Inriver, a leading product information management (PIM) solution provider, has released a global research report titled AI: From Experimentation to Execution – The State of AI in Product Information Management. Based on insights from 317 product, marketing, and technology executives, the report highlights the widespread adoption of AI in PIM workflows, its impact on customer trust, and the strategies distinguishing leaders from laggards in leveraging AI for product data optimization.
97% of companies have moved beyond AI pilot programs in PIM.
83% integrate AI into multiple systems and workflows for efficiency.
87% report increased customer trust in product content with AI adoption.
Over 80% see moderate to significant revenue gains from AI-driven PIM.
50% of companies use structured human oversight for AI workflows.
U.S. firms prioritize autonomous AI, while Europe emphasizes governance.
The report reveals that 97% of surveyed companies have progressed beyond AI pilot programs, with 83% integrating AI into multiple PIM systems and workflows. This near-universal adoption underscores AI’s shift from experimental to operational, enabling businesses to streamline product data management. According to Rohit Goyal, CEO of Inriver, “This research confirms what we see across our customer base every day: AI is no longer theoretical. It is embedded into how organizations connect, scale, and optimize product data across their ecosystems.”
A key finding is the significant boost in customer trust, with 87% of respondents noting improved trust in product content since adopting AI. This stems from AI’s ability to enrich data, validate content, and provide performance analytics, ensuring consistent and reliable product experiences. However, 68% of companies still rely on indirect metrics like CSAT scores to measure trust, indicating a need for more robust, outcome-based benchmarks as AI maturity evolves.
Inriver’s research identifies varied approaches to AI integration: 50% of companies employ structured human oversight, 24% use autonomous AI for specific tasks, and 26% blend automation with human checkpoints. Governance remains critical, with 50% of firms maintaining direct human oversight to balance efficiency and accountability. Goyal emphasizes, “Winning with AI means aligning strategy with your business realities. The goal is not perfection, but profitable growth, speed, and trust.”
The report highlights distinct AI strategies across regions and sectors. U.S. companies lean toward autonomous AI to prioritize operational efficiency, while European firms favor integrated AI with human oversight, reflecting stricter data governance priorities. Manufacturing and e-commerce sectors lead in AI integration, whereas retailers and distributors adopt a more cautious approach. These variations underscore the need for tailored AI strategies to align with specific business and regulatory contexts.
Inriver’s AI assistant, Inspire, plays a pivotal role in enabling these capabilities, supporting content onboarding, generation, and distribution at scale. By integrating AI across its platform, Inriver helps businesses manage complex product data ecosystems, driving efficiency and growth. The report reinforces that controlling product data with AI and digital shelf insights enables enterprises to deliver impactful customer experiences across all touchpoints.
Inriver’s research highlights AI’s transformative role in PIM, with widespread adoption driving efficiency, trust, and revenue growth. By balancing innovation with governance, leading companies are leveraging AI to optimize product experiences and stay competitive in the digital commerce landscape.
Inriver is the Product Information Management (PIM) solution that empowers brands, manufacturers, and retailers to take control of the product data current and turn complexity into competitive advantage. Its AI-powered, scalable platform connects seamlessly to upstream systems and downstream channels, enabling continuous optimization of product experiences across every touchpoint. Trusted by more than 1600 global brands, Inriver accelerates time-to-market, enhances customer experience, and fuels profitable growth.
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