A manufacturer’s journey from messy data to PXM maturity

What happens when a team presents PIM to their executive team? In this case, it sparked real change—not just in product data, but in embracing PXM.
Read how this leading tool manufacturer moved from vision to tangible impact, guided by Ntara.
From product data to product experience
It all began with a specific goal: rescue a struggling PIM implementation.
The early focus was on usability—improving the data model and building custom UIs that saved 416+ hours yearly through automation. We integrated PIM and DAM, creating workflows that save time and give customers a consistent online experience.
As trust in the system grew, so did the vision. The PIM team began asking bigger questions:
- Where does the data need to go?
- What systems should it connect to?
- What are the risks of standing still, and the possibilities if we advance?

To find answers, they commissioned Ntara to conduct research across PIM and DAM users. The strong response gave us a clear picture of what we achieved and the gaps that still existed.
For leadership, it validated the pivotal role of PIM, DAM, and ecommerce. It also sparked excitement about the potential of PXM. The company embraced the vision, and today it’s central to how they set goals and measure progress.
Measurable results
Over the course of three to five years, they moved from “just getting by” with messy product data to operating on a solid foundation of digital maturity.
Here’s what they’ve gained:
Faster time to market
One of their most important metrics is time-to-value—how quickly they get new products into the hands of customers. They consistently deliver in just six months from concept to launch, supported by seamless data enrichment.
Efficient collaboration
Launching faster means working faster. Together with Ntara, they gained major efficiency—like improving usability by 133% and reducing PIM fields by 78%, which saves them hundreds of hours of work each year.
Cost savings
Duplicate platforms have been consolidated, and licensing fees reduced.
A stronger CX
Customers can trust what they see online. The manufacturer uses digital shelf analytics, a tool within Inriver PIM, to scan retail websites and identify data inconsistencies. They use that intel to keep product detail pages complete and accurate, supporting a trusted buying experience.
Forward-looking growth
While many competitors are stuck on the basics of product data, they can look confidently to what’s next: consolidating more platforms, piloting projects for AI and translation, and scaling PXM globally.
Sharing lessons learned
Along the way, several themes emerged that other manufacturing leaders can apply.
1. Executive support is a must.
The manufacturer’s executives actively invite input from across the business, including at an annual event where teams showcase their best tech and digital ideas. This event is where their PXM journey gained momentum. During a presentation with Ntara, leadership recognized the vision and tangible benefits of PXM—giving it their support.
2. Start with a strong data foundation.
Integration is often a priority but your product data comes first. This company had to take several foundational steps in PIM before moving further along the maturity path. A solid data model was the critical first step.
3. Foster a culture of collaboration.
The manufacturer knew they didn’t want to be siloed or disconnected. So, they focused on breaking down those walls. They share ideas openly, involve product managers across groups in testing, and aren’t afraid to pilot proof of concepts—even when some don’t succeed. This collaborative culture keeps them agile and focused on delivering the best for their customers.
The journey continues
PXM can feel abstract. But as this manufacturer shows, the impact is real. It doesn’t happen overnight or look the same for every company. For this one, it’s been a multi-year journey that continues to pay off with faster launches, stronger brand trust, and the agility for what’s next.
By the numbers
2000+
product attributes
416+
hours saved yearly through automation
50%
boost in user adoption
“While many manufacturers still face duplicate records, inconsistent processes, and the challenge of keeping data clean, this manufacturer doesn’t have to worry about those challenges anymore. They solved them years ago and are now advancing the three pillars of PXM—PIM, DAM, and ecommerce—to turn customer experience into a competitive advantage.”
Zach Helbert
Ntara Solution Engineer Manager and certified Inriver PIM Champion
Where are you in your PXM journey?
If you’re curious about the right next step for your business, let’s talk.
