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Manufacturing has undergone great change in recent years, largely due to the pandemic, geopolitical and military events, and industry disruption through the growth of digitisation – all together, a potent and potentially problematic combination if not managed systematically. Disruption has included shortages of containers, supply chain instability, port congestion (with the resulting backlogs), labour shortages,… Read More »Key product data trends in manufacturing

First movers on the digital shelf in manufacturing brands, retail and distribution are already doing this, so digital shelf analytics are an absolute must to compete in equal conditions. The right analytics provides the information required to make the changes which help to leverage opportunities or remedy a poorly-performing shelf. Without the plan, the mindset… Read More »Digital shelf analytics: what you need to know

A product data management (PDM) platform is a centralised software system to store all information related to a set of products. This platform supplies all other systems across the company (such as ERP, logistics and warehousing or an eCommerce platform) with the information they need about products. The product data can be deployed for multiple… Read More »Building a Product Data Management platform business case

A PIM revolutionises the way you manage your products. From providing a centralised hub for high-quality product data, to creating excellent customer experiences to gains in efficiency and productivity, it is a powerful tool. But regarding implementation, a PIM platform is hardly Microsoft Office365. Without the people power and finances to fund developers and other… Read More »PIM consultancy VS In-house implementation

Online sales have grown in all areas since the pandemic and this trend is becoming embedded in B2B commerce as well as B2C. The fact is that most distributors are lagging in getting their product catalogs fit for the 21st century. The challenges they face range from product data governance to catalog management, expanding to… Read More »How PIM solves distribution problems

When you want to build a house, it isn’t wise to simply cement together some bricks to build the walls, put on a roof and then decide how you want to divide up the useable space inside. Your building is flimsy and doesn’t even have any foundations. It’s not fit for purpose. It’s also likely… Read More »Product information management architecture

Database normalisation is the business process of structuring a relational database in line with a series of ‘normal’ forms to minimise data redundancy and enhance overall data integrity. Put simply, it means that you carry out a process of eliminating errors, discrepancies, and duplicates among stored and collated product information. How? By analysing the information… Read More »The importance of database normalisation

The end game of product information management is the business discipline of providing customers with a seamless, omnichannel product experience across multiple sales channels. Of primary importance is consistent information, obtained by aggregating all existing and incoming product information you have into a single storage hub. That means elements like product descriptions, and related files… Read More »Understanding the basics of B2B product information management

The endgame of any digital transformation strategy is to equip the business with the tools needed for the fast-evolving world of digital commerce –strengthen its business performance and enhance customer experience (external and internal business users). Companies can find this multifaceted challenge a daunting prospect, hence the need for consultancy services. Product information management is… Read More »The role of PIM consulting in digital transformation

There’s never been a more opportune time for product-centric businesses to expand into new markets. Borderless digital commerce is embedded in our world and scaling a business can be relatively straightforward, with the right tools. However, it can also be a significant challenge. One thing is clear, though. Customers worldwide expect the information they seek… Read More »The role of PIM in supporting international expansion

Managing data is a foundational part of any business nowadays but it isn’t easy and some of the pitfalls which commonly emerge are storage problems, duplicated or inaccurate data across systems, or confusion about the location, sharing and compliance of data. So, whether it’s a retailer, supplier or manufacturer, effective use of data management tools… Read More »Data management tools: choosing the right one

Digital shelf optimisation measures the performance of your digital shelf in three key metrics: Digital shelf analytics is the set of processes which gathers the business intelligence you need to measure and assess the success of the sum of these three elements. Ensuring products are in stock is the determiner of sales and conversion on… Read More »Digital shelf success – analysis and optimisation

Brands have historically invested enormous resources to gain prime positioning on retail outlets’ physical shelving, but today, those resources and effort are focusing on optimising their digital shelf management of the ‘virtual’ shelf which encompasses every element of how and where products are displayed online. Digital shelf strategy differs from basic eCommerce. Think of eCommerce… Read More »Digital shelf strategy: 10 best practices

PIM consulting is a growing, invaluable service for companies seeking to implement product information management software solutions. As a leading PIM consultancy, Start with Data offers comprehensive services, ensuring seamless, efficient project executions from inception to successful completion. We understand that you need more than just a software solution, you need a partner who can… Read More »Expert PIM Consultants at Start with Data

For a long time, PIM projects were seen as purely technical. This meant that they were often delivered by technology teams with little or no experience of dealing with the complexities of business change management. This guide will show you the benefits a PIM consulting partner can bring to your business. hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: “25737907”, formId:… Read More »eBook: Benefits of PIM Consulting Partner

As the digital shelf encompasses every single touchpoint, impression and brand message your business provides for the customer, it’s crucial to analyse just how effective it is in satisfying their needs. There’s a range of digital shelf software options on the market to do just that – these digital shelf solutions monitor content on brand… Read More »Digital shelf software solutions

Given that manufacturers are highly dependent on data, it’s essential they are leveraging data as an asset in their day-to-day operations. This article looks at how managing data helps not only to integrate with the range of technology-driven systems keeping business going, but also uses modern machine learning capabilities to syndicate product data to marketplaces… Read More »Driving operational efficiency in Brands & Manufacturers

Low-quality data leads to bad decision-making, which leads to unforeseen and unwelcome outcomes (‘Garbage in, garbage out’). That’s why having product data of unimpeachable validity is becoming a must – not least, it makes for easier investigation of root cause and product recall for manufacturers and brands if unexpected issues occur with products. Conversely, consumers… Read More »How PIM supports supply chain traceability and ESG for brands & manufacturers

As more manufacturers and brands adopt the burgeoning D2C digital commerce model it generates all kinds of opportunities. In this insight article, we look at how manufacturers and brands can grow their businesses by using PIM to scale up their goals for expanding market reach through new channel adoption, and increased volume of products to… Read More »How PIM supports market & channel expansion for brands & manufacturers