Implementing a PIM (Product Information Management) system is far more than a technical project—it’s a strategic transformation that impacts the entire organization. Centralizing, structuring, and distributing consistent, reliable product data is now essential to meet the expectations of customers, partners, and increasingly diverse sales channels.However, despite its many advantages, a PIM project can quickly become overwhelming if certain mistakes aren’t anticipated. At Prodygo, we’ve supported numerous companies—ranging from SMEs to large enterprises—in their transition toward optimized product information management. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your PIM project is a success.
One of the most common mistakes is rushing the process without taking time to lay the proper groundwork.
A well-defined scoping phase helps you:
Organize cross-functional workshops at the very beginning of the project. Marketing, e-commerce, procurement, customer service—each team has a unique perspective on product data needs. These discussions help build a realistic, collaborative, user-focused project.
Le PIM n’est pas un projet exclusivement IT. C’est un outil collaboratif, qui doit s’intégrer dans le quotidien des équipes métiers.
❌ Not involving end users from the start can lead to:
Involve end users during the design phase. Create a network of PIM ambassadors across departments, provide them with training, and rely on their feedback to support change management.
A PIM system is not a magic wand. If it’s fed with incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent data, it can’t perform miracles. In fact, it may even amplify errors by distributing flawed information across all channels.
Conduct a data quality audit before importing anything into the system. Establish clear data governance: Who is responsible for what? What are the rules for data entry, validation, and updates? Success starts with a reliable data foundation.
The PIM market offers a wide variety of solutions: open-source, SaaS, e-commerce-focused, multichannel-ready, for small businesses or large enterprises.
❌ Choosing a solution based solely on cost or trends can be a costly mistake—resulting in poor functionality, lack of connectors, and unnecessary complexity.
Draft a detailed functional and technical requirements document. List your current needs, data flows, and future ambitions. Test several solutions through personalized demos, involving your end users in the selection process.
A PIM doesn’t operate in isolation. It must exchange data with your ERP, CMS, DAM, CRM… and any integration failure can trigger a domino effect—creating duplicates, errors, delays, and data loss.
Ensure your PIM is compatible with your existing systems. Favor solutions with proven, open connectors (RESTful APIs, webhooks, etc.). Partner with experienced integrators who understand your business ecosystem.
Implementing your PIM is just the beginning. Product data is always evolving: new products, pricing changes, updated visuals, regulatory modifications, and more.
Define structured update workflows. Who can create data? Who validates it? What are the timeframes? Implement automated validation rules and alerts for missing or inconsistent data.
Even the best tool can be poorly used if it’s not well understood. Without proper training, teams may bypass the PIM… and revert back to Excel spreadsheets.
Build a progressive training plan tailored to different user roles (content creators, validators, e-commerce managers, etc.). Provide clear learning materials and responsive post-launch support to ease adoption.
Implementing a PIM system is a tremendous opportunity to boost the consistency, agility, and efficiency of your product information management. But to fully unlock its potential, you must avoid the common traps of poor preparation, weak governance, and lack of user support.
✔️ With a clear methodology, strong team involvement, and the right technology, your PIM project can become a powerful driver of growth.
👉 At Prodygo, we support your PIM journey from A to Z: data audits, needs assessments, solution selection, technical integration, training, and ongoing support. Contact us for a personalized demo or a free audit of your current product information management process.