3 min. reading

Mastering B2B Product Management: Challenges and Strategies

A 2024 survey by Akeneo has revealed that nearly all B2B companies face significant challenges in product management, particularly in managing product information. This encompasses the difficulties firms encounter in ensuring their product details are accurate, comprehensive, up-to-date, and consistent across various channels and platforms. The study, which involved 650 B2B professionals from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, focused on key areas of B2B product management that firms must master. These challenges may include managing vast amounts of product data, automating processes, fostering team collaboration, timely product launches, and ensuring regulatory compliance in B2B product management practices.

Mastering B2B Product Management: Challenges and Strategies
Source: Depositphotos

Digitalisation Reshapes Expectations

A staggering 90% of B2B firms plan to expand their digital sales strategy over the next two years, indicating that digital transformation is becoming a top business priority. B2B customers increasingly expect self-service options, personalisation, and seamless digital interactions akin to their consumer experiences. Popular digital channels include self-service portals, social media, and product websites.

B2B firms must adapt to customer expectations that demand convenience and personalisation similar to B2C experiences.

Explore critical B2B product management challenges and innovative solutions for 2024. Learn how to streamline processes and boost efficiency.

Source: Akeneo

Product Information Management: The Primary Challenge

For e-commerce professionals, managing accurate and comprehensive product information remains a key issue. The survey identified main pain points, including the application of automation and AI (37%), team collaboration (31%), and timely product launches (28%).

Despite the increasing use of technologies such as Product Information Management (PIM) systems and AI, 40% of companies still manage product data manually. On average, it takes a B2B firm two weeks to gather product data for market launch, with data enrichment taking even longer.

Regulations Slow B2B Product Management Progress

B2B firms grapple with regulatory compliance challenges, with 99% of respondents reporting compliance issues. Key concerns include supply chain management, product data consistency, and discoverability (SEO). Automating compliance processes remains a challenge for 45% of firms, often slowing product launches.

Experience is Paramount

Focusing on delivering engaging and consistent product experiences is crucial for B2B firms. Two-thirds of respondents cite repeat business and conversions as benefits of high-quality product information. Key product content valued by customers includes:

  1. Clearly written product descriptions (79%)
  2. Technical datasheets (78%)
  3. Warranty information (75%)
  4. Customer references (75%)
A 2024 survey by Akeneo has revealed that nearly all B2B companies face significant challenges in product management, particularly in managing product information. This encompasses the difficulties firms encounter in ensuring their product details are accurate, comprehensive, up-to-date, and consistent across various channels and platforms.

Source: Akeneo

For e-commerce, maintaining quality product information across all digital channels is essential for customer satisfaction.

As in the B2C segment, it’s worthwhile to monitor new innovations that enhance the shopping experience. Traditional e-shops, for example, utilise augmented reality. In the future, it’s advisable to consider advanced digital technologies as well.

With digital channels already accounting for nearly 50% of B2B revenue, continued expansion into omnichannel strategies, IoT integration, and adaptable architecture will be essential for future growth.

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