PIM isn’t just another random idea we decided to explore—it’s a product born out of years of experience and a deep understanding of what businesses really need. You see, Toriut didn’t start from scratch. We came to this project with a solid foundation and a clear vision, thanks to our long-standing expertise with Pics.io, a DAM system that’s been solving real-world problems since 2012.
For you, as a customer, this means one thing: Toriut might be a new name in the market, but it’s built by a team that knows its stuff. We didn’t have to reinvent the wheel; we just built on a sturdy, proven framework.
So, let me share the story of how we launched our PIM solution. Trust me, it’ll give you a better sense of who we are and what drives us. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
The Story of How We Decided to Launch Toriut PIM
At Pics.io, innovation often starts with listening to our users, and Toriut is no exception. The journey began when we noticed a recurring pattern among Shopify merchants who used our platform. These users faced challenges with bulk operations on their product data—tasks like updating product images or attributes across hundreds or even thousands of listings. To address this, we initially developed a Shopify plugin.
The plugin was simple but effective. It allowed users to bulk update product media by matching file names or custom field values with product names. For instance, if a user had a product called "Red Necklace" and a file named "Red Necklace.jpg," our tool automatically linked them. This saved merchants significant time compared to manually updating each product in Shopify. However, we noticed something curious—after solving their immediate problems, users would unsubscribe. The plugin wasn’t a long-term solution; it was a quick fix for one-off challenges.
This pattern got us thinking: there was a deeper, unmet need here. Shopify’s built-in tools were sufficient for small stores or those with basic product setups, but as businesses grew and their operations became more complex, so did their demands for better tools. Shopify merchants needed more than just a plugin—they needed a comprehensive system for ongoing product data management.
The Decision to Build Toriut
We realized we had an opportunity to create something bigger—a Product Information Management (PIM) system tailored specifically for Shopify users. Instead of focusing solely on bulk operations, we envisioned a platform that would:
- Centralize product management across multiple Shopify stores.
- Provide advanced tools for organizing and filtering product data.
- Seamlessly integrate media management capabilities from our DAM expertise.
The decision to focus on Shopify first was strategic. Shopify merchants were already familiar with our brand through the plugin, and their feedback provided a clear roadmap for what they needed. Additionally, Shopify’s ecosystem, while robust, lacked some of the flexibility and depth we knew we could offer.
Taking the First Steps
Our initial focus was clear: make Toriut a system that not only mirrors Shopify’s product management but significantly extends its functionality. Some of our key early steps included:
- Building Advanced Filtering and Search Tools:
We introduced customizable fields and filters, allowing users to search for products and associated media with precision. This feature was inspired by the challenges merchants faced in navigating large catalogs within Shopify’s limited interface.
- Integrating DAM Elements:
Unlike other PIM systems, we incorporated advanced media handling, leveraging our DAM expertise. For example, Toriut users could organize media into collections and apply filters not just to products but to their associated files.
- Ensuring Seamless Shopify Integration:
Toriut was designed to synchronize product data in real-time with Shopify. Whether a change was made in Toriut or Shopify, the systems stayed aligned. To ease the transition, we also allowed users to link back to Shopify for tasks not yet supported in Toriut.
- Iterative Development:
We started small, focusing on foundational features like importing products, syncing media, and managing product variants. Early users helped us identify what worked and what needed refinement.
Reflection on the Journey
Toriut isn’t just another product we decided to build—it’s a reflection of how we approach innovation at Pics.io. For us, it always starts with the user. We took a close look at the everyday challenges Shopify merchants face with product management, and that’s where the journey began. What started as a simple plugin quickly evolved into something much bigger. We realized that what merchants truly needed was a platform that could grow alongside their businesses—a solution that could centralize, organize, and simplify the chaos of product management.
So, what exactly is Toriut? In essence, it’s a Product Information Management (PIM) system tailor-made for Shopify users. Its purpose is simple: to make managing products across multiple Shopify stores as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether it’s connecting stores with just one click, syncing and managing all your product data in one unified dashboard, or finding exactly what you need using advanced search filters and customizable fields, Toriut is here to make life easier.
And we didn’t stop there. We knew collaboration was key, so we added granular roles and permissions for team members—giving businesses precise control over who can access or edit what. Of course, seamless integration with Shopify was a must, ensuring real-time synchronization and easy access to detailed product and media information.
Now, you might be wondering: how is this different from Shopify’s native tools? While Shopify covers the basics, Toriut takes it to the next level. We built it with advanced media management in mind, incorporating elements of our DAM expertise for better handling of product images, videos, and other media. Add to that a more intuitive product catalog layout and a search system that actually works the way you’d expect, and you’ve got a solution that’s in a league of its own.
For us, launching Toriut was a natural next step—combining Pics.io’s strengths in digital asset management with the evolving needs of Shopify merchants. It’s only the beginning, but the lessons we’ve learned along the way will continue to shape how we build tools that solve real-world challenges. And honestly, isn’t that what innovation should be all about?
Did you enjoy this article? Give Toriut a try — or book a demo with us, and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions.
