Product data distribution

PIM systems are not sales channels themselves. Their role is to deliver product data to those channels. This can happen once, at regular intervals or on request, always in the format the channel requires. Some examples of exports:

Distribution methods

• File export: CSV, Excel or XML, for example for retailers importing data into their own systems
• Standard formats: BMEcat for B2B trade, data structured according to ETIM or ECLASS for the electrical and industrial sectors, TecDoc for the automotive aftermarket
• Data pools: GDSN for food, health and beauty, and consumer goods
• API: Online stores, apps or headless frontends retrieve data in real time
• Marketplaces and feeds: Amazon, Otto, Kaufland or Google Shopping, often via a feed management tool
• Print: Transfer to publishing systems for catalogues and price lists

Preparing data for each channel

Each channel has its own requirements for fields, text lengths and image sizes. A PIM accommodates these differences without requiring duplicate data maintenance. For example, a marketplace receives a short title, while the company’s own online store displays the full product name.

The term syndication is often used interchangeably, especially when data is distributed to retailers and marketplaces.

See also: Channels · Catalogues · Cross Media Publishing · PIM for marketplaces · Headless Commerce