Product information management (PIM) means managing the information required to market and sell products through distribution channels. A central set of product data can be used to share/receive information with media such as web sites, print catalogs, ERP systems, PLM systems and electronic data feeds to trading partners.

PIM solutions are most relevant to firms in retailing, consumer goods and manufacturing. Considerations in opting for a PIM solution include:

• wide array of products
• frequently changing product characteristics
• non-uniform IT infrastructure (perhaps resulting from a merger)
• online business
• electronic ordering.