Open Source PIM Systems Compared - AtroPIM, Pimcore, Akeneo, UnoPIM

Key Takeaways

All four systems are available for on-premises use free of charge and have premium paid offerings. For the on-premise indtances these are available only for AtroPIM and UnoPIM. All systems support multi-language and multi-channel content management.

AtroPIM (developed in Germany)

• Modern, open-source PIM built on the AtroCore platform
• Fully API-centric design for seamless third-party integrations
• Highly configurable and scalable – data model, roles, UI layouts, notifications, etc.
• Mobile-friendly interface with modular structure and premium extensions
• Suitable for small businesses and large enterprises
• Low total cost of ownership with enterprise-grade flexibility
• Ideal for companies with complex data exchange needs
• Highly flexible access and permissions management, fully configurable via UI
• Premium paid functionality is available for both on-premises and cloud instances.

Pimcore (developed in Germany)

• Open-source platform for PIM, MDM, DAM, and CMS, all in one
• Highly flexible and powerful for complex data management
• Complex with a steep learning curve
• Implementation projects are typically more expensive
• Usability improved with Pimcore Studio and updated Admin UI
• Available for cloud or on-premise deployment
• Highly flexible access and permissions management, but developer input is required
• Paid edition offers extra features and commercial support
• Premium paid functionality is available for cloud instances only.

Akeneo (developed in France)

• Open-source, e-commerce-focused PIM
• Emphasizes Product Experience Management (PXM) for enriching and distributing product data
• Growth Edition includes previously Enterprise-only features: Rules Engine, Asset Manager, Reference Entities
• AI-powered features for automated data enrichment and asset extraction
• Free Community Edition lacks DAM
• Data model is less flexible, not ideal for complex product data
• Limited import/export functionality, no mass update functionality
• Suitable for small and mid-sized businesses with basic requirements
• Limited access and permission management
• Premium paid functionality is available for cloud instances only.

UnoPIM (developed in India)

• Open-source, lightweight PIM for small businesses with simple requirements
• has the simplest functionality of all the solutions compared
• Clean and easy-to-use interface for non-technical users
• Basic import/export functionality
• Ability to use Magic AI
• Limited access and permission management
• Limited advanced configurability and deep customization
• Ideal for companies prioritizing cost-effectiveness and functional simplicity
• Lowest scalability potential
• Premium paid functionality is available for both on-premises and cloud instances.

AtroPIM, Pimcore, Akeneo, and UnoPIM: Open Source PIM Functionality Overview

With over 100 solutions on the market offering PIM functionality, choosing the right one can be challenging. In this article, I focus on comparing open-source PIM systems, which now offer a viable alternative to paid solutions, even for large enterprises. I do not compare features that are only available in paid offerings.

All the open-source PIMs covered here are web-based and compatible with any modern browser. Commercial support is available for each system, and all provide REST APIs, making them well-suited for seamless data exchange with third-party systems such as ERP, WMS, CMS, e-commerce platforms, and more.

In this table, you will find an overview of the most important functions and features of AtroPIM, PimCore, Akeneo, and UnoPIM.

AtroPIM - the Most Flexible Open-Source PIM

AtroPIM is highly flexible, configurable and scalable open-source PIM software based on the AtroCore Data Platform, with a 100% API-centric architecture. This means you benefit from the advantages of both AtroPIM and AtroCore. AtroPIM can be extended with both free and premium modules.

AtroPIM can be easily adjustedto fit for all – manufacturers, brands, wholesalers and online retailers with requirements that go beyond the standard. The functionality of the open-source edition itself is immense. Depending on their goals and needs, any adopter can extend the software with the appropriate paid modules.

Another major advantage of AtroPIM is its strong focus on seamless integration with other ERP and e-commerce systems.

AtroPIM offers excellent scalability for growing companies or those with evolving requirements. You can start small and only extend the solution with paid modules when they are really needed.

Data Model

AtroPIM has a highly flexible data model, allowing its users to define and organize the types of information the system stores. Making these changes does not require programming skills since everything can be configured through the user interface – entities, relations and layouts.

