Overview of functions and properties

Pimalion: a complete software suite

  • Global collaborative content management and editing solution: from sourcing to publishing
  • All-in-one solution: PIM + DAM + ETL + dynamic multi-channel content creation. Which makes it a unique proposition.
  • SaaS (or PaaS) platform for managing product information and industrialising the construction of online and offline multi-channel publications
  • Multi-label or multi-store platform, with multi-lingual or multi-version content
  • Multilingual interface adaptable to meet the needs of each user
  • Platform integrating a complete module for annotating publications and approving online content
  • Management of imports and exports of data, documents and publications
  • Platform with integrated DAM and PIM database modules, ETL and technical connectors
  • Powerful integrated graphics engine generating a specific rendering of any content for digital, web or print
  • Platform incorporating a module for annotating, validating and revising online publications
  • A range of configuration tools: for users, entities, statuses, publications, annotations, tags, graphic tools: presentation grids, template management (templates, snippets, etc.)
  • Information, help and documentation services
  • An existing external API (Application Programming Interface)
  • An user administration interface with profiles, roles and permissions
  • Automatic login management 
  • Administration of user groups for publications and various modules
  • Control of restricted access by user
  • Customised access to different modules, functionalities and information fields via display templates
  • Dashboard, alerts and reporting

Functional modules available with the Pimalion platform

  • PIM = Product Information Management
  • Dynamic referential organisation of products in a database
  • Information management in the form of product/item sheets
  • Assets can be fed directly via a link with the DAM
  • Structure can be differentiated by organisational entity (multi-labels): brand, label, business unit or any requirement unit
  • Advanced display filters for publications, labels, type, taxonomy, brands, etc. 
  • Contextual management by language version and/or version linked to a destination (medium, channel)
  • Possible application of a cross-disciplinary data principle and possible updating at multi-channel level 
  • Multi-criteria search engine ("and/or"): name, reference, all possible fields, description, language, nomenclature (taxonomy), etc.
  • Search filters by: version, channel, language, entity type, entity status, brand criteria, classification, date, missing information, archives
  • Display of "responsive content" in relation to the target channel and device
  • Management of data models to obtain contextual product sheets at a nomenclature level
  • Option lists can be created (mini database)
  • Management of function and field display models by user and role
  • Dynamic management of information fields
  • Management of field completeness measurement, overall or by destination (web, print, digital), and entity status
  • Display of completion rate indicators by product or item
  • Product reference master and possible variations by medium or channel
  • Comparison of product versions by language, channel and/or publication
  • Mechanisms or display templates, such as promotional offers, can be taken into account and presented by product
  • Creation and management of calculated fields
  • Data consultation and enrichment interfaces
  • Configurable interfaces according to the user's choice of language and preferences
  • Complete management of nomenclature(s) possible by label or destination (web, print, digital)
  • Configurable product/item/collection file
  • Differentiated management of item references, products or various combinations of items or products (bundle, collection, various combinations)
  • Assignment of products to a print, digital or web publication
  • Dynamic, cross-referenced management of tables linked to a group of items
  • History of product use in publications generated by the platform
  • History of creations and modifications to the preset field
  • Product preview via graphic or pdf templates depending on the publication channel
  • Creation of display templates in html and css

