KennerPIM vs. Pimcore

Anyone facing this decision and looking for the best-suited PIM software needs to familiarize themselves with all available solutions in advance. It’s important to understand the scope of features, how well PIM can be adapted to business requirements, and how simple and intuitive data maintenance and processing are.
Using a Product Information Management (PIM) tool allows you to optimize daily workflows and increase sales figures and customer satisfaction. To help you achieve these goals, we’re comparing two modern and highly scalable solutions. This PIM comparison will help you make the right decision.
What Do KennerPIM and Pimcore Have in Common?
Both solutions are powerful and web-based. They are open-source and can be customized. KennerPIM and Pimcore are well-suited for e-commerce because they serve as a central source for data maintenance and digital asset management. Product information can be distributed across various sales channels. Thanks to integration with third-party systems, data flows are automated. Systems of this type offer efficient PIM workflows and can also be used as MDM software to manage other types of corporate data.
PIM Features
In this regard, both software solutions are very similar. An overview of the features of these PIM systems highlights the following characteristics:
- Automated data imports and exports;
- Real-time collaboration between retailers, suppliers, and administrators;
- Flexible customization of descriptions, attributes, and channels;
- Efficient management of digital assets;
- Multi-channel publishing;
- Multilingual support.
Versions and Hosting Models
Pimcore PIM offers three editions (Professional, Enterprise, and Enterprise PaaS). The first two editions are hosted either on-premises or in private and public clouds. The third edition is a fully cloud-based solution, meaning the provider handles the hosting itself.
KennerPIM is open-source software that is completely free. Since the source code is open, anyone can use, copy, and modify the PIM system. It is hosted on your own servers. If needed, we can also host it in your cloud.
Extensibility
Pimcore PIM enables the processing of a large volume of products. It is highly customizable and offers flexible data modeling. In addition, it supports extensions at various levels. Pimcore grows alongside your business because it can be easily expanded.
KennerPIM is flexible and highly scalable. The PIM platform has an API-centric architecture and can be extended at the code level. Furthermore, there are no licensing restrictions, unlike with solutions from other providers.
Integrations
Both Product Information Management (PIM) systems support e-commerce, ERP, and CRM integrations by using API-based approaches. This makes it easy to integrate them into an existing IT landscape. Developers have a wide range of options for connecting third-party systems. This requires specialized interfaces and connectors. We can develop the latter ourselves. Currently, we offer pre-built connectors for Shopware, WooCommerce, and JTL-WaWi.
KennerPIM vs. Pimcore: Key Differences
PIM systems serve the same core function. They are considered a single source of truth, but differ in some respects. We’ve listed these differences in the comparison table. Take a closer look at it.
| Factor | KennerPIM | Pimcore |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | PIM system | PXM platform (PIM, MDM, DAM, CDP, DXP/CMS, Digital Commerce Framework) |
| License | Open Source (GPLv3) | Pimcore Open Core License (POCL), commercial |
| Architecture | API-centric, service-oriented architecture (SOA) | API-first, modular monolith, headless-capable |
| Target Audience | SMEs and large enterprises | Mid-sized businesses and enterprises |
| Complexity | Simple, easy to understand | Complex, comprehensive |
| Hosting | On-premises | On-premises, PaaS |
| Open Source | Yes | Community Edition only |
| Implementation Difficulty | Medium | Medium to high |
| System Complexity | Low | High |
| License Costs | Free | From €8,400 per year |
| Community | Small developer community | Large developer and partner community |
| AI Support | AI-powered product configurator | Available only in commercial editions |
| User Friendliness | Simple, intuitive | More complex, requires greater onboarding effort |
| Data Modeling | Simple, focused on data processing and catalog creation | Very extensive, with many features beyond traditional PIM processes |
| Configuration | Easy | Demanding |
| Recurring Payments | No | Yes |
Although Pimcore doesn’t focus solely on product data management and offers a broader range of features, it does have some limitations compared to KennerPIM. The latter can be perfectly configured and modified. You can also modify the code using Claude and publish it under GPLv3. With Pimcore, the situation is somewhat less favorable. You are not allowed to offer it as SaaS without a commercial OEM license. To make code changes to Pimcore, you must write precise prompts and include software documentation.
Key Features of KennerPIM
To see for yourself that the PIM software we’ve developed is a good fit for your business, take a closer look at its features. Our solution stands out for the following reasons:
- It’s not overly complex and can be used by users without programming knowledge.
- Data modeling is flexible. Database structures can be adapted to different requirements as needed.
- Thanks to its API-centric architecture, KennerPIM is highly scalable and offers greater control over e-commerce experiences.
- The software places a strong emphasis on omnichannel management and information delivery.
- Thanks to the integrated DAM solution, product data and media are managed in a single central location.
- Since our software is open source, you don’t have to pay any license fees, which helps you save money. Costs are limited to implementation and support. This makes KennerPIM a good alternative to Pimcore.
- The solution can be integrated with various third-party systems via APIs or connectors.
- A powerful product configurator is integrated into the PIM system.
FAQ
How do KennerPIM and Pimcore differ in day-to-day use?
KennerPIM is easier to use. Users find it easy to manage products. Data can be quickly distributed across channels. It also offers a product configurator, which Pimcore does not have.
Which solution is better suited for small and medium-sized businesses—KennerPIM or Pimcore?
KennerPIM is the best choice for SMEs because it’s quick to deploy, cost-effective, and enables easy management across multiple channels.
How complex is the migration from an existing system to KennerPIM or Pimcore?
It all depends on the size of the project, the condition of the data, and the number of integrated systems. For small projects with fewer than a thousand products, clean data, and a single system integration for a web store, it takes a few weeks. For projects with multiple data sources, custom attributes, and 2–5 integrations, 3–5 months are required. Complex migrations involving several thousand products, many channels, and custom PIM workflows take anywhere from half a year to 1–2 years.
How much do Pimcore and KennerPIM cost, and how big is the price difference in terms of features and support?
KennerPIM is significantly more affordable because it is open source. It offers DAM features and can also be used as an MDM solution. Pimcore only offers comprehensive features in its Enterprise and Enterprise PaaS editions. This also applies to official support. These editions are subject to high licensing costs. In the Community Edition, functionality is limited, and support is available only through the community, not officially from the provider.
Since there are no licensing costs for KennerPIM, you pay for support and customizations. Prices are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. In any case, the costs are much lower than with Pimcore.