Managing product data effectively is important for businesses in today’s digital era. Two important tools that help organizations in this effort are GDSN (Global Data Synchronization Network) and PIM (Product Information Management). But what happens when we do GDSN integration with PIM?
In this blog, we will explore What is PIM and GDSN, GDSN integration with PIM, and why it matters for businesses like yours.
Whether you are a business owner, a marketer, or simply interested in optimizing product data management, this blog is for you.
By the end, you will have a clear understanding of the importance of GDSN integration with PIM and how it can benefit your organization.
What is GDSN?
GDSN, also known as the Global Data Synchronization Network makes it possible for trading partners to exchange and synchronize standard product data.
The primary goal of GDSN is to make a seamless flow of product data sharing from manufacturers and suppliers to retailers and e-commerce platforms throughout the supply chain.
If you want to know more about the GDSN, What it is, why it is important, and how does it works. Then you are on the right platform, head on to our blog about GDSN and gain more knowledge.
What is PIM?
PIM, also known as Product Information Management is a software solution that enables businesses to centrally manage and efficiently organize all of their product-related information.
The primary goal of PIM is to help businesses streamline the management of their product data and ensure its completeness, consistency, and accuracy across various sales channels and touchpoints.
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Why is there a Need for GDSN Integration with PIM?
When product data is managed separately in GDSN and PIM systems, businesses face a number of challenges that can prevent accurate data and efficient operations.
Here we have mentioned the possible challenges that you may encounter if you have not integrated GSDN with the PIM system;
1. Inconsistent Data
Data inconsistencies are more likely to occur when product data is managed in separate systems.
There is a possibility that changes made in one system may not be accurately reflected in the other if GDSN and PIM are not properly synchronized.
Product descriptions, pricing, and other important information shared with trading partners and customers may differ as a result of this data inconsistency.
2. Errors and Duplicated Efforts
Maintaining separate data repositories means that businesses must enter the same product data multiple times, once in the GDSN system and again in the PIM system.
Mistakes such as typos, missing information, or incorrect formatting can occur when the same data is manually entered twice.
This duplication increases the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies, requiring businesses to allocate additional time and resources to manage the data effectively.
3. Delays in Data Synchronization
Product data updates may not synchronize with the other system in real time if the GDSN integration with PIM is not done.
Customers and trading partners may receive product information that is out-of-date or inconsistent without real-time synchronization. 1
When product data is not synchronized in real-time, teams may base their decisions on incomplete information leading to inefficient inventory management, and difficulties in launching new products or promotions.
How do GDSN Integration with PIM work?
Centralizing data in PIM and sending it to GDSN, along with other channels, involves a systematic process of managing and optimizing product information in a central location before distributing it to various endpoints.
Here we have highlighted the steps which are included in the GDSN integration with PIM;
1. Implementing the PIM System
The first step is to select and implement a suitable Product Information Management (PIM) system suitable for your business.
The PIM system will serve as the central repository for managing all your product data, including descriptions, attributes, images, pricing, and other relevant information.
2. Collecting and Combining Product Data
Gather product data from various sources within your organization, such as ERP systems, spreadsheets, or other databases.
Import this data into the PIM system you have selected, ensuring that it is structured and organized in a standardized format.
3. Cleansing and Enriching Product Data
Once the data is collected in the PIM system, perform data cleansing and enrichment activities.
This involves validating the data for accuracy, removing duplicates or inconsistencies, and enhancing it with additional attributes or translations if required.
Enrichment may include adding product descriptions, attributes, technical specifications, related accessories, or multimedia assets like images, PDFs, and videos.
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4. Data Mapping and Transformation
Map the product data fields in the PIM system for the corresponding fields in GDSN and other target channels.
Do the transformation rules and mapping logic to ensure that the data is correctly mapped and transformed as per the requirements of each channel.
This step ensures that the data is compatible and aligned with the specific format and structure of GDSN.
5. Optimizing Product Information
Apply data quality checks and optimizations to ensure that the product information meets the requirements of GDSN and other channels.
This includes standardizing attribute values, formatting descriptions, resizing images, and adhering to specific data standards or regulations.
6. Publishing to GDSN and Other Channels
Once the data is cleansed, enriched, and optimized in the PIM system, it is ready for distribution.
Use the PIM system’s integration capabilities to automatically publish the product data to GDSN through a data pool provider like 1WorldSync.
Additionally, leverage the PIM system’s integrations or APIs to distribute the product information to other channels like BigCommerce, Shopify, or your own product catalog.
