Jun 28, 2023
3 min to read
Implementing a PIM system is no easy feat - but ensuring a successful integration can mean great things for not only your business, but for your career as well. In the first of our Rising Star series, hear first-hand how Manon Lemaire embraced PIM implementation as an opportunity to grow and develop her skills, resulting in a promotion to Digital Project Manager.
In today’s competitive business landscape, individuals who are proactive, driven, and adaptable stand out among their peers. We recently had the chance to sit down with one such individual – Manon Lemaire, a rising star who took matters into her own hands, transitioning from a Data Product Owner to a Digital Project Manager at Bongenie Brunschwig. Her journey showcases the power of determination, continuous learning, and embracing new challenges. Let’s dive into her experiences and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.
Manon’s career transformation began when she joined the company as a Data Product Owner and was tasked with implementing a Product Information Management (PIM) system. Previously, she had supported a PIM project at another organization, where she realized the immense possibilities this solution could bring to a business. Intrigued by the structured nature and potential challenges it presented, she recognized the gap within her current company and saw an opportunity to make a difference.
Upon joining her current company, Manon faced significant obstacles. Surprisingly, most of her colleagues had little to no knowledge of what a PIM was or its potential impact. The initial hurdle was gathering data from multiple Excel sheets, a daunting task that required substantial effort. Imagine creating an entire new data structure for a catalog of approximately 10,000 new products every 6 months (amount of data, different types of product, data recovery), that’s what she accomplished. Additionally, change management became a challenge as many employees were unfamiliar with the concept of a PIM. Despite being new to the field, she tackled the challenge head-on, learning and acquiring new skills along the way. This experience taught her the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and relying on experts when needed.
She initiated a comprehensive onboarding process, creating detailed documents (referred to as the “PIM Bible”) with step-by-step instructions and screenshots. These resources enabled each team member to understand their roles and navigate the PIM system effectively. Furthermore, she conducted workshops with internal teams, clarifying any doubts and ensuring everyone was on the same page. Through effective communication and utilizing the expertise of others, she successfully implemented the PIM system within a tight timeframe of four months.
An exemplary project that pushed her professional capabilities was onboarding the PIM system alone within a demanding four-month period.
A turning point in Manon’s journey occurred in May 2022 when the PIM system went live. Seeing everyone embrace the new system and adapt quickly was a profoundly rewarding experience. Inspired by this success, she sought out new challenges, specifically within the project of replatforming the company’s eCommerce website and third-party tools. This initiative involves implementing a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, overseeing merchandising, and developing product recommendation tools. This project allowed her to have a better understanding of product experience as a whole: from ERP, to CX, through PIM, DAM, CRM and e-merchandising.
Manon encountered significant changes and shifts within her role and industry. These included bringing in new team members, replacing legacy technologies, and an increased workload that involved managing the PIM system while transitioning into a managerial position. To adapt, she developed a global vision, strategically placing the PIM system in the company’s overall architecture. By fully embracing the responsibilities of overseeing digital transformation, she honed her capacity to envision the broader landscape and spearhead digital commerce, leveraging Akeneo PIM as a central tool.
The inspiring story of our rising star showcases the transformative power of seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and continuously honing one’s skills. From her humble beginnings as a Data Product Owner to her current role as a Digital Project Manager, she has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience. Through her dedication, empathy, and unwavering passion, she serves as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking success in similar positions. As the industry continues to evolve, her story reminds us of the importance of embracing change and the boundless possibilities that await those who are willing to take control of their own destinies.
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