More about PIM

  • DAM = Digital Asset Management
  • Collaborative solution for archiving, integrating and sharing files of all types and formats of digital assets
  • Reference database with single or multiple identifiers (reference, code, EAN, key)
  • Organisation and sharing of data at all levels: international, national, local, but also several entities (brands, business units) can share files and documents in whole or in part
  • Access to data can be limited by an integrated, highly sophisticated rights management function
  • Archiving of all multimedia files: search, consultation and retrieval
  • Upload and download files via import or from a publication
  • Automated feed via naming rules for PIM and product sheets
  • The DAM natively supports all common file formats. Some media file types: photos (jpeg, png, eps, etc.), bitmaps, videos, animations, sounds, vectors, PDF files, documents (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), 3D files, etc. Supporting the following file types : ai, arw, avi, bmp, cr2, crw, csv, dcr, dng, doc, docx, eps, gif, indd, jpg, jpeg, k25, kdc, m2v, m4v, mef, mos, mov, mp3, mp4, mpg, mpeg, mrw, nef, orf, pcn, pdf, pef, ppt, pptx, png, psd, pxn, qxd, rar, raw, sit, sitx, sr2, srf, swf, tif, wav, wmv, wma, xlx, xlxs, zip
  • Multilingual management
  • Mass file management capability
  • Asset files can be managed by folder
  • #Tag management, file copyright and image watermarking
  • Transformations and processing options: cutting, cropping, clipping, etc.
  • Full text indexing of PDFs and Word documents
  • Advanced multi-criteria search engine and query logging
  • Image transparency preview button
  • Classification and search of media by type
  • Integration of an AI function for automatic search and naming of unidentified and multi-subject images
  • Automatic recognition of subjects, objects, words (OCR), logos, colours, etc.
  • Asset search possible via the PIM (on all fields or predefined fields)
  • Different search modes possible: by label, channel, publication, supplier, brand, taxonomy, etc.
  • Usage history management
  • Find digital assets in their latest version and offer the most recent version of each asset
  • Connection with various Cloud Drives: SharePoint, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
  • Mass upload of files
  • Management of export formats and file sending formats
  • Automatic association of media with products according to a naming convention
  • Manual or automatic possible renaming of media (according to predefined naming rules)
  • Metadata management (IPTC)
  • Management of asset usage validities (rights, geographical zone, user types, etc.)
  • Asset collections management
  • Asset status management (according to customer vocabulary and workflow)
  • User rights management
  • Management of alerts to users possible
  • Automation and transformation of file formats for online and offline publication channels (IPS)
  • Automation of the distribution and updating of digital assets across the various active channels supported by the platform's Planner module or via automatic update feeds (e.g. via API)
  • File manager for viewing and organizing files by folder
  • Workspace can be created for workflow and collaboration  
  • Cleaning of duplicate files
  • Resources can be geolocated 
  • Management of a 'basket' (assets, pages, products) for sending documents such as assets or PDFs by e-mail and download function
  • Mass media exports with conversion (type and format)
  • Media lifecycle management (workflows). Example: image to be clipped, image to be chromed, sample to be planned, ambient photo, etc.
  • DEM (Dam Event Monitoring) micro-service = asset movement management.
    Generic DAM event management service (adding, moving, modifying and deleting assets). The DAM connects to the various DAMs and synchronises events on the online platform:
    - External DAM (a company's local server)
    - DropBox DAM
    - Sftp DAM
    - Online DAM ...
    It should be noted that the Pimalion DAM can also be synchronised on a company's various remote sites (e.g. agencies).
  • IPS (Image Processing Service) micro-service = image processing and document indexing.
    High-performance, self-scaling image processing service.
    The IPS can analyse, process and create most image formats.
    A throughput of 100,000 HD images (5MB PSD) /hour has been achieved in recent operations.
    Depending on the customer's needs, it will be possible, for example, to create web-ready PNG formats as well as print-ready formats from EPS or PSD formats. It can also process IPTC/XMP metadata, and index this metadata in the DAM.
  • Connection and synchronisation with existing information systems (DAM, ERP, PLM, CRM, CMS, etc.)
  • Automatic file import module via sFTP
  • Permission management by user profile
  • Annotation of assets and possible status management
  • Information and preview on the use of images in web, print and digital publications
  • Image transparency preview button
  • Listing of all uses and access to support
  • Unlimited storage capacity
  • User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and an adaptive user interface based on user type to provide role-specific views of data
  • Intelligent image classifier. It detects the main image that best represents the product. It analyses diagrams, atmospheres and cropped products to select the image offering the best visibility and understanding of the product.
  • Image recovery. This high-performance image retrieval tool focuses on searching for images from official brand sites and those available on various marketplaces. This method gives us confidence in the rights to use the images, guaranteeing responsible use of the visuals collected.
  • Resolution optimizer. The resolution optimiser, based on the latest deep learning techniques, enables images to be enlarged by up to 5 times their original size while maintaining optimum quality. Thanks to this advanced technology, enlarged images retain remarkable sharpness and detail, providing high-quality visuals for all your applications. What was science fiction just a few years ago is now a reality.
  • Background removal. The automatic clipping tool is capable of removing even complex backgrounds with remarkable precision. Using advanced algorithms, it identifies and isolates the elements of interest, removing distractions and highlighting the main subject. This automatic cropping process greatly simplifies image retouching.
  • Duplicate detection. The duplicate detection tool uses sophisticated algorithms to identify similar images, even when they differ in size, compression or slight colour variations. By analysing key visual characteristics, it is able to identify potential duplicates despite these differences. This avoids redundancies and optimises the management of your visual resources, keeping only the most relevant and highest quality versions.
  • PDF data extractor. Our PDF extraction tool, like the text attribute extractor, is designed to efficiently extract information from data sheets and other PDF documents. Using advanced algorithms, it identifies and extracts key data, such as technical characteristics, specifications and descriptions, making it easier to gather and organise information.

