Use the Right Tools for Professional Tasks

Summary:

Excel is a useful tool for many office tasks, but it quickly reaches its limits when used as a PIM system. Many companies use Excel for product information management, which can lead to significant drawbacks. Here are the main reasons why Excel is not an adequate solution for PIM and how a dedicated PIM system can solve the problems.

In Detail

Only 2 Dimensions

Excel organizes data in rows and columns, which is sufficient for simple data sets. However, PIM data requires additional dimensions such as languages, contexts (different channels), hierarchies or versions. Excel cannot map this complexity, which often leads to redundant data and errors.

Level of Knowledge

Users’ knowledge of Excel varies greatly. Without process-controlled workflows, non-Excel experts are quickly overwhelmed. In addition, complex macros and functions lead to further problems, as not all users are familiar with them or can apply them correctly, which results in inconsistent data.

Inheritance

In Excel, data is often managed by copying, which is error-prone and time-consuming. A PIM system, on the other hand, enables the inheritance of attributes, which simplifies data maintenance and makes it more consistent. Mass maintenance in Excel is inefficient and increases the risk of errors.

Decentralized

Excel files are often stored decentrally, resulting in different versions of the same data. This decentralized storage increases the risk of working with outdated or incorrect data, as there is no central data source that is always up-to-date.

Governance

Excel offers hardly any options for data governance. It is difficult to control who has edited which data or who is allowed to make which changes. Anyone can change the data model by adding new columns, which jeopardizes data integrity.

Processes

Excel does not support secure processes or editing statuses for products. Although status fields or colored markers can be used, these are not linked to the data. A product can be marked as released but still be changed. Roles and authorizations are also almost impossible to implement.

GOT QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO ASK!

Each company has unique requirements, prerequisites, and data, which is why every PIM project must be approached individually. On behalf of Y1, I can offer you a customized solution and personally advise you. Get in touch by arranging an initial consultation.

Marc Kulow berät zu PIM-Lösungen, egal ob PIM-Integration, PIM-Upgrade oder allgemeines PIM-Projektmanagement.