Custom fields

AtroPIM users can add new fields for their data, including complex relationships between different types of information. For example, a product can be linked to multiple suppliers or categories.

Dynamic field logic

Fields and attributes can have rules applied to them, such as restricting certain values or making fields appear only under specific conditions. This allows the system to adapt automatically to different situations and workflows.

Inheritance

Products inherit attributes from classifications as well as attributes, attribute values and relations (e.g. linked digital assets) from parent record by default, but there is an option to override individual values when necessary. Multilevel hierarchy is supported. You can enable or disable inheritance for any field or relation; for example, you can configure categories and product numbers so that they are not inherited from parent to child record.

User Interface

AtroPIM has a fully responsive, mobile-friendly interface. All layouts can be customised via drag and drop. Different layout profiles can be created and assigned to users depending on their role in the company. Dashboards and navigation can also be set up individually for each user. Through layout configuration, you can simplify the software for non-technical users and hide any unnecessary features.

Users can perform advanced searches and apply filters, save these searches and filters, and share them with others. Configurable notifications keep users informed about important updates. Each data record can have an owner and an assigned user, which makes it easy to track responsibilities and collaborate efficiently.

Bulk updates can be performed easily through an intuitive user interface.

Data Integration, Import & Export

AtroPIM offers robust options for importing, exporting and integrating data. It supports the CSV, XLSX, XML and JSON file formats, enables data exchange with the REST APIs of third-party system, being able to process any data structure. Actions can be automated through scheduled or event-based tasks (the latter require a paid module). An advanced mapping system ensures that data is correctly matched during transfers.

After importing, you can download files consisting only of lines with errors, correct these errors and upload the corrected file to be imported again.

When exporting or importing, you can process not only data for a selected entity, but also all data for its direct relations, in one step.

Digital Asset Management (DAM)

AtroPIM integrates seamlessly with its own DAM or with third-party DAM systems. You can create and use unlimited asset types, apply validation rules. The system supports multiple storage systems. With the paid modules, you can also get support for external storage systems such as S3, B2 and SharePoint, which are fully integrated and operate seamlessly.

AtroPIM also includes a dedicated field type for storing digital assets, allowing files such as images, PDFs, or videos to be managed directly within the system.

Access Control & Permissions

AtroPIM provides flexible and granular access control. Administrators can create and manage roles, assign permissions at multiple levels (own, team, or all records), and configure access for individual fields and attributes. Team-based access is supported, allowing groups of users to share or restrict data collectively. This ensures precise control over who can view, edit, or manage any part of the system.

Workflows and Automation

AtroPIM supports automation through scheduled actions. This allows repetitive tasks and data processes to run automatically or on demand. Full workflow functionality is available via an optional paid module, providing flexibility to define custom workflows, confure event-based actions, make automated assignments, and streamline approval or data management processes.

Collaboration

Every data record in AtroPIM can have an owner and assigned user, and teams can be used to organize responsibilities. Notifications keep users informed about important updates, while advanced search and filtering allow saved and shareable views, helping teams work more efficiently.

There is an activity panel available for each entity where users can post comments, mention others and subscribe to records, with notifications available for all of these actions. This functionality can be extended even further with premium modules.

Product Experience Management (PXM)

AtroPIM supports omnichannel product data management. You can prepare product data for different channels, taking into account their specific technical and content requirements. The software offers native integrations with Amazon and Otto. Additional channels can be integrated either individually or with the help of multichannel tools such as Channablem, ChannelPilot and others.

Why Choose AtroPIM over other open source PIM solutions

• You need a highly flexible, configurable, scalable software with no-code/low-code customization
• You need a software with API-centric architecture and powerful integration capabilities
• You want to get started in a cost-effective way, with the option of extending the solution with premium features later
• You want a powerfull software for on-premise use.

