31-01-26

Another abbreviation: PLM software. How does Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) differ from a Product Information Management (PIM) system like Utopis?

Are you torn between a PLM and a PIM system? You’re not alone. Many construction product manufacturers find that technical data stored in a PLM doesn’t automatically translate into clear, consistent communication with architects or customers.
That’s where a PIM like Utopis makes the difference — it connects product information to marketing, sales and specification processes, complete with version control and per-product document storage.

PLM vs. PIM: the same data, different purpose

Both systems manage product data, but they serve very different audiences. A PLM system focuses on development and production, managing designs, prototypes and technical revisions. A PIM system manages information once a product is ready for the market, ensuring that specifications, documentation and visuals reach every channel correctly and consistently.

What manufacturers really need

In the construction industry, accurate and up-to-date product information is key. Architects, contractors and distributors expect 24/7 access to specifications, installation guides and performance data.

That’s why manufacturers often choose to manage their commercial product information with a PIM rather than a PLM.

Utopis offers:

  • Version control for datasheets – every update is archived automatically.
  • Document storage per product entity – including DoPs, DPPs, drawings and certificates.
  • Omnichannel publishing – to websites, specification tools, 2BA, BIM and document templates.
  • Consistent marketing output – ensuring up-to-date texts, visuals and formatting across all platforms.

You maintain one dataset and every department benefits from accurate, consistent data.

Compact comparison of PIM and PLM

Aspect PLM Utopis PIM
Purpose Development and production Sales and communications
Users Engineering, R&D and quality Marketing, sales and specifiers
Data type CAD, bills of material, process data Texts, images, installation guides and tender specifications
(but almost all public data can be stored)
Version control Design changes Datasheets and documentation including archive function
Integrations CAD, ERP Website, datapool, ETIM, DICO, BIM and tender specifications
Customer value Limited, used for internal processes High, direct visibility in the market

Utopis: the commercial alternative for PLM

Already have a PLM? Perfect, Utopis integrates seamlessly. While your PLM ensures technical accuracy, Utopis makes that information understandable, engaging, and accessible to everyone outside your organization.

Haven’t purchased a PLM yet? Utopis is still the right choice to start with. Your marketing department no longer needs to request files from R&D, and sales always has up-to-date specifications at their fingertips.

Utopis bridges the gap between technology and the market, helping you communicate faster, more consistently, and more professionally with prescribers and customers.

Conclusion

A PLM explains how your product works. A PIM shows why it matters to your customer.

With Utopis, you combine both worlds, turning reliable product data into a powerful sales engine.

Responding to digital building standards.

All information available in one place.

All product data available in one platform.

Your product data better found.

Efficiently manage and share product data.

Peter Veldhuizen

Director
peter.veldhuizen@utopis.net

Antoon Siebert

Partner / consultant
antoon.siebert@utopis.net

Maarten Hopman

Consultant civil infrastructure
maarten.hopman@utopis.net

Jeroen Houdé

Front-end developer
jeroen.houde@utopis.net

Mariska van ’t Veer

Administration
mariska.vantveer@utopis.net

Arnout Nijhuis

Advisor product data
arnout.nijhuis@utopis.net

Development department

The backend of Utopis
info@utopis.net

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info@utopis.net

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