PIM and PLM have different origins and were designed for different purposes. PIM originated from the need to optimize distribution channels by supplying them with the most current information on products and promotions. PLM, on the other hand, grew from the need to make better products through better management of engineering and design information around the manufacturing process.
Like most software solutions, PIM has evolved along a path on which the most pressing needs are met first. For CPG companies, the highest-priority need is data synchronization. When faced with mandates from their largest retail partners to synchronize product information via EAN/UCCnet, many CPG companies quickly implemented solutions to upload information to the registry.
However, they soon discovered that they did not have all the requested information, or a process for keeping the registry information up-to-date. A long-term PIM strategy requires integration with other systems, workflow, an information repository, and the ability to synchronize and syndicate information to a variety of destinations in multiple formats.
PLM's origin was the need to manage bills of material (BOM) or recipes, manage complex CAD drawings, and consolidate product design information in a centralized repository. To extend that capability, PLM adopted collaborative processes to share design information across the enterprise and with supply chain partners. PLM also added tools to help manage the new product introduction process, including project management to better track project progress through stages and portfolio management, to help target the most profitable products mix available. For more information on the history of PLM and the different aspects of a PLM system, see PLM Coming of Age: ERP Vendors Take Notice and The Many Faces of PLM.
There are a number of best-of-breed PIM players on the market, including FullTilt Solutions, GXS, IBM, SAP, Sterling Commerce, and Velosel. Each has a number of customers using their solutions
Like most software solutions, PIM has evolved along a path on which the most pressing needs are met first. For CPG companies, the highest-priority need is data synchronization. When faced with mandates from their largest retail partners to synchronize product information via EAN/UCCnet, many CPG companies quickly implemented solutions to upload information to the registry.
However, they soon discovered that they did not have all the requested information, or a process for keeping the registry information up-to-date. A long-term PIM strategy requires integration with other systems, workflow, an information repository, and the ability to synchronize and syndicate information to a variety of destinations in multiple formats.
PLM's origin was the need to manage bills of material (BOM) or recipes, manage complex CAD drawings, and consolidate product design information in a centralized repository. To extend that capability, PLM adopted collaborative processes to share design information across the enterprise and with supply chain partners. PLM also added tools to help manage the new product introduction process, including project management to better track project progress through stages and portfolio management, to help target the most profitable products mix available. For more information on the history of PLM and the different aspects of a PLM system, see PLM Coming of Age: ERP Vendors Take Notice and The Many Faces of PLM.
There are a number of best-of-breed PIM players on the market, including FullTilt Solutions, GXS, IBM, SAP, Sterling Commerce, and Velosel. Each has a number of customers using their solutions
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