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Product Data Migration

Data management1/5/2026Advanced Level

Product data migration is the process of transferring product information from legacy systems or external sources into a new PIM system.

What is Product Data Migration? (Definition)

Product data migration is the process of moving product information from old sources into a new PIM system. These sources often include spreadsheets, ERP systems, or older web platforms. This move usually happens when a company first sets up its PIM software. The process follows a few specific steps: * Extracting data from the original sources * Cleaning the data to remove errors or duplicates * Mapping the data to fit the new system's structure * Loading the information into the PIM * Verifying that all details are accurate Moving data correctly prevents technical issues. It ensures the new system starts with high-quality information so the business can manage its products effectively from day one.

Why Product Data Migration is Important for E-commerce

Product data migration is the process of moving product information from old spreadsheets or databases into a new PIM system. This step determines how well your online store functions. If the data is messy or incomplete, your webshop will show wrong prices, missing details, or broken images. These errors frustrate shoppers and lead to lost sales. A successful migration cleans your data and organizes it in one central location. This creates a reliable source for all your product details. It helps you launch new products faster and keeps your information consistent across every sales channel. WISEPIM helps you map and transfer data to keep your information accurate.

Examples of Product Data Migration

  • 1Moving product descriptions, SKUs, and prices from an old ERP system into a temporary workspace.
  • 2Cleaning product data by changing different labels like 'red', 'Rood', and 'RED' into one standard 'Red'.
  • 3Matching old product categories to a new and better organized structure inside the PIM system.
  • 4Transferring thousands of product photos and videos from a shared folder into the PIM's built-in media manager.

How WISEPIM Helps

  • WISEPIM includes import tools that quickly pull product data from your existing systems.
  • Use WISEPIM to clean and organize raw data so it meets your quality standards.
  • WISEPIM uses a flexible setup that makes it easy to match old data to its new, organized structure.
  • Preview and check your data inside WISEPIM before you finish to make sure everything is correct.

Common Mistakes with Product Data Migration

  • Teams often underestimate the time needed to clean and format data. This mistake causes the project to fall behind schedule.
  • Many companies do not set clear rules for data ownership before they move. This leads to inconsistent standards and confusion.
  • Businesses often skip checking the moved data against the original source. This results in errors and incorrect product details in the PIM.
  • Moving messy data without cleaning it first transfers old problems to the new system. This makes the new PIM less effective from the start.
  • Some teams do not plan how the data will fit into the new PIM. This makes the software hard to use and slows down work.

Tips for Product Data Migration

  • Check your current data before you start. Look for missing details and find where all your information comes from.
  • Plan how your data will look in the new PIM system. Make sure the setup meets your current needs and can grow with your business.
  • Clean your data early in the project. Fix mistakes and make sure all product details follow the same format.
  • Move your data in small steps. Start with a few products to find and fix problems before moving everything at once.
  • Set clear rules for who manages the data. Assign specific people to keep the information accurate after the move is finished.

Trends Surrounding Product Data Migration

  • AI-powered data profiling and cleansing tools automating the identification and correction of data inconsistencies.
  • Increased use of machine learning for automated data mapping and transformation rules, reducing manual effort in complex migrations.
  • API-first migration strategies enabling real-time or near real-time data synchronization between source systems and PIMs, supporting headless commerce architectures.
  • Emphasis on continuous data quality monitoring and validation post-migration through integrated dashboards and alerts.
  • Leveraging cloud-based ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) platforms for scalable and efficient handling of large product datasets.

Tools for Product Data Migration

  • WISEPIM: A comprehensive PIM system designed to manage and enrich product data, facilitating structured data import and export for migration.
  • Akeneo: An open-source PIM platform known for its flexibility in handling complex product data models and robust import/export capabilities essential for migrations.
  • Salsify: A Product Experience Management (PXM) platform that centralizes product content and supports streamlined data migration into its system.
  • Talend Data Integration: An advanced ETL tool used for extracting, transforming, and loading data from various sources into target systems like a PIM.
  • Stibo Systems: An enterprise-grade PIM solution often utilized for large-scale, complex product data migrations due to its powerful data modeling and integration features.

Related Terms

Access Control (PIM)Attribute Dependency ManagementAttribute InheritanceAttribute mappingAttribute SetAttribute Value Normalization

Also Known As

data transferdata import PIMlegacy data migration