PLM vs. PIM: What Are the Differences?

What is PLM system?

PLM system manages the entire lifecycle of a product. Its purpose is to assist in gathering information and organizing all processes related to the product, from the idea phase, through design, production, and up to sales and market withdrawal. An example of such software is SilkPLM.

PLM connects departments such as design, engineering, production, marketing, and sales, enabling real-time collaboration. This helps the company manage the entire product lifecycle more efficiently, leading to better-developed products that can be produced faster and more cost-effectively.

In other words, a PLM system provides a single source of truth about the product.

What is PIM system?

PIM system manages product information. It focuses on organizing information related to products that may have been created in a PLM system, such as descriptions, technical specifications, photos, videos, prices, and availability.

PIM makes it easy to collect data, send it to various places, and manage it from a single point - for example, changing the price in an online store. This simplifies and clarifies product offer management at the sales stage across different channels, improving the shopping experience for customers.

Differences between PIM and PLM system

Although both PLM and PIM deal with product information, their scope and functions differ:

Scope of operation

PLM manages the entire product lifecycle, from the idea, through development and production, to market withdrawal, primarily from the perspective of design, technology, production costs, and intended margins.

PIM focuses on managing information about products ready for sale, mainly from a commercial perspective, related to customer communication, such as promotions, aggregating, and editing descriptions from PLM, photos, and videos.

Main functions

PLM integrates design, engineering, production, and marketing processes for internal communication.

PIM centralizes and distributes product data across various sales channels like online stores and catalogs for external communication.

Users

PLM is used by company employees and subcontractors, mainly in design, engineering, production, purchasing, logistics, warehousing, and marketing departments involved in creating and developing products.

PIM is primarily used by marketing, sales, and e-commerce teams managing and presenting product information to customers.

Which to choose: PLM or PIM?

The choice depends on your needs, but it's important to remember that both systems complement each other. The optimal solution is to choose both tools.

For example, in the retail sector, companies need the extensive functions offered by both PIM and PLM systems. Combining PIM and PLM provides comprehensive support for the entire product management process - from design and production to sales and marketing. Consider investing in both systems to optimize product management in your company.

Benefits of integration

• Comprehensive product management: PLM manages the product lifecycle from concept to production, while PIM manages product information across various sales platforms.
   
• Consistent information: PLM and PIM work together to ensure consistent and accurate product information.
   
• Efficiency: Together, these systems can speed up product market entry, improve coordination between departments, and reduce the risk of errors.

Summary

The size and scope of your business will determine whether you need one or both systems. PLM manages the product lifecycle, while PIM centralizes and distributes information about products ready for sale.

Combining both systems will improve the comfort of both employees and customers, simplifying every part of product management.