When it comes to the product information management tool for your business, choosing the right one plays a key role in determining your business success. PIM solutions are generally available in two types based on how they are deployed – cloud and on-premise.
Cloud technology is one of the emerging technologies in the last two decades and it has found its place in almost every sector. Most enterprise applications, such as CRM, ERP, HCM and communication apps now run on a cloud-based model, and PIM is no different.
Cloud PIM is similar to any cloud-based application where the PIM software resides in the cloud and the users are provided with a subscription model to access the app. It allows you to store, organize, manage and access all the product data in a centralized location –cloud platform or server.
What is a Cloud-based PIM Solution?
A cloud-based PIM tool is hosted off-site by a third-party provider, such as Google or Amazon Web Services (AWS). Since Cloud PIM runs on secure external servers, it is accessed through a web browser.
You don’t have to worry about maintaining a large number of servers as everything is stored and managed in the cloud. PIM vendors have full control and responsibility over maintaining its security, source code and feature upgrades.
Cloud deployment means that there is no need to download or install the PIM software in any device. It is also unnecessary to have your own storage systems, as cloud systems offer their own storage space.
Since your product data is stored in the cloud, you can access all the data at anytime and from anywhere, provided you have a secure internet connection. This is why cloud-based PIMs are one of the most efficient and powerful platforms.
Cloud-based PIM usually comes with subscription packages that need to be purchased on a monthly or annual basis for a fixed cost. The users are allowed to choose a plan depending on their business requirements.
Salient Features of a Cloud-based PIM
An efficient cloud PIM tool allows retailers to quickly create a number of product catalogs and distribute them across numerous sales and marketing channels. Here are some notable features of cloud PIM solutions.
#1 Scalability
Cloud-based PIM solutions are easily scalable. With fewer costs and efforts, the features of the PIM can be expanded to match the company’s growth. It is much more simple and easy to create hundreds of catalogs, add new users, include new features and export product data.
Moreover, it doesn’t require you to hire a dedicated team or resources to manage a large amount of data as the PIM will adapt its capacity according to the client’s demand.
#2 Security
One of the biggest fears we all face is losing critical product data due to data breach, which can greatly affect overall operations. Security is one of the important concerns when it comes to handling product data, and cloud security is seen as one of the most reliable forms of IT security.
The PIM vendors not only ensure optimum security of the product data, but also allow you to create duplicate copies of the data, so your older version of the catalog is never lost. Furthermore, it offers an extra layer of security against external threats.
You can also create workflows with different access and editing permissions and give you direct insight on who accessed the product information and when.
#3 Customization
An efficient cloud PIM enables smooth running, managing and expanding of the business that can lead to increased customer satisfaction. With advanced techniques and technologies, businesses can manage product data with ease and efficiency.
It supports your current processes and capable of adapting to match future requirements, including the structure of your product catalog. A cloud PIM is highly capable of fitting various business operations and customization in terms of exporting, importing, managing and structuring data. It can easily be customized according to your business requirements.
Benefits of Cloud PIM
#1 Greater flexibility
Implementing a cloud PIM is much faster compared to any other on-premise software. Within a few days it is possible to complete basic onboarding process and your team can familiarize themselves with the tool. Moreover, it enables users to access and search product data from anyplace and system.
#2 Faster time to market
Cloud PIM offers speedy access to the product information. Businesses now can create and launch new products faster in the market as well as improve their existing products and services. That is because they have access to the customer’s data in real-time.
#3 Cost-efficient
Unlike on-premise PIM that requires both the servers and a dedicated team to maintain it, a cloud-based PIM has its own servers and storage space. That means you don’t need to buy additional servers or hire staff, which make it considerably more cost-effective.
In cloud PIM, you just need to pay a monthly or annual fee and the PIM vendor will take care of everything. Even small or medium size businesses can benefit from a high-end cloud PIM service.
#4 Easy collaboration with the team
Cloud PIM enables smooth collaboration between different teams and employees. Since the product is stored in the cloud, anyone can access the data provided they have an internet connection. Furthermore, the administrator can give access rights based on their roles in the organization.
#5 Less equipment
As the software runs in the cloud, there is no need to buy any servers, specialized systems or storage space. A cloud PIM is designed in a way that any professional can access it regardless of the system they use. Also, there is no technical knowledge required to start using a cloud PIM.
Top Available Cloud PIM Solutions
Pimcore
Pimcore cloud edition offers the fastest way to integrate a PIM solution into your existing business processes. It is no-code software and it is 100% customizable through the configuration only.
With Pimcore cloud, businesses can manage an enormous amount of customer data, product data, master data and digital assets from a single dashboard, and thus, improving time to market, operational efficiency and minimizing cost.
Pimcore cloud is available in three packages – starter, professional and ultimate. You can choose any package depending on your needs, but all three come with user-friendly set up and ready to use without any technical customization.
Key features:
- Centralized product data
- Offers PIM, MDM, DAM and CDP
- Supports multichannel sales and marketing
- Quick data import and export
Akeneo
Akeneo cloud PIM enables businesses to manage product information across all e-commerce and sales channels. It is suitable for B2C and B2B brands and retailers looking to deliver relevant and updated product information that enhances customer experience and boost sales. The platform is designed to handle a large volume of data, such as hundreds of product attributes and tens of thousands of SKUs.
Akeneo is particularly aimed at larger businesses because it offers a basic system and allows you to buy add-ons to extend the functionality of the software as needed. Since Akeneo is an open-source, users who are not tech-savvy may face difficulty using the tool to its full potential.
Key features:
- Asset manager
- Bulk actions
- Validation workflows
- Advanced rights management
Final Thoughts
Cloud technology has changed the business world by offering cutting-edge business solutions. Higher flexibility and ability to access data from anywhere is what makes cloud technology more prominent.
If you want to excel in the present digital world and improve your business operational efficiency, then PIM cloud may be the solution you need. A cloud PIM will help you get many things done effortlessly as they are relatively easier to setup and don’t require much of technical knowledge. Just plug in and you are ready to optimize your product information.
