means of integration portals and global data syndication networks (GDSNs).
In order to cater to the specific needs of different customers, PIM serves as a central repository for up-to-date product information. Publishing product data within the organization (internally) and disseminating it externally through channels such as social media, online shopping platforms, websites, and more. |
A CMS (integrated with a PIM) can offer a number of advantages:
It is easy and convenient to launch and expand a project with a CMS system for your company website or eCommerce. CMSs provide the ability to manage and publish content from a single location, making the process easier.
By connecting your PIM with your CMS, you are ensuring that the information you're providing is accurate and up-to-date since it is connected to your content management system, eCommerce platform, etc.
PIM and CMS systems provide uniformity, flexibility, speed, accuracy, and agility throughout your organization.
CatalogsBuilder: The best PIM to integrate with your CMS
When you program a website with a CMS, you want the same ease of use and integration as when working with a PIM. But not all PIMs are straightforward.
We at CatalogsBuilder understand the needs and issues faced by retailers and manufacturers every day, especially those associated with managing eCommerce and other channels.
Evaluating Your Organization’s Needs:
The first question you need to ask yourself when thinking about product content management, when choosing between PIM and CMS, is:
Is there any such infrastructure in place, if so which one? What are your methods for ensuring your data quality, accuracy, and consistency across channels? How will this be achieved – today and tomorrow?
Data that is already enriched, shareable, and does not require additional effort, should be considered for a CMS. Usually, the systems you already have can do that, you just need an app to simplify the content creation process.
On the other hand, if you have more complex requirements, an enterprise PIM platform might be a better option. A PIM system makes sense if your company needs it for:
- Keep a catalog with information on products, photos, and videos.
- Build and rebuild scalable packages and offers
- Plan and execute targeted updates and improvements to products
- Data can easily be synchronized across various channels
- Product information flows through various approval stages
- You have got multiple website environment such as testing, development, and production
- Ensure good quality of data and manage records according to gold standards
Proof of Concept (POC) as Decision-Making:
The key to enhancing your digital commerce programs is to identify what adds value to them using either a CMS or PIM system. You can thoroughly evaluate CMS and PIM solutions by conducting a proof of concept (POC).
Make sure you prepare the most critical case first, followed by a sample dataset illustrating the depth and breadth of your product information. During demos, allow your clients to configure the solution according to their specific datasets and needs. Practical testing should be done in your environment, with your procedures to avoid disappointments later on. With an understanding of real-life circumstances, you can determine the most appropriate course of action. Having multiple sources and levels of integration affects how long and how much it costs to implement. So, pick wisely.
The Right Way to Deploy:
The deployment factors should be thoroughly examined in order to establish how they work with the current IT framework (in this case, we are only considering PIM solutions). Product data can be consumed effectively by categorizing data sources according to distribution channels. When evaluating on-premises, cloud, and/or SaaS implementation options, take into account both current and future business goals. However, a particular deployment strategy must be taken into consideration when it comes to managing software stacks, ensuring quality, being agile, and total cost of ownership. The PIM solution should roll out in phases and be piloted in production environments to ensure smooth deployment and higher success rates.
Looking for a PIM solution to increase your eCommerce success? Discover why CatalogsBuilder PIM is the right solution for you.
Jay
What are the advantages of integrating a CMS with a PIM in an organizations content management strategy?