More about DAM

  • ETL = Extract Transform Load
  • Import/Export Excel, CSV, Web Service
  • See also MDM: Sourcing information and products
  • Management of any volume of data
  • Data collection services: scraping, web crawling, web services, APIs
  • Tool for creating and managing nomenclature(s)
  • Semi-automatic data model creation support
  • Mass data processing and organisation
  • Management of anomalies
  • Data conversion tools
  • Management of mapping templates
  • Homogenization of data and values
  • Machine Learning
  • DEX Service (Data Export Management) for managing and creating exports.
    Generic export service, which interfaces Pimalion data exports to various connectors. Any system can be connected on the sole condition that the target has an api or data exchange systems.
    Examples of connectors :
    - CSV, Excel
    - InDesign EasyCatalog (ODBC)
    - Magento, Prestashop, Opencart, WooCommerce
    - Mailchimp
    - ... tailor-made
  • DIS Service (Data Import Service) for managing and creating imports.
    DIS connects external systems that do not have an API.
    This service continuously imports and processes all types of file in order to convert them and import them into the PIM (csv, xsl, xml, json, etc. exports ERPs, e-shops, custom).
    Files can be transmitted via any type of storage.
  • Mass data conversion tool
  • Synchronisation with any other existing information system: ERP, PIM, DAM, CRM, EDI, CMS, etc.

More about ETL

  • MDM = Master Data Management
  • Module for centralizing, acquiring, transforming, consolidating, building, managing and exporting master repository data
  • Built-in ETL (Extract Transform Load) module
  • Automatic power supply to PIM and DAM via integrated connector
  • Data mining tools
  • Support for data exchange formats including Fab-Dis, ETIM, BMEcat and GS1
  • Data recovery via web scraping services
  • On-demand web crawling service
  • AI assistance to promote high-quality data
  • AI support for taxonomy construction and optimisation. Our system brings together the deepest levels of your nomenclature in order to simplify and improve its readability and extract relevant attributes (in facets) for your products. The aim here is to simplify the structure of your nomenclature and to add to your data models attributes considered by our AI as product discriminants
  • AI assistance for semi-automatic classification of products in a taxonomy. Classifying thousands of products is a tedious and time-consuming task. Our assistant ensures that you don't forget any products, but above all makes this task secure and controlled with our AI automata. Several screens are dedicated to this task. Another advantage is that new products are automatically attached to your bill of materials.
  • AI generation: attribute extraction and generation. AI extracts the attributes present in the product's descriptive texts and can fill in the empty attributes from the product's data model. In-depth knowledge of the language enables the values to be aligned with the examples provided in the data model, once the latter has been created.
  • AI generation: extracting attributes from the product title. Sometimes a product has very little information, such as a short title, and this cannot be found on the internet. However, our AI is capable of analyzing this title and deducing relevant attributes, thereby providing a coherent understanding of the product concerned
  • Relevant data structure. Benefit from a clearer, more efficient data structure, making it easier to exploit your information.
  • Creation and optimisation of nomenclature via scraping of reference websites
  • Taxonomy manager (structure and vocabulary)
  • Automated grouping of products/items in the nomenclature
  • Generator of texts composed of keywords useful for SEO
  • Grouping of common article information at product level
  • Easy mass attachment of products to the nomenclature
  • Management of semantic and value anomalies
  • Data standardization, unit conversion, typographical transformation, etc.
  • Generation of product sheet presentations in PDF or HTML format
  • Product de-duplication
  • Semi-automatic generation of complex data models at attribute level
  • Assistance with the creation of e-commerce facets
  • Image retrieval and image search assistance
  • Measurement and monitoring of data quality (completeness, structure, key/value) and volume, KPIs
  • Value (price) comparison module
  • Generation of data histories and versions
  • KPI: graph of product completeness scoring by supplier and/or brand
  • Connection and transfer of data to Pimalion publication production tools
  • Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Asset renaming by EAN code or product reference
  • Productivity support functions: mass entry, search/replace, move, etc.
  • Data acquisition and update interfaces (external sources, suppliers)

