Online Training Product Information Management and ETIM

Doing business digitally is becoming increasingly important. This includes exchanging digital product information. The use of standards has many intersections with the field of Product Information Management. Jeroen van der Host from Stichting Ketenstandaard Bouw en Techniek and Jos Schreurs from Squadra therefore joined forces. In four online sessions, all ins and outs regarding the ETIM standard and the process of implementing Product Information Management and a supporting PIM system will be covered.

The training is no longer available. Squadra now offers a ‘PIM in a day’ training that can be tailored to specific customer needs.

Speaking The Same Language  

As a true knowledge organization, Squadra supports retail companies, wholesale organizations, and manufacturers in their digital transformation. “From practice, we see the need and necessity to better align parties in the chain through the use of standards,” Jos further explains. “One of the biggest problems is that different players in the market do not speak the same data language when exchanging information. Additionally, PIM is the data foundation for e-commerce and e-business.”

Where To Start  

This training is primarily intended for people working in the construction and installation sector who want to learn more about how to effectively apply product information management in their organization. “Or parties that are asked by customers to provide product data classified according to the ETIM standard,” Jeroen indicates. “Entrepreneurs who want to know exactly what is involved. Where to start and how to organize it. Interesting for senior managers at manufacturers and wholesalers responsible for setting up and securing PIM. And who want to put it more prominently on the agenda in their own organization.”

ETIM Benefits  

In the workshops, Ketenstandaard and Squadra also discuss standards for specific market segments. What types of systems are already available? What internal organization do you need, how can you streamline your product data processes, and what agreements do you need to make internally. “A comprehensive approach, therefore,” Jeroen continues. “With attention to efficiency, reducing failure costs, and uniform and language-independent product data management through the use of ETIM and ETIM MC.”

PIM Approach  

According to Jeroen, Product Information Management is often overlooked in the market. “There is a lot of technology available, but you also need to know how to use it. Every purchased system will also need to be filled. How are you going to do that? And how do you, for example, deal with change management of data? Does the logistics department determine which specific product component remains available? Or is it R&D, the product manager, or perhaps Marketing & Communication. The PIM manager is right in the middle of that. That part of the process organization is therefore very important.”

Own Business Case  

The gentlemen further elaborate on this based on business cases. “When you quantify into numbers,” Jos clarifies, “you also speak the language of the management. And based on these cases, everyone can immediately project this onto their own situation with the right set of questions. No preparation is needed for the first session, but there will be some follow-up assignments to take home. Through the direct link to practice, participants get the most out of the sessions. A course full of functional tips, a warning about potential pitfalls, and a certificate of competence at the end.”