Product Content Management (PCM) is another term for Product Information Management (PIM). PCM is more widely used in the USA than in Europe, which is why some software vendors also use the term for their products. It generally means the same thing: product information is maintained in one place and distributed from there to all channels.

PCM and PIM: is there a difference?

A closer look reveals a slight difference in emphasis. PIM often focuses on structured product data: item numbers, technical attributes, dimensions and classification. PCM places greater emphasis on content that supports sales, such as marketing copy, images, videos and documents. Modern PIM systems cover both, and in practice the terms are used interchangeably.

What a PCM system does

• Centralised management of product copy, attributes and media
• Translations and content variations by country and channel
• Approval workflows before content is published
• Syndication to online shops, marketplaces, print catalogues and retailers

Related terms

Closely related terms include PXM (Product Experience Management), which focuses on the buying experience, and PDM (Product Data Management), which has its roots in product development. For an overview of PCM and PIM software, see our list of PIM vendors.

See also: PIM · PDM · MAM · Enrichment · PIM vs. PXM