Data providers

In brief: Data providers are service providers that prepare product information on behalf of manufacturers and distribute it to retailers, marketplaces and other recipients. They include data pools, content syndication platforms and industry catalogues.

Types of data providers

• Data pools: central platforms through which manufacturers supply master data to multiple retailers, for example via GS1’s GDSN network in the consumer goods sector.
• Syndication platforms: services that convert product data into the formats required by marketplaces, price comparison sites and retailers’ online stores.
• Industry platforms: for sectors such as electrical supplies, plumbing or automotive parts, often using dedicated classifications such as ETIM or TecDoc.
• Content service providers: agencies that create copy, images and product attributes.

Data providers and PIM

For manufacturers, the PIM system is the source from which data providers receive their data. For retailers, data providers are an important source of data for the PIM system (collection). The better the data is structured in the PIM system, the less rework is needed during the handover. You can find providers with a focus on syndication in the overview of PIM providers under the “Content Syndication” module.

See also

• Product data distribution
• Collection
• Channels
• Classifications
• Supplier onboarding