Values

In brief: Values are the specific entries assigned to an attribute, for example “red” for colour or “250” for weight in grams. The attribute’s data type determines which values are allowed.

What types of values are there?

PIM systems support different value types depending on the attribute. The most common are:

• Text: free-text input, for example for a product name or description, often specific to each language.
• Number: integers or decimals, usually with a unit, for example for length or power.
• Yes/No (Boolean): for example “dishwasher-safe”.
• Single select: one value from a predefined list, for example for material.
• Multi-select: multiple values from a list, for example for applications.
• Dates, media and references: validity dates, linked images or references to other products.

Why values matter in PIM

Online shop filters, product comparisons and exports to retailers only work with consistent values. If one product lists “stainless steel”, another “Nirosta” and a third “rust-resistant steel”, the filter will only find some of them. Predefined value lists prevent this. They can be maintained and translated centrally in the PIM system.

Example and common pitfalls

A fruit retailer maintains a “Taste” attribute. A single-select field with “sweet” and “sour” is too limited, whereas a multi-select field can also represent combinations such as “sweet and tart”. An “undefined” value is convenient, but can quickly leave dozens of products without meaningful information. Required fields and validation rules that flag missing values are a better approach. See Product data quality.

See also

• Properties / Attributes
• Units
• Classifications
• Inheritance
• Data model