7. Monitoring and Maintaining Data Consistency
Regularly monitor the data synchronization and consistency between the PIM system and GDSN, as well as other channels.
Any updates or changes made in the PIM system will be automatically propagated and synchronized with GDSN and other channels to ensure that the product information remains accurate and up to date.
What are the benefits of GDSN integration with PIM?
GDSN integration with PIM system offers several benefits for businesses. Here we have listed some key benefits of GDSN and PIM integration;
1. Streamlined product data management process
GDSN integration with PIM streamlines the management of product data by centralizing it in a single system.
This eliminates the need for duplicate data entry and maintenance, reducing the chances of errors and inconsistencies.
It provides a central platform to manage, update, and distribute product data efficiently, simplifying workflows and improving overall productivity.
2. Improved time-to-market and operational efficiency
GDSN integration with PIM enables faster time-to-market 2 for new products and updates.
By centralizing and synchronizing product data, businesses can efficiently manage product information, streamline updates, and introduce new products more quickly.
This reduces the time and effort required for manual data entry and validation, accelerating the product launch process and improving operational efficiency.
3. Enhanced Collaboration with Trading Partners
GDSN integration facilitates improved collaboration with trading partners.
By synchronizing product data through GDSN, businesses can share consistent and standardized information with trading partners, reducing manual data exchange and improving communication efficiency.
This helps in building stronger relationships, streamlines supply chain operations, and enables better coordination.
4. Enhanced Customer Experience
GDSN integration with PIM allows businesses to provide accurate and consistent product information to customers across various channels.
By leveraging centralized and synchronized product data, businesses can ensure that customers receive reliable and up-to-date information about products, improving their overall experience and satisfaction.
Tips and Tricks for GDSN Integration with PIM
When integrating GDSN with PIM, it is essential to follow certain tips to ensure a successful and effective integration.
Here we have listed some tips and tricks for GDSN integration with PIM;
#1. Establish data governance and quality processes
Use strong data governance 3 practices to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.
Use data validation rules, data cleansing processes, and quality checks to maintain high-quality product data in the PIM system. Regularly monitor and review data integrity to address any issues promptly.
#2. Implement automated data synchronization
Leverage automation capabilities to synchronize product data between the PIM system and GDSN.
Use real-time or scheduled data synchronization processes to ensure timely updates and minimize manual intervention.
This helps maintain data consistency and reduces the risk of errors and delays.
#3. Ensure ongoing monitoring and maintenance
Regularly monitor the integration process and perform maintenance activities to address any issues or data inconsistency.
Monitor data synchronization, validate data accuracy, and handle any exceptions or errors promptly.
Implement alerts and notifications to proactively identify and resolve integration issues.
#4. Collaborate with trading partners
Make use of the integrated GDSN and PIM capabilities to encourage collaboration with trading partners.
Communicate with trading partners to align data requirements, formats, and standards.
Establish clear communication channels and ensure data synchronization with trading partners through GDSN to facilitate smooth data exchange and improve business relationships.
Conclusion
GDSN integration with the PIM system offers many benefits for businesses. Through this integration, companies can streamline their product data management processes, improve data quality and integrity, and enhance operational efficiency.
Apimio PIM provides a powerful solution for businesses seeking to streamline their product data management processes.
By leveraging Apimio PIM’s extensive features and functionality, businesses can streamline workflows, enhance collaboration with trading partners, and improve overall productivity.
What to do next?
- Head on to our other blog about GDSN and how it works, and gain more knowledge.
- Experience the power of GDSN along with PIM. Sign up today to start leveraging real-time data synchronization for your business.
- Need help with GDSN implementation? Get in touch with our dedicated support team for expert guidance.
- Explore our PIM-related blogs to enhance your understanding of PIM workings.
Frequently Asked Questions
A GDSN data pool is a centralized system that acts as a central hub for exchanging standardized product data among trading partners.
It is the standardized structure and syntax used for exchanging product data through the GDSN. It follows a data model and data attributes that allow for seamless data exchange and synchronization between partners.
Some notable companies include retailers, manufacturers, distributors, healthcare organizations, and e-commerce platforms. Examples of companies using GDSN include Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon.
It refers to centralizing and managing product data in the PIM system and synchronizing it with GDSN and other channels for accurate and consistent data exchange.
- Data Synchronization:https://www.informatica.com/services-and-training/glossary-of-terms/data-synchronization-definition.html[↩]
- Time to Market:https://www.kbmanage.com/concept/time-to-market[↩]
- Data Governance:https://www.delphix.com/glossary/what-is-data-governance[↩]
