In this second bulletin in our FAQ series we explain the differences between the various systems available to help you organise your product data: PIM, DAM and MAM – what does each system do and how do they work together? Our resident product data expert, David Bate, the EDA’s ETIM-UK Project Manager, explains what’s what. And, if you’ve got a question for another time, please let us know by calling the EDA on 020 3141 7350 or by email.
David’s here to answer your questions about ETIM or product data. Let us know how we can help: 020 3141 7350
PIM – Product Information Management system
“Essentially, it’s a structured database designed to hold your product data and to serve it up into websites and catalogues. There are a number of PIM systems to choose from, and several on offer will accept your ETIM classified data without any work-arounds. These ETIM-friendly products include ProPlanet, Stibo, SAP, Hybris, InRiver and Informatica but these are just a few and there are more out there at a range of price points.”
DAM – Digital Asset Management system
“A DAM is a single system for storing and managing your digital assets. Assets such as images, videos and multi-media files. A DAM can also hold PDF data sheets, BIM product data templates and any photo-metric data that might be used in lighting design, for example.
“Put simply, the PIM holds the data, DAM holds the images. But obviously the two need to connect so that the right images or videos display with the right product data. To make it easier, some PIM systems offer their own DAM add-on. ProPlanet, for example, offers their EezyBridge DAM product.
“You can also give your customers ring-fenced access to your DAM. This means they can download the images they need at the resolution they need. You don’t need to store multiple versions of the same image at different resolutions as the DAM system will do it all for you.
MAM – Media Asset Management system
“A MAM and a DAM are the same thing,” explains David.