PIM export, custom output containers

PIM Export: Custom Output Formats (Output Containers) for Optimized Distribution of Product Data of All Kinds

We are already using our PIM solution with many well-known companies. From 50 products to 25,000 products, from a few media items to several tens of thousands of high-resolution images and videos. What previously had to be solved through programming can now be defined in custom output containers and released with a permission concept.

Product Data in eCommerce – the Single Point of Information

Why did we develop this capability? To understand this, one must delve a bit deeper into the challenges faced by online providers and brick-and-mortar retailers. Our customers include companies like P&G, Coty, Unilever, to name just a few. These global players face the challenge of processing data from various sources so that they meet their customers' requirements. And these include major trade partners like dm, Müller, Amazon, Zalando, REWE, Metro, Rossmann, etc.

This becomes very complex simply because important data is often stored in global software systems, sometimes redundantly, but always in a non-centralized system. Thus, logistical data comes from, for example, SAP, marketing texts from one system, ingredients from another, and media data is also distributed across the next system. We have customers who like to provide as many as 10 different sources, which we then bring into our solution via API or importer interfaces.

Once this goal is achieved, one has at least a complete overview in dynamicPIM®, which many can only dream of.

The optimized output represents the next significant efficiency advantage. We call this in the PIM Output Container. What these containers can do as PIM exports, I will explain below. By the way, this also applies to all marketing texts.

The Custom Output Containers in the dynamicPIM® System

The custom output containers (IOCs) allow for the unlimited creation of records, exporting product data tailored to custom or client-provided Excel or CSV templates. To keep things clear, here’s a list of the essential functions (as of August 2020):

• Permission of containers at group/role level

• Containers without any fundamental limits on quantity

• Customer template designs can be used (restricted for macro templates)

• Individual products (e.g., a display product with multiple components)

• Multiple products (many different products in one output)

• Assignment of all master data and/or system fields via drag & drop

• Dropdown list relationships remain intact in the template

• Output as .xlsx or .csv

• Brand logo and sub-brand logo can be integrated

• Sorting of fields via drag & drop

• Extensive options for field manipulation (Dividing, Multiplying, Adding, Subtracting, Formatting) Default fields (set fixed values in sequence)

• Free fields (Skipping fields) Fixed definition of cells (field values are placed into the defined cell, e.g., Z12)

• Components can be output as a second level and also freely defined (e.g., display content)

• Transposing (Field values are output in rows instead of columns)

• Conversion (Data can be translated via mapping: e.g., Germany becomes DE or another required abbreviation) Unit master fields can be split into cells for input/output (Value, Quantity, Format)

• Product image preview can be output in the first column

• Easy locating of containers in the frontend through a search function. This helps tremendously when there are many containers

• Further functionalities are planned (roadmap)

Interfaces (Plug-ins) and Modules Increase Complexity, Here the PIM Export Helps

Many modern software systems, whether PIM, CRM, ERP, or other mainly cloud-based solutions, have an area where third-party apps can be integrated. These functionalities initially appear very positive as they enable various additional options. However, they also significantly overload the applications. Therefore, we have decided to take a different approach. Our solutions offer an enormous range of functionalities. Almost all functions in the PIM Export can be optionally activated, thus individually enabled or disabled.

Conclusion: Efficiently Implement Complex Processes in One System

A PIM is only as smart as it can purposefully output the data contained within it. As mentioned above, the structured storage of data in the system is initially a crucial criterion. This is already a significant task, especially when data comes from various sources. We have been mastering this for many years. The PIM Export now adds another important feature. The data output has also been further developed and helps to quickly and easily offer solutions for retailers, partners, customers, etc.

Efficiently Implement Complex Processes in One System

A PIM is only as smart as it can purposefully output the data contained within it. As mentioned above, the structured storage of data in the system is initially a crucial criterion. This is already a significant task, especially when data comes from various sources. We have been mastering this for many years. The PIM Export now adds another important feature.

The data output has also been further developed and helps to quickly and easily offer solutions for retailers, partners, customers, etc.