More about MDM

  • DPS = Document Publishing Service
  • A set of services and functionalities for managing, building and supplying all the media and channels involved in a multi-channel marketing strategy
  • Unlimited creation of different communication channels at Planner level to cover all communication needs
  • Take into account the technical specificities of publications or media by type of channel
  • ETL import content into a publication
  • Publication content can be exported in the desired format (e.g. Xls)
  • Principle of transversality applicable: automatic updating of information from one channel to another
  • Multi-channel channel. Automated creation of channels, automatic breakdown of products into channels via ETL and automatic creation of media
  • Content duplication tool for each level of digital or print publication
  • Management of different types of publication
  • Digital publishing (grid display): e-catalogue, e-publication, e-media, mobile application, digital signage, newsletter, social media, etc. Generation of offers in suitable digital format (jpeg, etc.) based on pre-formatted snippets
  • Print publishing (page display): catalogue/folder with "chemin de fer", automatic catalogue "catalogbuilder", POS "poster formats", etc. Generation of offers in the appropriate print format (pdf, etc.) based on pre-formatted snippets
  • Web publishing (grid display): CMS, e-commerce site, e-shop, landing page, one page, etc. Generation of offers and content in the appropriate format (xml, etc.) based on pre-formatted snippets
  • Multilingual publication creation function and ability to create new versions during production
  • Management of the page and content path for a print publication, including all possible modification operations
  • Modes for displaying the rail path as a panel or grid
  • Automatic loading of PDFs for each print publication by simply uploading them to the server
  • Management of favourite publications
  • Old publications can be archived or restored
  • PDF export of pages and publications
  • Data export interface for defining the content to be exported and the desired export formats
  • Retention of the history of all operations carried out

More about DPS

  • MPT = Multichannel Publishing Tool
  • PLANNER organization module for organizing all the publications managed in Pimalion
  • The centralized organisation of online and offline print, web and digital publications, with automatic display of the status of each medium
  • Planning, editing and classification by name and date. Management of the Promotional Activation Plan (folders, point of sale material, web, online publication, digital applications, etc.)
  • Any new publication can be created in the "Planner" module with all the appropriate characteristics depending on the type of channel and medium (digital, web or print).
  • Unlimited creation of different communication channels in the "Planner" module to cover all communication needs
  • Permanent publication (e.g. commercial site) or temporary limited publication (e.g. promotion)
  • Automatically take into account the technical specificities of publications or media by type of channel
  • Creation of publication trees and possible publication paths by label (or type of entity, business unit), for example "Label > Operation > Support > Action code".
  • Import of publication content via ETL module
  • Publication content can be exported in the desired format (e.g. Xls)
  • Content management by campaign, operation, channel, medium, etc.
  • Principle of transversality applicable: automatic updating of information from one channel to another
  • Multi-channel: automatic declination of channels, automated ventilation of products into channels via ETL and automatic creation of media
  • Content duplication tool for each level of digital or print publication
  • Management of different publication statuses
  • Multilingual publication creation function and ability to create new versions during production
  • Management of favourite publications
  • Old publications can be archived or restored
  • Data export interface for defining the content to be exported and the desired export formats
  • Retention of the history of all operations carried out

