Mark Smith's Analyst Perspectives

We are happy to share some insights about Bluestone PIM drawn from our latest Value Index research, which assesses how well vendors’ offerings meet buyers’ requirements.

We published the Ventana Research Value Index: Product Information Management, the distillation of a year of market and product research efforts. To assess functionality, one of the components of Capability, we applied the Ventana Research Value Index methodology and blueprint, which links the personas and processes for PIM to an organization’s requirements.

In all of our Value Indexes, we utilize a structured research methodology that includes evaluation categories designed to reflect real-world criteria incorporated in a request for proposal and vendor selection process for PIM software. We evaluated Bluestone PIM and 15 other vendors in seven categories, five relevant to the product (Adaptability, Capability, Manageability, Reliability and Usability) and two related to the vendor (Vendor Validation and Total Cost of Ownership and Return on Investment). To arrive at the Value Index rating for a given vendor, we weighted each category to reflect its relative importance in an RFP process, with the weightings based on our expertise and research.

Bluestone PIM, a Nordic-based vendor of PIM, was categorized as a Vendor of Assurance and ranked ninth overall in the Value Index. It performed its best in Capability.

Bluestone PIM enables digital merchandising for those looking to bring a simpler approach to the use of PIM. Its product operates in a multi-tenant software as a service with its integrated digital asset management.

Without the necessity of IT and methods to integrate PIM into data infrastructure, the value in having a dedicated business approach is noticeable in the actual product.

Our assessment finds room for improvement in the product’s broader approach to Manageability and Usability for the entire enterprise. Its performance outside of Capability demonstrates where it can make improvements for the overall product experience. It can also improve upon what it provides in TCO/ROI and the means for which organizations make a business case for investment. Despite not being at the top of the Value Index, the vendor’s approach and focus has enabled it to be a growing provider of PIM across the globe.

This assessment was based on Bluestone PIM’s product information management applications available at end of March of 2021 — its March release. Since the release of the Value Index, Bluestone PIM released Personalized Product Editor that enables configuration of the PIM experience internally but also with external constituents like a supplier portal. Bluestone PIM is also the first PIM provider to become a member of the MACH (microservices-based, application programming interface-first, cloud-native, SaaS and headless) Alliance to simplify the integration of technology, which is supported by its Data Feed 2.0 to ensure API-level access to product information.

The role of PIM for every organization is to ensure the most accurate and engaging product information that supports the customer, enterprise and product lifecycle requirements. Providing effective product information is the foundation to providing an engaging digital experience that can meet the needs of marketing, commerce and the digital shelf. Organizations should make PIM and product experiences a priority for continuous process improvement, and perform an assessment of existing process and technological approaches, adopt best practices and ensure the effectiveness of product information being utilized for revenue, operations and supply chain processes.

This research-based index is the most comprehensive assessment of the value of product information management software in the industry. Technology buyers can learn more about how to use our Value Index by clicking here and included vendors that wish to learn more can click here. Read the report here.

Regards,

Mark Smith