PIM database, structured data

Creating Order through Clear Assignments in the PIM Database

Order is half of life. This old proverb contains more truth than is often assumed. Especially when it comes to structuring data. If they are clearly assigned, a PIM or DAM system can process and distribute them efficiently. With clever functions, structuring data in a PIM database or in the DAM is quite 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, allowing you to easily structure data. Filters are extremely powerful through 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 structural labels for the PIM database.

Multi-Filtering and Up to 5 Levels

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

A Meaningful Structuring Takes Time

A DAM or PIM database requires time and resources, which you need to provide. Or you can have us work it out. At the beginning, it is the most important step to have a system that makes clear and distinct processes easy to understand through its structured storage. This also significantly simplifies finding relevant data.

Tagging – Making Information Quickly Findable

Free and predefined tags allow another level of classification in data structuring. There are different forms of tags: free tags are typical labels that any 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 defined freely by users and usually follow a fixed media structure storage concept.

In addition to filters and tagging, there are also the function of types in dynamicPIM® and dynamicDAM®. With these types, we create clear assignments. They are the "baskets" of our file structure or comparable to different coffee varieties. According to the concept "There can be only one.", they are clearly defined. A product cannot be assigned to multiple types. This requires a clear structural conception from the outset. It pays off enormously when this is considered conceptually and structured thoughtfully.

What kind of type is this? So or something similar is often how it is expressed in the German language. And that exactly explains what we want to achieve. It is indeed a type, and thus it cannot be anything else. Two types do not work.Structuring data in the PIM system is facilitated by the functions filter, tags, and types. These three tools work perfectly together. Therefore, they need to be assigned a clear function. And that is essential for the structure of the product content. Tags or tagging, alongside filters and types, are the most important factor. 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 documented.

Structuring Data in the PIM Database – a Practical Example:

Multi-Select Filter

Used for structuring 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, discontinued model, etc.

Free Tags

Initially unassigned and disabled.

This is a possible way that gives each tool a clear task and criteria. Thus, it is always clear for all filtering and also for later exports, searches, classifications, what they are used for and how they can be utilized. Important in this regard: No hybrid forms of the tools are allowed. It must be absolutely clear systemically what they are permitted to be used for and conversely, much more importantly, for what they must not be used.

Flexibility of a Professional System Thanks to Custom Fields

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

Custom Fields in Use

As 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 rely on it. With this function, data can be structured flexibly at the highest level. The principle extends to the selection of field types, an assignment to a tab in the system, and – if necessary – a refined permission for each individual field. This way, we fulfill every application scenario imaginable. From a highly complex structure to a quick and simple base system.

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

Once this conceptual work has been mastered, data can be marked using filter, tag, or type. This allows you to find your desired data in the system faster, leading to an efficient workflow.
Sounds simple? It is. And we would be happy to show you how this looks in practice in a personal consultation.