Product Information Management (PIM, PLM, PDM, ERP) is one of the most important processes in companies. Each system has its own role and significance, but the interfaces and responsibilities between them are not always clear. This blog will review the differences between these systems and their roles from a product information management perspective.
ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning
An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is the backbone of a company's business, managing financial management, logistics, inventory management and production control. ERP often also handles product information, but its focus is on operational efficiency and overall business management. In terms of product information, ERP usually includes:
- Product codes and titles
- Pricing and cost structures
- Stock balances and delivery information
- Connections to procurement and supply chain
However, ERP is not the best place for enriched product information or content needed for omnichannel sales.
PDM – technical product data management
PDM (Product Data Management) is a system at the heart of design and product development, focusing on technical data generated during product development: CAD drawings, versions, change management and product structures.
The main features of PDM are:
- Managing CAD files and their versions
- Product structures and parts lists (BOM, Bill of Materials)
- Change management and documentation
PDM often works in conjunction with a PLM system, but it is mainly focused on technical product information.
PLM – Product Lifecycle Management
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a manufacturing industry tool that covers the entire product lifecycle, from concept and design to production, marketing and even recycling. PLM combines the technical perspective of PDM with business processes such as product portfolio management, innovation and supply chain collaboration.
The core functions of PLM include:
- Coordination of product development between different departments
- Change management and version history maintenance
- Centralizing documentation and requirements management
PLM works in conjunction with PDM and ERP to ensure that design information flows smoothly into production and business management. However, PLM does not usually serve the end user or customer perspective, but remains in the realm of internal development and management.
PIM – Product Information Management for Commercial Use
PIM (Product Information Management) system focuses on the commercial use of product information, its task is to manage and enrich product information for sales and marketing. PIM collects information from different master sources (ERP, PLM, PDM) and enriches it for market needs: multilingual descriptions, images, technical documents, sales arguments and channel-specific content requirements.
Main functions of the PIM system:
- Centralized management of product information (marketing texts, technical data, images, videos, etc.)
- Language versions and country-specific variations
- Sharing product information to online stores, catalogs, sales materials and marketing platforms
- Product information enrichment and content management
- Acting as the organization's product information intranet
PIM typically integrates with ERP and PLM to keep commercial product information in sync with business and product development.
Summary
When a company manages product information effectively, each of these systems plays its own role, but cooperation between them is essential:
- ERP ensures smooth business operations.
- PDM manages technical product development data.
- PLM unifies the overall lifecycle management.
- PIM enriches and shares product information all the way to the customer.
When system interfaces and responsibilities are clearly defined, a company can avoid duplicate work, improve data quality, and streamline its business processes.
