Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Bertsch Innovation, mediacockpit and PIM and DAM in general. You are also welcome to take a look at our blog. If your question is not listed, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
1. Terms
PIM stands for Product Information Management. It refers to a software solution designed to streamline the maintenance, organization, and storage of product data in a centralized system. A PIM system enables businesses to efficiently manage product information and distribute it across various sales and marketing channels—such as e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and print catalogs—helping reduce time to market and ensure consistency across touchpoints.
Learn more about how a PIM system works and the key benefits it can offer your organization.
A Digital Asset Management (DAM) system enables companies to efficiently organize, store, manage, and distribute digital assets—such as images, videos, audio files, graphics, and documents—across various channels.
Key benefits include centralized asset management, version control, standardized import processes, and channel-specific export capabilities. By streamlining the handling of media assets, a DAM system significantly enhances productivity, ensures brand consistency, and improves overall operational efficiency.
Learn more in our article: “What is DAM?”
A digital asset—also known as a media asset—is any digital file or resource that holds economic or strategic value for a company or organization. Digital assets come in many formats, including images, videos, audio recordings, graphics, designs, logos, and more.
These assets play a vital role in content creation, marketing campaigns, brand communication, and customer engagement. Effectively managing digital assets enables organizations to maintain brand consistency, improve operational efficiency, and achieve their business objectives.
Channel Management (CM) refers to the oversight and coordination of all sales channels. To provide customers with broad access to available products, a wide range of distribution paths must be utilized. By leveraging various channels such as online shops, apps, catalogs, and more, businesses can eliminate time and location barriers, enabling customers to access product information and make purchases anytime and in any format. Learn more about channel management with mediacockpit.
PXM stands for Product Experience Management. It focuses on creating and optimizing a consistent customer experience with products or services across various channels and touchpoints. PXM is a strategic approach aimed at enhancing the product experience throughout the entire customer lifecycle by delivering relevant, engaging, and consistent product information and presentation. The goal is to create a positive customer experience, increase satisfaction, and foster long-term customer loyalty. Learn more about Product Experience Management (PXM).
Master Data Management (MDM) is the process of managing and maintaining master data throughout its entire lifecycle to ensure that the data is consistent, accurate, up-to-date, and reliable. In other words, MDM is the method or process used to ensure the quality and consistency of master data, while master data refers to the specific types of information used within a company that are managed through MDM.
The terms PXM, PIM, DAM, MDM, and PCM all relate to different aspects of information management within organizations, particularly in the context of product data and content. While these concepts are closely interconnected and may overlap, each has its own specific focus and area of application.
Master data refers to the core information about key areas of a business. This includes data on customers, suppliers, employees, or locations. Master data is essential for the proper functioning of various business processes and systems.
Workflow management refers to the planning, execution, monitoring, and control of workflows within an organization, involving all relevant stakeholders. It enables businesses to standardize, automate, and optimize their processes, leading to more efficient resource utilization, faster task completion, and improved customer satisfaction.
Data syndication refers to the process of exchanging or distributing data between different companies or organizations to expand its availability and use. This typically involves sharing structured data—such as product information, pricing, availability, and other relevant details—with various sales channels, platforms, or partners. Efficient data syndication allows businesses to increase their reach and enhance their competitive position.
Digital Shelf Analytics refers to the analysis of data related to the online presence of products on digital shelves or platforms. This analysis includes a range of metrics and key performance indicators that help companies understand and optimize the performance of their products in the digital space. Overall, Digital Shelf Analytics is a critical component of e-commerce, enabling businesses to effectively present, optimize, and market their products online. By leveraging data insights, companies can make informed decisions to enhance product visibility, appeal, and performance—ultimately driving online sales growth.
2. All about mediacockpit
mediacockpit is a platform designed to manage, enrich, and distribute all product-related data and digital assets. It functions as a single source of truth for product information and content, forming the foundation for high-quality output that supports an optimal customer experience across all touchpoints. Learn more about the features and benefits of mediacockpit.
PIM stands for Product Information Management. It refers to a software solution designed to streamline the maintenance, organization, and storage of product data in a centralized system. A PIM system enables businesses to efficiently manage product information and distribute it across various sales and marketing channels—such as e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and print catalogs—helping reduce time to market and ensure consistency across touchpoints.
Learn more about how a PIM system works and the key benefits it can offer your organization.
A PIM system is used to efficiently organize, manage, and distribute product information. Its key advantages include centralized management of all product data, improved data accuracy and consistency, seamless multichannel publishing, and streamlined support for internationalization and localization efforts.
Discover more about how a PIM system can enhance your product information workflows and drive operational efficiency.
mediacockpit features a fully generic data model and is capable of processing virtually any type of data. AutomotivePIM (APIM), on the other hand, is specifically tailored to the Independent Automotive Aftermarket (IAM) and includes a preconfigured data model (covering vehicles and their associations) along with full support for both TecDoc (including IDP) and Auto Care standards. At the same time, it offers a flexible data model designed to meet common product data requirements beyond the IAM sector.
