PIM database, structured data

Creating Order through Clear Assignments in the PIM Database

Order is half of life. There is more truth in this old proverb than often assumed. Especially when it comes to structuring data. When data is clearly assigned, a PIM or DAM system can process and output it efficiently. Thanks to clever functions, structuring data in a PIM database or in the DAM becomes very simple. We will introduce you to these features from our dynamicPIM® in more detail.

Filter – The Classic of Data Structuring

The filter function is a classic that allows you to easily structure data. Filters are extremely powerful due to multi-filtering and can thus cover all filter scenarios. In dynamicPIM®, there are also filter levels that allow multi-filtering across all products. These are the central search and structure labels for the PIM database.

Multi-Filtering and Up to 5 Levels

Our systems structure by tags, not by folders. This approach is much more modern and sensible, as it allows any form of cross-linking. And you often need this. Up to 5 such levels are possible, and each user can save their sets individually. Everything else would make the application significantly more complex and violate our usability principle .

A Meaningful Structuring Takes Time

A DAM or PIM database requires time and resources that you must provide. Or you can let us develop it. In the beginning, it is the most important step to have a system that makes clear and structured processes easy to understand through its clear storage. Additionally, it significantly facilitates finding relevant data.

Tagging – Making Information Easily Findable

Free and predefined tags allow for another level of classification in data structuring. There are different forms of tags: Free tags are typical labels that each user can define freely. They are stored in the system and also suggested to other users. Predefined tags are set centrally by the system. They cannot be freely defined by users and usually follow a fixed media structure storage concept.

In addition to filters and tagging, dynamicPIM® and dynamicDAM® also have the function of types. With these types, we create clear assignments. They are the “baskets” of our file structure or comparable to various types of coffee. Freely based on the concept of “There can be only one.”, they are clearly defined. A product cannot be assigned to multiple types. This requires a clear structural concept from the very beginning. It pays off enormously if one considers this conceptually and has structured it thoughtfully.

What type is that? That's often a question in German colloquialisms. And that exactly explains what we want to achieve. It is indeed a type and therefore it cannot be anything else. Two types is not an option. Structuring data in the PIM system is facilitated by the functions of filters, tags, and types. These three tools work perfectly together. Therefore, they must be assigned a clear function. And that is essential for the structure of the product content. Tags or tagging, in addition to filters and types, are the most important components. All three structure and categorization tools can be dedicated to a specific task. This task must then be maintained system-wide. Only the types are clearly assigned in this instance.

Structuring Data in the PIM Database – An Illustrative Example:

Multi-Select Filter

Used to structure brand (1), segment (2), category (3), product (4), the filter (5) remains unused for now.

Types

Classification of the general product type: single product, tray, pallet, display, etc.

Predefined Tags

Top-seller, long-tail, phase-out model, etc.

Free Tags

Initially not assigned and disabled.

This is a possible way to give each respective tool a clear task and criteria. This way, it is always clear for all filterings and also later exports, searches, classifications, what they are used for and how they can be utilized. It is important that no mixed forms of the tools are allowed. It must be absolutely clear systematically what they can be used for and, conversely, much more important, what they absolutely cannot be used for.

Flexibility of a Professional System Thanks to Custom Fields

Every application case has its own specifications. Every situation is different, yet there are many similarities. To meet this requirement, a system of this kind must be highly flexible. It is not enough to work with template or master structures. Flexibility beyond master data must be absolutely ensured in the PIM database. Custom fields allow for this flexibility. Our system can be expanded without limits with custom fields and offers several types of fields to choose from.

Custom Fields in Use

Since we can integrate dynamicDAM® into dynamicPIM®, custom fields are also possible in media data management. In the PIM system, they are already mandatory, as all master data fields are based on it. With this function, data can be structured as flexibly as possible. The principle extends to the selection of the field type, an assignment to a tab in the system, and – if necessary – a refined permission for each individual field. Thus, we fulfill every application scenario one can imagine. From a highly complex structure to a quick and simple basic system.

Structuring Data in a DAM or PIM Database is a Conceptual Challenge.

Once this cognitive effort is mastered, data can be labeled using filters, tags, or types. This way, you can find your desired data in the system faster, which in turn leads to an efficient workflow.
Sounds simple? It is. And how that looks in practice, we are happy to show you in a personal consultation.