Getting Started with Your New PIM
After signing the contract, the implementation phase begins. This usually means that the actions defined with your vendor will be taken, i.e. data sources and output channels will be connected, data will be ingested, workflows and other processes will be defined, dashboards will be set up, and so on. Towards the end of this phase, your teams will be trained on how to use the system.
For large brands, it is a good idea to test drive the system in smaller markets. This usually generates valuable user feedback and can help identify improvement potential before rolling it out to all employees and other stakeholders. Once the tests have been concluded successfully, the system will be launched, and the new way of working will be available for everyone.
Transitioning from a Standalone PIM
If you already have a PIM and you’re looking to make a switch, the first step is to identify a holistic PIM vendor that matches your requirements for managing product data and related information and material.
Typically, you will have already identified the data sources within your organization that you would like to incorporate into your PIM project as part of the RFI process. After all, you and your vendor need to agree on the effort required to make the existing information available for everyone. At the same time, you will want to describe all (or most of) the existing processes – e.g., who provides data, and where and how that will data be used. While not everything needs to be finalized up front, all parties should have a thorough understanding of what’s going to happen once the final buying decision has been made.
