How PIM/DAM Helps Builders’ Merchants Achieve Net Zero

Support Customers Deliver Sustainable Projects

Merchants should play their part to help their customers to achieve net zero emissions. But, to do so, it all starts with detailed product information. Ultimately, builders will be more likely to purchase from you in the short and long term.

Of course, manufacturer data isn’t always up to scratch. So, with Pimberly’s Vendor Portal module, you’re in the driving seat. By providing your suppliers with a lightweight version of Pimberly, you set the standards for product information. This way, you never onboard products missing key environmental information or certification.

Whether it be cement, skirting boards, or wall insulation, construction materials must be represented alongside detailed product information. So, in order to avoid ecologically unfriendly rebuilds, housing developers must trust the products help them reach the UK net zero target.

Example: Purchasing Cement

Let’s take the example of two housing developers. Both are ordering cement online from two different builders’ merchants. Vitally, net zero house building is a priority for the pair.

The first developer lands on a product page for cement. The product page outlines the following:

• The cement is low-CO2
• The Declared Cr(VI) shelf life is shown on the bag
• The bag weighs 25kg
• Enhanced durability to frost when hardened
• The cement is sustainability sourced

The developer knows of the environmental impact of transporting cerement. As a result, they’ve identified it as a way to slash their carbon emissions. Due to high-quality and detailed product information, the housing developer is confident the cement will contribute to an environmentally-sound project.

On the other side of the coin, the other developer is browsing a product page for cement from a different vendor. However, the product page misses key details. Right enough, the developer isn’t convinced.

Consequently, to avoid environmentally damaging rebuilds or an overorder of cement, they look to a more environmentally-savvy, modern merchant.

Display green credentials with PIM

The second merchant managed their product information within spreadsheets and their ERP. Because of the complexity of building materials, their spreadsheets are muddled and inefficient.

This means products are difficult to manage and keeping track of vital sustainability data is impossible. As a result, sustainability information becomes an afterthought. Does this sound familiar?

In contrast, the first merchant uses a Product Information Management (PIM) system to manage their products. By using a PIM like Pimberly, they’re able to handle unlimited product attributes quickly and add new ones to meet changing sustainability demands.

Furthermore, Pimberly’s powerful data governance and workflows mean they’ll never launch a product missing key sustainability information. As a result, they’re able to easily manage their product’s green credentials to support their customers deliver sustainable projects.

By integrating the best modern eCommerce technology, they’re able to become a trusted merchant in the supply chain. Consequently, not only will you allow end-users to create net zero buildings, but you’ll become a reputable retailer in a competitive sector.

Easily Update Product Information to Stay Compliant

PIM provides a centralized platform to manage your product information. From the platform (accessible from any web browser), you’re easily able to respond to changes in environmental policy.

As sustainability requirements are continuously reviewed and updated, keeping track of your products so they’re compliant with regulations is simple with PIM. Not only will you be trusted throughout the supply chain but you’ll also avoid any costly fines or penalties.

This is because, with a PIM system like Pimberly, you’re able to make updates to products in seconds. You have a comprehensive overview of all of your products, accessible from an intuitive user interface.

For instance, if new environmental regulation is introduced or certification is required, you’ll be able to bulk update your products when necessary. By streamlining the process, you efficiently update important environmental policy requirements as and when you need to.

Seamlessly update sustainability information across all sales channels

PIM systems such as Pimberly manage product information across unlimited channels, too. So, if you’re also selling stock on Amazon, eBay, or ManoMano, you have confidence your sustainability data is reflected across all of your sales channels.

Reduce Waste by Digitizing Product Catalogs

Physical product catalogs have a massive impact on the environment. To commit to sustainability and the UK net zero strategy, physical product catalogs are becoming a thing of the past.

A report by Elastic Suite estimated about ‘184.1 billion doubles-sided catalogue pages are produced by companies across 16 key manufacturing verticals’.

Producing this many catalogs requires 46.3 million trees, which ‘uses 53.5 billion gallons of water’, totalling 1.37 million tonnes of solid waste. It’s no surprise to see Screwfix recently abandoned its printed catalog.

Pimberly Catalogs: Tradition meets innovation

At Pimberly, we know the value of catalogs to builders’ merchants. The good news is, with the help of an additional module, Pimberly transforms your existing product catalogs into a PDF.

The Pimberly Catalog module cuts waste and automation, saving your team time and money. By replacing cumbersome catalogs with automated PDFs, you’ll save valuable resources and showcase your commitment to net zero emissions.

Pimberly makes it easy to enrich products so they’re catalog-ready, too. Pimberly’s governance and data standardization tools ensure your products will always be displayed with the proper environmental information. Put simply, your customers will know what they’re getting!

When all is said and done, PDF files don’t end up in a landfill or skip. So, reduce waste and cut CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain with digital catalogs.

Store Sustainability and Energy Certification in the Pimberly DAM

Pimberly also comes equipped with Digital Asset Management (DAM) capabilities. This means, storing pictures and videos next to the corresponding product is a breeze.

So, not only does this mean you engage customers with high-quality product content, but you also store the correct energy certification, too.

This includes:

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) for timber
• Energy Saving Trust Recommended certification for energy-efficient product
• Carbon Trust certification
• Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification for sustainable building
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for building design
• ISO 14001 certification
• Rainforest Alliance certification for agriculture

Pimberly’s DAM makes displaying key net zero certification straightforward. As a result, your customers are able to make informed choices when purchasing products.

Pimberly’s Spec & Sell Sheets

Pimberly’s data sheets work are produced in a similar way to the Catalog module. Intelligent automation takes your product data from Pimberly, turning it into product data sheets. The same technology means creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) is straightforward.

But, we know these sheets are often complicated. After all, they track the entire life cycle of a product and demonstrate its impact on the environment. This includes details about the product’s global warming potential, smog creation, and ozone depletion. The construction sector needs all of this information to help achieve the net zero target.

In addition, these product data sheets are stored in the Pimberly DAM. So, they’ll always be assigned to the correct product.

Key Points

Communicate your commitment to sustainability with a Product Information Management system. Increasing the visibility of your sustainability credentials with a PIM/DAM solution will help construction sector safeguard the future of the planet and hit net zero emissions targets.

In addition, by using a PIM to manage and enrich your product information and digital assets, you’ll be a trusted point in the supply chain. As a result, your business will secure repeat customers, allowing your business to grow from strength to strength.

Modern problems require modern solutions. Support sustainable net zero construction projects with the best tech of today. Book a demo to get started!