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Learn MoreLearn MoreLearn MoreEmbarking on a PIM project is a game-changer for centralizing and optimizing product data, but success hinges on careful preparation. Created by trusted Akeneo partner O2 Commerce, this article outlines five essential steps to lay a strong foundation for your PIM implementation, from understanding your product data to streamlining workflows and planning resources effectively. Drawing from real-life experiences, we showcase how meticulous planning and strategic use of Akeneo’s PIM solution enabled them to enhance efficiency, automate processes, and streamline data management.
Keywords
Implementing a Product Information Management (PIM) system is a pivotal step for centralizing, structuring, and efficiently managing product information. Before embarking on a PIM project, it’s essential to establish a solid foundation to ensure smooth execution and a successful implementation.
During our collaboration with Groupe CH and its subsidiary Evenko — an industry leader in producing musical, family, and sports events — we observed that their preparatory efforts significantly contributed to the project's success. Below, we’ve outlined five key practices to master before starting a PIM project, illustrated with insights from Evenko (for more details, see the full case study).
The first critical step is gaining a comprehensive understanding of your product data. While this may seem straightforward, it is often underestimated. Managing large volumes of data requires answers to the following questions:
From the start of their project, Evenko had a solid grasp of their data inventory. Using Akeneo, they centralized event and artist information to achieve strategic objectives such as:
A thorough understanding of your products’ lifecycle — from creation to market removal — is essential. This involves mapping each step: creation, enrichment, publication, modification, or archiving. Evaluate whether your current cycle meets your needs or requires adjustments.
At Evenko, each step was subject to specific constraints. For example, announcement and pre-sale dates were tied to agreements with artists and partners. These business rules directly impacted event display and were integrated into Akeneo.
By documenting all necessary rules and determining which system would host them, the team optimized online event management and streamlined the sales process, ensuring products were available at the right time and under the right conditions.
It’s vital to identify who in your organization manages product data—whether content writers, category managers, eCommerce coordinators, or other teams. Each role ensures consistency across channels.
This process clarifies responsibilities and streamlines workflows to avoid duplication and errors. It also helps determine which information should be managed in the PIM versus other systems.
In Evenko’s case, many data owners operated outside the PIM across various internal and external teams. The company opted for a smaller team actively working in the PIM, centralizing information from multiple sources. This approach simplified workflows while ensuring rigorous and structured data management.
Implementing a PIM is an ideal opportunity to clean and streamline your data. Identify active and inactive products in your ERP or other systems before transferring data into the PIM.
At Evenko, this step involved removing obsolete data and ensuring that all integrated data was relevant and up-to-date. This approach avoided importing unnecessary information, which could hinder efficient product management.
Given that Evenko’s products - and events - are temporary, with specific start and end dates, efforts focused on current and upcoming events, ensuring optimal system use from the outset.
One common mistake in PIM projects is underestimating the required time and resources. Factors influencing workload include:
Unless opting for a turnkey solution, where a partner like O2 Commerce handles the project, businesses must allocate a dedicated project team to meet deadlines and ensure successful implementation.
For its PIM project, Evenko mobilized key resources, including a project manager and a digital data specialist. Their commitment and availability were instrumental in achieving a smooth and timely delivery.
By following these five essential preparatory practices, you can set the stage for a successful PIM implementation. Managing product information is a complex process requiring guidance from a trusted partner.
The Evenko project demonstrates how meticulous preparation can ensure efficient management of temporary products while adhering to strict business rules.
Check out the full case study today.
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