Are Print Catalogs the Next Buggy Whip? Don't Count On It Anytime Soon

Just because computers and the Internet have revolutionized the publishing business, don't think for a minute that printed catalogs have gone the way of the buggy whip.

Print catalog publishing is alive and well, representing $176 billion in annual sales to both consumers and businesses in the U.S., according to the Direct Marketers Association.

Print catalogs are the data and information source that remain the foundation of the automotive aftermarket. Where would parts suppliers, distributors, retailers and service dealers be without the voluminous racks of catalogs that still adorn the counter of most parts and service outlets?
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A Step-by-Step Approach to Internal Data Management

Throughout this special issue of the PIM Report, we've attempted to define the practical differences between a catalog management solution and an overall Product Information Management solution.

Once one has accepted the fact that there are significant differences in overall capability and impact on the corporation in terms of improving time to market, boosting productivity, reducing costs and improving customer relations, the next question you might ask is: If we wanted to adopt a PIM solution, where would we begin?

That question is being answered this week in a presentation by Jeff Marshall, Director of Business Development at Pricedex Software, Inc. to members of the National Catalog Managers Association at their annual Knowledge Exchange in Savannah, Georgia. Entitled, "10 Steps to Eating the Elephant - A Practical Approach to Internal Data Management", the session will be co-presented at the Monday general session by Marshall and Illumaware CEO Adrian Klingel.
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PIM and the Catalog Manager

The world of Catalog Management is about to change dramatically, and with the change will come new responsibilities and challenges. Are your Catalog Managers well prepared to handle what's around the corner? It's time to "take the lead, and get up to speed." Here are a few highlights.
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A Good PIM System can Ease the Burden of Catalog Management

Catalog managers are well aware that automated publishing systems can significantly cut the hard costs associated with catalog publishing; they see these savings every time they publish a catalog.

What isn't so obvious is the multitude of hidden costs - mostly related to staff time and resources - that also can be significantly reduced, while improving data accuracy and publishing speed and flexibility IF catalog publishing software is integrated with an overall Product Information Management system.
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Data Synchronization - The Fourth Pillar of PIM

It is a common misconception that a Product Information Management (PIM) system is simply a central repository of data, enabling companies to aggregate and disseminate product information. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, if a PIM system is truly to be called a "system", it must not only incorporate data from across the enterprise, but it must also incorporate features that add value to that data, and then enable this enriched data to be shared internally and externally. This internal and external sharing of information is referred to as "synchronization".
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