Why Distributors Can’t Overlook PDM
For a product to be successfully distributed from Point A (the warehouse) to Point B (the local store), requires open communication and remaining consistent while managing operations between distributors, buyers, and sellers.
Product Data Management (PDM) has enabled distributors to streamline many components while also handling large volumes of stock. Without a structured PDM system, distributors risk data inconsistencies, miscommunications, and operational inefficiencies.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how PDM solves these issues and provides distributors with a centralized structure to regulate workflows and gain control over business operations.
What Is Product Data Management for Distributors?
Product data management is an organizational system that is used to manage several product-related data sets that are critical to an organization’s infrastructure. It streamlines communications to and between contractors, suppliers, and shippers, as well as orchestrates activities necessary to fulfill customer orders.
Product data within the realm of distribution can include many aspects of the process, such as: order & supplier management, inventory control, and financial oversight. PDM systems enable the centralization and organization of these management types. In turn, distributors are able to streamline operations, enhance client communications, and provide faster order fulfillment.
Not only do PDM systems for distributors streamline management, they also provide analytics data and allow for fewer disruptions to the business operations. All businesses involved in the distribution process have access to a centralized source to help streamline operations and maintain accuracy and consistency for all parties involved.
PDM for distribution simplifies digital catalog updates and provides data accuracy across all realms.
Why PDM is an Absolute Must for Modern Distributors
Distributors are tasked with delivering accurate and consistent product information. Customers not only expect it to be detailed and up-to-date, but they also want it received quickly. If these systems are not in place, information transference can lag, sales orders can be delayed, and frustration may ensue.
Let’s look at a few reasons why PDM is an absolute must for modern distributors.
Centralized Data
Communication is key to keeping an operation running smoothly. Without a centralized system in place, small mistakes or inconsistencies lead to more costly errors which affect sales and client satisfaction. PDM solves this problem by providing a centralized location for data, ensuring that the information is accurate and consistent.
Better Consistency
Oftentimes, without a PDM system, there will be a lack of consistent updates. Outdated specs or pricing can impede a customer’s happiness with a company. Implementing the PDM system will allow companies to make automatic updates and maintain consistency across the board.
Seamless ERP Integration
Distribution is a complex process, which requires several people across multiple departments to execute the business functions. A seamless integration with PDM and ERP systems will enable powerful accounting and invoicing functions to happen simultaneously.
Smoother Inventory Management
If the distribution team is not on the same page as the contractors, suppliers, and shippers that they work with, they can run into issues with successfully managing inventory. Adding a PDM system into the mix will enable everyone to be on the same page, keep track of inventory updates, and know what is available or not at any time.
These reasons are why PDM is an absolute must for modern distributors. It provides a centralized location to manage data, from pricing and specifications to high-quality images and product availability
Real-World Success Stories: How Distributors Benefit from PDM
Now let’s examine two real-world examples of distribution companies that were in need of managing data in a more efficient way and how they implemented a product data management system to enhance their customers’ experiences.
BAMA Boosts Efficiency and Supply Chain Resilience with MDM
BAMA, a leading supplier of fresh products in the Nordic and Baltic regions experienced challenges related to inconsistent data policies, inefficiencies, and data quality compliance pressures.
To address these issues, BAMA implemented Syndigo’s Master Data Management (MDM) solution. This implementation achieved results such as:
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a 60% reduction in time spent on data manipulation
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An accelerated time-to-market by 70%
It also led to a more resilient supply chain and improved collaboration across their supplier network.
Source: https://syndigo.com/blog/product-information-management-success-stories/
Amarra Cuts Overstock and Streamlines Ops with AI
Amarra, a New Jersey based company that makes and distributes special-occasion gowns needed to streamline its operations and enhance the customer experience.
To improve these efforts, they opted to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations. Using AI-powered inventory management systems resulted in:
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40% reduction of overstocking
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60% decrease in content creation time and writing product descriptions
Additionally, employing AI tools like ChatGPT to run the more monotonous tasks allowed the company to streamline operations and better meet customer demands.