There are several ways to import data into a PIM system. In addition to manual entry, data can be uploaded using Excel spreadsheets or CSV files. Many PIM systems also support integration with external platforms—such as ERP systems, supplier portals, or other data sources—through standardized interfaces or APIs, enabling automated and efficient data synchronization.
mediacockpit offers a built-in AI connector that can seamlessly integrate with any AI model supporting the OpenAI REST interface—such as ChatGPT, Llama, Mistral, and others.
AI prompts can be created and managed directly within mediacockpit, allowing users to tailor them to specific content generation needs. Whether it’s for creating product descriptions, marketing copy, or other types of content, prompts can be customized based on context and output goals.
Additionally, AI-powered translations can be executed directly within the platform, streamlining multilingual content creation and localization processes.
We recommend using mediacockpit as a SaaS solution to ensure a fast and seamless start. In this setup, Bertsch Innovation manages mediacockpit along with related systems such as the database and search server, ensuring a high-performance and secure deployment. Alternatively, the system can also be operated on-premise or within your own cloud environment, for example as a Docker container or Kubernetes deployment. We are happy to discuss all available options with you to help identify the most suitable solution for your needs.
Yes, that is possible. We provide full support in setting up and configuring mediacockpit, regardless of the deployment model you choose.
mediacockpit is a system that fully integrates into your existing digital ecosystem and supports your distribution processes. As a platform for all marketing and commerce activities, mediacockpit follows a consistently integrative approach. It seamlessly enables the distribution of product content across various channels such as print, web, social media, and mobile. Learn more about how it connects to different channels.
mediacockpit offers built-in interfaces to Amazon Marketplace, Intershop, Magento, and Shopware. Additional marketplaces can also be connected through mediacockpit. Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
We have already integrated a wide range of ERP systems using various methods, including direct interfaces such as the SAP Java Connector and RFCs, the SAP HTTP Connector and IDOCs, as well as many systems like Dynamics through our own REST API. Additional systems have been connected via shared hotfolder interfaces with specific data formats. Common mediacockpit interfaces used in ERP integration scenarios include Kafka messaging for modern systems and JDBC. Integration via flat files is also possible—Excel, CSV, and TXT files can be generated by virtually any ERP system and configured for import into mediacockpit.
Yes, we offer both. Our training options range from brief introductory sessions during the sales process to customized developer workshops that address specific use cases in a hands-on format.
Typical training programs include:
– User training (covering the full mediacockpit platform or focused specifically on DAM or PIM requirements).
– Configuration and administration training (building on user training) for setting up data models and other configuration aspects of the system.
The possibilities are virtually unlimited. mediacockpit supports a wide range of formats including Excel, CSV, XML, JSON, and PDF. We offer connectors to transmit data via HTTPS, SFTP, and protocols such as CMIS and WebDAV to various systems. Additionally, we provide connectors for Kafka and system hooks that allow direct integration with third-party systems using scripts and custom code.
mediacockpit offers a wide range of plugins, including:
- Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Illustrator, PowerPoint
- Microsoft Office: PowerPoint and Word
- Priint/Comet for database publishing
- CMS platforms such as WordPress
Yes, creating (electronic) catalogs and product data sheets can be easily handled directly within mediacockpit.
3. All about AutomotivePIM
AutomotivePIM is a product content management solution designed specifically for the automotive aftermarket (IAM). APIM provides the spare parts market with a software suite for managing master data, product data, and media assets. The platform efficiently handles exchange formats such as TecDoc, ACES, PIES, MMI, and Fraga, and maps the relationships between spare parts, engines, and vehicles accordingly.
mediacockpit features a fully generic data model and is capable of processing virtually any type of data. AutomotivePIM (APIM), on the other hand, is specifically tailored to the Independent Automotive Aftermarket (IAM) and includes a preconfigured data model (covering vehicles and their associations) along with full support for both TecDoc (including IDP) and Auto Care standards. At the same time, it offers a flexible data model designed to meet common product data requirements beyond the IAM sector.
TecDoc is a leading international database and trading platform for spare parts and components in the automotive aftermarket. It provides comprehensive data on replacement parts for a wide range of vehicle makes and models, including technical specifications, manufacturer details, part numbers, cross-references, and illustrations. TecDoc streamlines the trade of spare parts and components and supports a smooth supply chain for aftermarket distribution.
The Auto Care Association is the data communication standard for North America, encompassing the ACES and PIES standards. It serves the entire supply chain of the automotive aftermarket, including all companies involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of automotive parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials, and supplies, as well as those providing vehicle service, maintenance, and repair.
ACES stands for Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard and provides information about which vehicle or engine a replacement part fits—focusing on compatibility.
PIES stands for Product Information Exchange Standard and is the aftermarket industry’s data standard for managing and transmitting product information—focusing on the product itself.
