Simplifiers podcast - Season 1 - Episode 8

Episode transcript:

What Is Product Data?

[Amel]
Product data is a collection of small pieces of information gathered across different parts of a company. Traditionally, it hasn’t been seen as meaningful—just something to collect.

But that often leads to gaps and inconsistencies. Product experience, on the other hand, is where this data becomes valuable—helping customers make better decisions and interact with products.

[Hanna-Mari]
Exactly. Product data is the foundation of omnichannel consistency. Without accurate data, it’s very difficult to create good customer experiences.

From Back Office to Experience

[Amel]
In the past, product data was simple—color, size, maybe a few details. But now, with digital channels and services, we need much richer product information.

That data supports everything from online stores to customer service and post-purchase experiences.

The Challenge of Scale

[Hanna-Mari]
When dealing with thousands or even millions of products, how do companies balance standardization with flexibility?

[Amel]
Each company builds product data in its own way. But when working with multiple retailers, those differences create friction.

Standardization is essential—but difficult. That’s why tools like PIM systems exist. Still, there’s a lot of manual work involved. I call it the “Excel wars.”

The Reality Behind the Frontend

[Amel]
No matter how polished a digital storefront looks, there’s often a lot of manual effort behind it—fixing errors, updating details, and maintaining consistency.

This work never ends. Product data is not a one-time task—it’s continuous.

The Cost of Inaccurate Data

[Amel]
Even small pieces of missing information can impact decisions.

I remember a case where a single removed product detail caused customer complaints—because that detail was critical for comparison.

You never know which data point matters most to a customer.

Brand vs Retail Reality

[Amel]
Brands invest heavily in storytelling and positioning. But in retail environments, products are placed side by side with competitors.

That makes consistency and accuracy even more important. You need to stand out while still fitting into standardized formats.

Control and Collaboration

[Amel]
When brands hand over product data to retailers, they lose some control over how their products are presented.

That’s why collaboration is key. Instead of rigid demands, suppliers and retailers need to work together to create the best possible outcome.

Responsibility Starts with Purpose

[Amel]
Responsibility begins with asking: are you proud of what you sell?

Whether it’s quality, sustainability, or price, companies need to define their values—and reflect them in their product data and offerings.

Transparency as Competitive Advantage

[Amel]
Transparency means consistency across all touchpoints—stores, reports, and communications.

When companies present the same story everywhere, they build trust and credibility.

Digital Product Passports

[Amel]
Digital product passports will provide deeper insight into products—materials, production, logistics, and lifecycle.

This will help consumers make better choices and support sustainability, reuse, and repair.

Don’t Panic — Start Mapping

[Amel]
Many companies worry they don’t have enough data for upcoming regulations.

But most already have the data—it’s just scattered across the organization.

The first step is to identify and centralize it.

Ownership and Source of Truth

[Hanna-Mari]
Who owns data quality?

[Amel]
Everyone shares responsibility—but there must be a clear source of truth.

Centralizing data and maintaining it in one place helps reduce errors and inefficiencies.

Incomplete vs Incorrect Data

[Amel]
It’s okay to share incomplete data—but not incorrect data.

Incorrect information can cause serious issues, while incomplete data can be updated later.

Regulation as Opportunity

[Amel]
Regulations like digital product passports can feel overwhelming—but they also create opportunities.

They can drive innovation, improve sustainability, and open new business models.

Standing Out Through Transparency

[Amel]
Even simple products can differentiate through transparency—showing where materials come from, how products are made, and what values guide production.

Responsible Simplicity

[Amel]
Simplicity in retail isn’t about showing less—it’s about showing the right information clearly and consistently.

Trust comes from making complex data understandable and accessible.

Closing

[Amel]
Product data is no longer a back-office task—it’s the backbone of customer experience and a reflection of business transparency and trust.

This was Simplifiers, brought to you by Solteq. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with someone curious about what happens behind the “add to cart” button.