Source:https://www.businessinsider.com/wholesale-formal-gown-distributor-using-ai-for-ecommerce-operations
Key Features of PDM Software for Distributors
When distributors look for a PDM system that will simplify data accuracy and make b2b catalog updates easy, there are certain key features that matter. It is important to determine the crucial tools and features that are needed to effectively execute distribution functions.
Let’s explore 5 distribution-specific problems and how PDM can help.
Order Management
Keeping customers happy is the key to the staying power of a business. Not only do happy customers repeatedly return, but a good reputation draws in new customers as well. A poor customer experience stemming from incomplete or inaccurate information leads to buyer frustration and lost sales.
PDM systems step in to provide a central location in which to access accurate information and data. The product images and data can be gathered into a digital catalog so clients have an easy way to view the products. Further, PDM distribution software can be integrated into the digital catalog and tied to the ecommerce system in use, so that customers can browse and shop, even choosing to check out directly from the online catalog itself. This streamlines the order management process and ensures the lifecycle of ordering operates smoothly and efficiently.
Inventory Management
An issue that frequently occurs with distribution is having products over or under-stocked due to shipping delays, holidays, and other occurrences. This likely means that there is not a good method in place to oversee inventory.
A PDM system will work with distributors and warehouses to provide a comprehensive view of all the inventory available, what is coming in, and what is on its way out. Managers can easily keep track of exact quantities of products for successful inventory control.
Financial Management
Keeping track of company expenses and customer orders can be overwhelming without the right tools in place.
PDM distribution software enables businesses to easily keep track of invoicing, billing, and client orders. Accounting features help to keep data centralized and streamlines all activity related to customer orders.
Analytics
Having an understanding of the purchasing audience is a crucial part of keeping clients happy and knowing where sales and marketing efforts should be directed.
With PDM for distributors, a digital product catalog can be tied to analytics and it will be easy to view how clients interact with the content. Viewing statistics on which products clients search for the most, what search terms they use, how long they stay on each page, and more leads to a more in-depth ability to predict supply and demand. This saves money and allows distributors to relate better to contractors, suppliers, and shippers.
How PDM Will Simplify Data Management for Distributors
Let’s discuss how PDM will simplify data management and catalog updates for your distribution workflow. Once implemented, these steps will lead to long-term benefits.
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Centralize Your Product Information: Your product data is most likely scattered across various storage types (spreadsheets, email threads, ERP systems, supplier portals, and team members’ desktops). Centralizing data locations into one system that everyone can access will eliminate data silos and ensure that your team, as well as buyers and sellers, are working from the same, up-to-date information.
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Cleanse and Standardize Product Data: Without a PDM system in place, distributors run the risk of having inconsistencies in naming, missing fields, and duplicate entries, which creates confusion and errors. PDM automates the cleaning and validation of product data, to ensure that formats are standardized across the entire catalog. This step improves data accuracy, searchability, and consistency across the board.
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Automate All Data Updates from Suppliers: Before implementing a PDM system, manual entry of supplier updates (new SKUs, prices, stock changes) is necessary. Naturally, this is time-consuming and prone to errors. PDM will help distributors to directly integrate supplier feed into the system, automate updates, and reduce the need for manual entry. Save time and keep your digital catalog current and up-to-date all year around.
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Simplify Catalog Publishing: Once you publish a digital catalog, you will need to update it with new SKUs, price changes, or inventory updates). When there isn’t a PDM system, this is manual work that can take a lot of time to accomplish. When you begin using a PDM system, it will mesh with your catalog platform and allow you to publish and update product data automatically with formatting rules tailored to the publishing platform. Speed up the time it takes to publish and distribute your catalog, and ensure that the product data is always consistent.
Streamline PDM Workflows with DCatalog’s Smart Catalog Automation
Simplify updates, automate catalog production, and streamline PDM workflows when you implement a PDM system. Take control of your data by placing it in one centralized location and save time with automatic processes instead of being in need of manual updates.
With DCatalog’s automated platform, your product data can be entered into our ready-to-use templates to create polished, branded PDFs and digital catalogs in minutes. Don’t hesitate – check out our intuitive platform and create dynamic digital catalogs that your customers will love. Reach out to one of our Publishing Executives today, or sign up for a free trial to experience our platform for yourself.