More about MPT

  • PAT = Publication Approval Tool
  • Collaborative online verification and approval application integrated into the production workflow of publications
  • Creation of specific workflows between the various parties involved in a project ("reviewers" or "contributors") to facilitate corrections and annotations. Possibility of creating as many workflows as required, with as many different stages as necessary
  • Rights management system for the different types of profile involved in the approval process
  • Automatic alerting and emailing of the information concerned, with direct access to the document and information concerned by the annotation and notification
  • Direct access to the PIM module for direct modification of product sheet content
  • Direct access to the DAM module for direct modification of document assets
  • Automatic notification system: grouping of corrections and automatic dispatch of corrections and modifications grouped into one or more dispatches, as required
  • Management of several review stages for different groups of users depending on each project
  • Set up review stages and automated workflows between reviewers
  • Comparison of different reviews (before/after corrections or modifications)
  • Validation of annotations and modifications
  • System for exchanging comments and files (chat) for annotations and information on modifications and actions to be taken
  • User group settings
  • Ability to create automatic reminders
  • Page and product status management
  • Annotations can be tracked and communicated in different ways: either individually (by product), grouped (by page) or globally (by publication), or a combination of the three
  • Notification management by user group
  • Indication of elements to be modified by pointer or by square zone concerned ("post-it" system)
  • Help in locating items by zooming in
  • Various possible navigation modes: from page to page, from publication to publication

