PIM vs. PLM: managing product data between marketing and life cycle

Today, companies have to manage an increasing amount of product data throughout the entire lifecycle.

Two tools often come up in discussions: PIM (Product Information Management) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management).

While both process product data, their uses, users and objectives differ.

So what's the difference between PIM and PLM? And why is their complementarity essential for complete product management?

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PIM vs. PLM: Definitions

What is PLM?

PLM, or Product Lifecycle Management, is a system dedicated to the integrated management of a product's entire lifecycle, from design to end-of-life.

It centralizes and tracks all product information:

• Technical data and specifications
• CAD/CAM design and bills of materials (BOM)
• Product versions and revisions
• Validation and compliance processes
• Change management and cross-team collaboration

PLM acts as the single source of truth for the product, guaranteeing data consistency and traceability at every stage of its lifecycle.

In short, PLM is a tool for R&D, engineering and production teams, designed to orchestrate product development and management over time.

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What is a PIM ?

PIM, or Product Information Management, takes over from the sales and marketing side.

It centralizes, enriches and distributes product marketing and sales information to the various sales channels.

The PIM contains, for example :

• Product names, descriptions, benefits
• Marketing and sales features
• Multilingual content
• Visuals, videos and marketing documents (via a connected DAM)
• Pricing data, labels, certifications
• Links to product families, variations and variants

The PIM becomes the single source of marketing truth, guaranteeing the consistency of data distributed on the website, marketplaces or print media.

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PIM vs PLM: distinct but complementary missions

Although they both handle product data, their missions take place at different points in the product lifecycle:

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In practice, PLM feeds the PIM : validated technical data and key lifecycle information are transmitted to the PIM, which enriches and adapts them for omnichannel distribution.

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Why can't PIM replace PLM (and vice versa)?

By connecting them during the implementation of a PIM solution, PLM and PIM form a complete and powerful ecosystem.

Data validated in PLM automatically feeds the PIM, which enriches and distributes this information.

The benefits are many:

• Improved data quality: alignment between technical and marketing data
• Saves time: eliminates double entries and errors
• Global consistency: same information across all channels
• Fluid collaboration: engineering and marketing work hand in hand
• Reduced time-to-market: products reach the market faster

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Conclusion

PLM and PIM are not opposites: they complement each other.

The former manages the product's technical life cycle, while the latter transforms it into information ready to seduce customers.

Together, they guarantee the consistency, reliability and value of product data throughout its lifecycle.

In a context of digitalization, connecting your PLM to your PIM means ensuring continuity between design, production and marketing, a strategic asset for any industrial or e-commerce company.