PIM, ERP and e-commerce: how do they work together?
E-commerce requires you to get a grip on your data. What exactly do the ERP and PIM do, where do they complement each other - and how do you cleverly deploy them together for maximum impact?
ERP: the operational basis
An ERP (enterprise resource planning) system often forms the heart of your organisation. This is where all operational processes are controlled: from stock management and purchasing to administration and logistics. In ERP, you manage master data such as item numbers, stocks, prices, EAN codes and supplier information.
ERP is indispensable for the back office. But it is not designed to manage rich product information. Once you serve multiple channels, with marketing text, multilingualism and imagery, you run into limitations. That's where PIM comes in.
PIM: the commercial accelerator
A product information management (PIM) system is designed to enrich and efficiently manage product information. Think of marketing texts, features, colour variants, technical specifications, manuals and images. PIM centralises this data and makes it easy to transfer information to all relevant channels at once: your webshop, marketplaces, catalogues and more.
Unlike ERP, PIM is not transactional, but content-centric. It supports marketing and e-commerce teams in publishing products quickly and consistently, also in multiple languages or regions. This saves time and prevents errors.
Differences between ERP and PIM
Although ERP and PIM sometimes contain similar data - such as product name, price or SKU - the way they manage that data is completely different. ERP is for process optimisation. PIM for data management.
A key difference is also in the target audience. ERP focuses on operational teams: procurement, logistics, finance. PIM is for marketing, e-commerce and product management. Each system has its strengths - as long as you don't try to use them both for everything.
Stronger together: ERP and PIM as a tandem
The real gain is in cooperation. ERP provides the basic data: inventory, purchase prices, delivery information. PIM builds on that with rich content and distribution to channels. Together, they form a rock-solid duo that speeds up your e-commerce process.
PIM also prevents your webshop from becoming a copy of your ERP system. You enrich your product range with context, experience and content. And that makes all the difference for the customer.
Which comes first: ERP or PIM?
Many organisations think that you can only implement a PIM after the ERP is in place. But you don't have to. Do you have a large and complex product range, or a strong focus on online growth? Then it may be smarter to start with PIM. By doing so, you lay a stable foundation for product data, which you later integrate with the ERP.
It's all about your situation. Is your organisation starting from production or logistics? Then ERP is the obvious first step. Is the focus on growth, marketing or scalability? Then PIM may be the better start.
A smart combination for e-commerce
Linking your PIM system to your e-commerce platform creates an efficient and scalable content machine. You quickly publish new products, easily maintain different languages or markets, and can even operate independently of your e-commerce platform. Ideal if you want to migrate, internationalise or expand.
By cleverly linking ERP, PIM and e-commerce, you create a future-proof architecture. One that not only streamlines your processes, but also increases your conversion rate.
In short: ERP and PIM complement each other.
Where the ERP provides structure and control in your processes, PIM ensures speed, flexibility and quality in your product data. By consciously deploying both systems - each with its own role - you lay the foundation for successful and scalable e-commerce.
Want to know what this means for your organisation? Our PIM Masters are happy to think along with you.