More about PAT

Pimalion multi-channel publishing channels

  • Channel for handling and managing all kind of "printed" media: magazines, folders, catalogues, posters, flyers, mailings, etc.
  • DTP (Design Tool Publishing or desktop publishing) connector for page layout. InDesign connector via ODBC EasyCatalog (65Bit). Webservice also available.
  • For multi-page publications, the print channel offers a multi-functional railway of the printed publication in question with different possible views (panel, facing pages, the entire publication, etc.)
  • Automatic integration and display in the railway view of the publication of PDFs or PNGs per page from the DTP ( simply by depositing them in an adhoc folder
  • Powerful, fully-integrated graphics engine enabling publication creation without the need for page-layout software
  • Content management (text and images) linked to the PIM and DAM modules: integration, change management, information modification, etc. With results displayed both in the Indesign page and in the Pimalion work interface
  • Automatic creation of a multi-page publication and automated management of the publication path (railway) (order by page, order of content produced) by integrating an Excel file (via ETL) or other possible methods
  • Creation and management of page grids for product organisation. Unlimited possibilities
  • Management of page backgrounds with possible import of PDFs and customization in wysiwyg mode
  • Creation of product presentation layout templates and page layouts based on an imposed graphic charter
  • CatalogBuilder. Integrated software for fully automated catalogue construction based on preliminary configuration. Organisation based on a nomenclature tree. Specific management interface. Unlimited number of pages, management of sections, columns, automatic page breaks, possibility of adding "placeholders", easy integration of banner pages and inserts, etc. Generated in full compliance with the desired graphic charter. Extremely fast execution, incredible page (re)construction performance.
  • ProductBuilder. Allows you to manage any product template based on a graphic charter. Powerful, dynamic rendering engine, wysiwyg mode and immediate display of results. Management of fonts, promotional mechanics, item table displays, highlights, product group presentations, multiple or asset presentations, animations, etc. Very fast generation of very large quantities of different products. Results displayed in the PIM (by type of channel, media, version) and possibility of saving in the DAM
  • Management of product placement and positions on a given page, modification of place, modification of the template applied and of the page (with annotation tracking). Interface for managing grids and product placement in grids, at publication level
  • Immediate preview of page layout based on product placement instructions (Excel file)
  • Download individual pages on request or a complete publication in PDF format
  • Management of pagination and page positions
  • Automated management, centrally and/or locally, of display operations, static or dynamic, digital or not, for central communication or at the point of sale (displays, screens, etc.)
  • Creation of displays based on predefined templates ("snippet- or template management") by product, individually or in bulk
  • Powerful graphics engine for generating all types of online and offline document
  • ProductBuilder. Allows you to manage any product template based on a graphic charter. Powerful, dynamic rendering engine, wysiwyg mode and immediate display of results. Management of fonts, promotional mechanics, item table displays, highlights, product group presentations, multiple or asset presentations, animations, etc. Very fast generation of very large quantities of different products. Results displayed in the PIM (by type of channel, media, version) and possibility of saving in the DAM
  • Possibility of automatically generating and declining a publication from the PRINT channel to the POS channel
  • Automatic generation of the formats required: PDF, JPEG, PNG, and any other format on request
  • Control interface for generated posters and preview by page and products in a catalogue, leaflet, etc., with content modification possible (PIM and DAM link)
  • Preview of product layout results in all desired formats and language versions
  • Local interface for autonomous management of documents to be produced (print) or published (digital application)
  • Can be connected to all types of digital signage systems or any broadcasting system open to data transfer
  • Connection with industry-standard CMS (Content Management System)
  • Pimalion can be used as a CMS by itself
  • Manage and feed websites, e-commerce sites, CMS, e-shops, etc. in conjunction with PIM and DAM modules
  • Interface for previewing and checking content and rendering before going online
  • Easy import products into a publication from the PIM or an Excel file
  • Possibility of previewing and modifying the graphic rendering of information (products) from the PIM
  • Automatic updating of data according to the principle of transversality, to avoid duplication of corrections and modifications
  • ProductBuilder. Allows you to manage any product template based on a graphic charter. Powerful, dynamic rendering engine, wysiwyg mode and immediate display of results. Management of fonts, promotional mechanics, item table displays, highlights, product group presentations, multiple or asset presentations, animations, etc. Very fast generation of very large quantities of different products. Results displayed in the PIM (by type of channel, media, version) and possibility of saving in the DAM
  • Tool for approving and creating comments
  • Simulation of the final display in Pimalion (specific interface)
  • CMS connectors : Shopify, Magento, Prestashop, Odoo, etc.
  • Connectors for CRM or marketing automation solutions: Salesforce, Odoo, Actito, etc.
  • This channel meets the specific requirements and technical constraints of digital publications
  • Handles content management and flows to any digital medium or application (via export or API): digital signage, mobile applications, emailing tools, etc.
  • Assistance with the html and css rendering engine for the creation of all digital publication formats
  • ProductBuilder. Allows you to manage any product template based on a graphic charter. Powerful, dynamic rendering engine, wysiwyg mode and immediate display of results. Management of fonts, promotional mechanics, item table displays, highlights, product group presentations, multiple or asset presentations, animations, etc. Very fast generation of very large quantities of different products. Display of the result in the PIM (by type of channel, media, version) and possibility of saving in the DAM
  • Preview of products to be published and automated export in the desired format (HTML, PNG, JPEG, etc.)
  • Search engine to facilitate modifications directly linked to the PIM, DAM and publications
  • Real-time product rendering interface (preview)
  • Transversality rules taken into account, to enable automatic updates and modifications from another channel and/or to be applied to other channels
  • Simulation of the rendering in Pimalion (PIM and web channel publication) of the proposed or final display
  • Possible connection via API with all market applications
  • A channel that meets the specific requirements and technical constraints of CRM applications
  • Can be connected to any CRM system on the market (Salesforce, Odoo, Actito, etc.)
  • Data feed for different marketing automation platforms according to their specific requirements
  • Product preview in the format to be displayed
  • Use of the graphics html/css engine to manage display templates
  • Mass creation of any product rendering using an internal tool and sending of files in the required formats
  • Real-time interface for displaying products and results
  • Possible connection via API with all market applications
  • Simulation in Pimalion of the rendering display ready for publication
  • Possible connection with the all the market's CMS standards to control your platform from Pimalion
  • Manage and feed websites, e-commerce sites, e-shops, etc. in conjunction with PIM and DAM modules, enabling rapid updates
  • Interface for previewing and checking content and rendering before confirming online publication
  • Import of products into the channel in a publication from the PIM or an Excel file (ETL)
  • Content from a CMS publication managed by Pimalion can be exported in the selected format at any time
  • Management of the graphic presentation of information (products) from the PIM and the DAM
  • Automatic updating of data according to the principle of transversality
  • Simulation of the final display in Pimalion