Pimcore - A complex PIM, CMS and e-commerce platform all in one solution

Pimcore offers PIM, MDM, CMS, DAM and e-commerce straight away. With a modular, service-oriented architecture based on PHP and REST APIs, Pimcore can manage any type of content, including documents, images, and complex product information. It is aimed at larger companies seeking fully customised PIM solutions, which offer high flexibility but incur higher implementation costs. However, the UI is built with Sencha Ext JS, which can make advanced customisation complex and costly.

Data model

Pimcore's data model is fully configurable and object-based. You can create new objects or edit existing ones. No deep system knowledge or developer input is needed to make configurations. As Pimcore is primarily an MDM (Master Data Management) system, managing any type of data is possible. There are more than 30 data types and all kinds of relations are possible.

Pimcore offers data hierarchies out of the box, and you can apply the most advanced inheritance scenarios. Product variants inherit attributes and their values from the parent product. The inheritance can be switched off, and an individual value may be set.

User Interface

Pimcore only offers mobile-friendly user interfaces for front-end portals, websites and online stores if they have been developed individually. The system backend is not mobile-friendly. The tab-based user interface can look complicated to an inexperienced user. You can only create new layouts or reconfigure existing ones with the help of a developer.

Date integration, import, and export

Pimcore supports CSV, XLSX, XML, and JSON formats and allows automated data operations via cron jobs or the DataHub module. Data mapping is advanced, enabling complex transformations during import/export. Bulk updates are supported through the Data Object Grid, and the system provides a REST API for integration with external applications.

Access Control & Permissions

Pimcore provides advanced access control features. Administrators can define roles, assign permissions at the entity and attribute level, and configure access rights for specific teams or groups. While field-level control may require developer input, the system supports flexible, multi-level permissions to manage who can view or edit each piece of data, making it suitable for complex organizational structures. Users may have multiple roles. Access levels are not available here, but you can use workarounds to get this functionality.

Workflows

Pimcore platform offers powerful options for tailoring processes to business needs. Workflows are highly flexible and can be implemented cost-effectively by developers, though there is no built-in UI for configuration.

Collaboration

In Pimcore, collaboration features are minimal. There is no activity panel for posting comments or mentioning other users, and data records do not support ownership, assigned users, or team structures.

Product Experience Management (PXM)

Pimcore is not designed for PXM out of the box. However, its high configurability allows it to be adapted for PXM use. Product data syndication is typically handled via Productsup, supporting over 2,000 channels. Implementing a full PXM solution in Pimcore will require additional programming and configuration.

Why Choose Pimcore over other open source PIM solutions

• You need an integrated All-in-one solution for PIM / MDM, DAM, CMS, E-Commerce
• You have highly complex or unique data model
• You are ready to invest a lot into software implementation
• You prioritize customization and control and have technical capacity to implement and maintain the software.

Akeneo - Open-source PIM software with a questionable future

Akeneo's Community Edition has all but died out, there has been no development for the last two years. Akeneo mainly focuses on its paid offerings. Akeneo CE cannot be extended with modules reserved for premium packages (Growth, Advanced and Premium).

The functionality offered is very similar with that of UnoPIM. The current version features a modern UI and improved performance without the need for tuning. However, its focus on usability and simplicity limits functional expandability. CE users often reach these limits and may need to upgrade to a paid package.

Data model

The data model of Akeneo is not configurable and can be used only for the management of product information. You can still extend the data model by programming and implementing your own extensions to manage additional data. In Akeneo, no hierarchies are available for products out of the box. Product inherits attributes from its family. Product variants inherit attribute values from their parents. No other inheritance is possible. Inheritance of certain attributes cannot be switched off.

User Interface

Akeneo has a really fast UI, like the other systems. But it is not mobile-friendly. It offers a good, polished, simplified UI. So it is easy for everyone to learn how to use the system, and many inexperienced users will love it. There are several preconfigured dashboards for different user functions.

Data Integration, Import & Export

Akeneo supports CSV and XLSX formats for importing and exporting data. Integration and automation features are limited in the free edition, with more advanced options available in paid versions. Mapping capabilities are basic, and mass updates can be performed through the UI, but API-based integration is primarily available for standard data exchanges.

