Log in with GooglePIM (product information management)
A product information management (PIM) system is software for maintaining and enriching product information so teams can publish consistent details across sales channels.
By Berend Vrakking, founder of Product Metrics. Updated 20 October 2026.
Example
| Field | Example value | Authoritative system |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Black trainer with mesh upper | PIM |
| Checkout price | €121.00 | Shop or pricing system |
| Sellable stock | In stock | Shop or inventory system |
A PIM can own the description while other systems own price and stock. Illustrative data.
Put it into practice
- Calculate it: POAS calculatorApply the definition to your products.
- Read the guide: Merchant Center errorsWork through the concept in more detail.
For one product, and for an account
For one product, a PIM keeps approved copy, attributes and assets together. Across many products or languages, it supports consistent enrichment. A feed tool can transform those values for Merchant Center; the shop still supplies the buyable offer. An ERP may own operational records such as stock; Merchant Center receives the channel-ready offer. Smaller merchants may manage product information within their ecommerce platform.
Common mistake
Treating the PIM as the authority for every field. Assign ownership and update rules for price, stock and identifiers before mapping data to a channel.
Questions
Is a PIM the same as a product feed?
Do I need a PIM for Google Merchant Center?
Keep reading
- Google Merchant CenterDistinguish the channel receiving product data from the system maintaining it.
- Product feedUnderstand the structured data sent to a channel.
- PIM to Google Merchant CenterMap fields, assign owners and verify the processed result.