TAF stands for TecDoc Exchange Format. It defines various tables (also known as record types) that contain information about products, such as product types, attributes, images, and relationships. TAF was the standard format for exchanging TecDoc data for many years but is now being gradually replaced by IDP (Instant Data Processing).
IDP stands for Instant Data Processing. The TecDoc IDP interface is a powerful tool for coordinating different data streams, as it enables real-time data processing. Integrated within the PIM module of mediacockpit, the TecDoc IDP interface represents a groundbreaking solution for connecting Automotive PIM with TecAlliance. The system features bidirectional integration and offers two key capabilities: transmitting data to TecDoc and publishing product data directly, instantly, and without intermediaries.
VIO stands for Vehicles In Operation. This data, available for purchase from sources such as TecAlliance, indicates how many vehicles are registered in specific regions. In the automotive aftermarket, VIO data are frequently used to support data-driven decisions regarding product lifecycle management and portfolio planning.
To access TecDoc data, a contract must be established with TecAlliance. There are two types of contracts: data user agreements, intended for distributors who wish to acquire and process TecDoc data, and data supplier agreements, required for manufacturers who want to submit their product data to TecDoc.
For Auto Care, a similar process applies. A contract or membership with the Auto Care Association is necessary to access and use the reference databases (VCdb, PAdb, PCdb, Qdb).
4. Further Information
A PIM system is used to efficiently organize, manage, and distribute product information. Its key advantages include centralized management of all product data, improved data accuracy and consistency, seamless multichannel publishing, and streamlined support for internationalization and localization efforts.
Discover more about how a PIM system can enhance your product information workflows and drive operational efficiency.
A Digital Asset Management (DAM) system enables companies to efficiently organize, store, manage, and distribute digital assets—such as images, videos, audio files, graphics, and documents—across various channels.
Key benefits include centralized asset management, version control, standardized import processes, and channel-specific export capabilities. By streamlining the handling of media assets, a DAM system significantly enhances productivity, ensures brand consistency, and improves overall operational efficiency.
Learn more in our article: “What is DAM?”
The cost of a PIM system can vary significantly depending on a range of factors. It’s important to distinguish between one-time costs and ongoing expenses. One-time costs typically include setup and implementation, while ongoing costs may involve licensing fees, hosting, and system maintenance.
Setup costs can also differ based on whether you choose a SaaS (cloud-based) or on-premise solution. Because there are many potential configurations and deployment options, it’s difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all estimate.
We’d be happy to help you assess your specific requirements and provide a tailored cost overview. Please feel free to contact us to get started.
The terms PXM, PIM, DAM, MDM, and PCM all relate to different aspects of information management within organizations, particularly in the context of product data and content. While these concepts are closely interconnected and may overlap, each has its own specific focus and area of application.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Product Information Management (PIM) systems serve distinct but complementary purposes. ERP systems are primarily designed to manage core business functions such as finance, inventory, procurement, and supply chain operations.
In contrast, PIM systems focus specifically on the centralized management and distribution of product information—ranging from technical specifications to marketing content. While an ERP handles operational processes, a PIM ensures product data is accurate, enriched, and consistently delivered across all customer-facing channels.
Rather than replacing one another, ERP and PIM systems are often integrated to create a more efficient and comprehensive business ecosystem.
Excel can serve as a temporary, lightweight solution for managing product information—particularly when data volume is low and requirements are minimal. However, as product data becomes more complex and demands increase, Excel quickly reaches its limitations.
A dedicated PIM system offers far greater functionality, scalability, and data security. It’s specifically designed to handle frequent updates, complex data structures, and omnichannel distribution—making it the ideal long-term solution for managing product information and supporting business growth.
For more insights, read our blog article: “Excel at its Limit.”
mediacockpit offers a built-in AI connector that can seamlessly integrate with any AI model supporting the OpenAI REST interface—such as ChatGPT, Llama, Mistral, and others.
AI prompts can be created and managed directly within mediacockpit, allowing users to tailor them to specific content generation needs. Whether it’s for creating product descriptions, marketing copy, or other types of content, prompts can be customized based on context and output goals.
Additionally, AI-powered translations can be executed directly within the platform, streamlining multilingual content creation and localization processes.
Channel Management (CM) is especially valuable for companies that use—or plan to use—a variety of sales channels to effectively market, sell, and distribute their products or services. CM enables the coordination, optimization, and management of these channels to achieve the best possible results. Key benefits include faster time-to-market, consistent brand recognition across all channels through a unified brand strategy, and an optimized customer journey at every touchpoint. Learn more about channel management with mediacockpit.
A workflow management system is software designed to support the tasks of workflow management. It simplifies and automates complex processes, increases process transparency, and ultimately saves both time and costs.
Data mapping is the process of aligning data fields or attributes from a source system with corresponding fields or attributes in a target database, system, or other data destination. The goal of data mapping is to transform and transfer data between different systems, formats, or structures to ensure it is processed accurately and efficiently. Through careful planning and execution, data mapping helps organizations improve the quality, consistency, and reliability of their data and ensures it meets the needs of their business processes.