Digital Asset Management (DAM)

DAM is not available in the Community Edition (CE), but you can get this functionality by extending your PIM system with a module, e.g., to connect it with a third-party DAM system. The DAM System in the Enterprise Edition is not fully featured.

Access Control & Permissions

Akeneo offers basic role management, allowing administrators to define user roles and assign general access permissions. However, it does not support multiple access levels, field-level or attribute-level permissions, or team-based access. Access control is limited to the scope of the assigned role, providing simpler but less granular security compared to more advanced PIM systems.

Workflows and Automation

Akeneo has very limited workflow and automation capabilities in the free edition. Some automated processes are available only in paid editions, and there is no native support for fully customizable workflows. Users must rely on manual actions or external tools for advanced workflow management.

Collaboration

Akeneo does not support ownership, assigned users, or team-based structures for collaboration. Users can post comments and view the history of changes.

Product Experience Management (PXM)

Akeneo offers a wide range of PXM capabilities. You can manage different channels and create channel-specific or localised content. However, product data syndication to different channels is only available with paid packages.

Why Choose Akeneo

• You need a software with focus on online retailing and e-commerce
• You need simple software with simple and intuitive user interfaces
• You don't really need an integrated DAM
• You data structure is rather typical and you don't need to extend it
• You expect a lot of support from software community
• You are not concerned about the software not being further developed
• At some point in the future, you are planning to upgrade to a paid package.

UnoPIM - Lightweight and Beginner-Friendly Open Source PIM

UnoPIM is the newest open-source product information management (PIM) system designed for small businesses. It helps organisations to centralise and manage product data, streamline workflows and facilitate basic collaboration. Although it offers core PIM functionalities, it is lightweight and straightforward to set up, making it an ideal choice for companies with basic product management requirements.

Data Model

UnoPIM supports multiple product categories and basic product variants. Users can add custom fields for categories, but more advanced features, such as custom fields, dynamic field logic or complex relationships between entities, are not available. The system allows basic data organization but lacks the high configurability of more advanced PIM systems.

User Interfaces

UnoPIM provides a simple, web-based user interface that is mobile-friendly. Users can perform basic searches and filtering, though the functionality is limited compared to more advanced PIMs. No mass update functionality is available. While layouts and dashboards are not highly configurable, the interface is intuitive and easy for new users to navigate.

Data Integration, Import & Export

UnoPIM supports CSV and XLSX formats for data exchange. Automation is limited and always requires additional development. Mapping capabilities are very basic. A REST API is available for standard integrations, but advanced automation and mapping features are minimal.

Access Control & Permissions

UnoPIM offers basic access control capabilities. Administrators can create roles and assign general permissions, but there is no support for multiple access levels, field- or attribute-level permissions, or team-based access. This provides a simple approach to security but lacks the granularity found in systems like AtroPIM or Pimcore.

Workflows and Automation

UnoPIM provides minimal workflow or automation functionality. Automated processes are limited and often require additional development to implement. Users primarily rely on manual actions to manage tasks and approvals.

Collaboration

UnoPIM offers very limited collaboration features. There is no support for ownership, assigned users, or team structures, and no activity panel for comments or discussions. Collaboration is primarily handled through manual processes, with no built-in tools for coordinating tasks or tracking changes.

Why Choose UnoPIM over other open source PIM systems

• You are a small business, which need a cost-effective, free, and simple PIM
• You don'texpect to expand your requirements in the future
• You are you ready to invest in the development of custom functionality
• Import/export of CSV and XLSX files is is enough for you
• Simple role-based access (with no field/attribute level configuration) control for basic user management is good enough for you.

OpenPIM

For those seeking an open-source product information management system, OpenPIM is a good option. This solution offers basic tools for managing product data and is more than just simple. However, we do not cover it in detail as it lacks commercial support, which could limit its appeal to businesses requiring professional assistance. Nevertheless, OpenPIM could still be a viable choice for organisations or developers who do not require commercial support.