What is classification?
Do you want to start classifying?
Do you want to start classifying as a manufacturer soon, or are you interested in using classified files as a wholesaler? On this page, you can find out everything you need to know about starting with classification.
What is classification?
Uniform description
Classification is the description of (product) information in accordance with an unambiguously defined standard.
There is an increasing need for extensive and reliable product information, but it is often unavailable. A lack of information may cause the customer to be unable to find a product in the online store or order the wrong item, or cause mistakes to be made on the work floor. Thanks to classification, this can now be greatly improved.
Exchange
With the help of classification, as a manufacturer, it is possible to describe your own products in detail and according to a standard, so that product data can be exchanged without any problems. ETIM is one of these standards and is used in the construction and installation sector.
The classified product information can be delivered to data pools by the manufacturer. A data pool is a central place (website) where the customers and wholesalers can download data from manufacturers and immediately import it into their systems. 2ba, EZ-base and Icecat are examples of data pools.
Usable anywhere
The classified data can be used by both manufacturers and wholesalers in the administration, logistics, sales and purchasing departments. The marketing department can use the data to (automatically) set up the catalog, online store and extensive datasheets.
Classification: the benefits
Benefits for manufacturers
- High quality product information thanks to uniform recording;
- The extensive information reduces the chance of errors from ordering customers;
- Your product information is easily available to customers via data pools or direct distribution;
- Easily usable in your own online store and the printed catalog.
- By easily copying the product range, the wholesaler can quickly include and sell more products.
Benefits for wholesalers
- Less work: the product information is imported into your own database/ERP system without any problem;
- High data quality, thanks to the uniform recording by manufacturers;
- The extensive information reduces the chance of errors from ordering customers. This results in fewer returns and questions, reducing the burden on the sales office;
- The certainty of 100% correct product information;
- Easily usable in your own online store and printed catalog.
Using the right software
User-friendly classification
The software to manage classified data is of key importance to both manufacturers and wholesalers. Where the manufacturer needs software to classify in a user-friendly way, the wholesaler needs a program that supports classification. Preferably a software program in which classification and management of (additional) product information go hand in hand.
Catalogger PIM
Catalogger PIM offers the solution for both purposes; software to manage the entire product range and classification in one central database. All product information can easily be imported and edited here. The classification goes together seamlessly with supplementing products and managing the already existing information of your range.
Why choose Catalogger PIM?
- User-friendly and efficient management of all your product information;
- ETIM classification is fully integrated;
- Manage product information in multiple languages (including non-Western such as Russian and Chinese);
- Edit product information in Excel from Catalogger PIM;
- Extensive search and selection options;
- Work with multiple users, with the option to set privileges;
- Import data from your ERP system, 2BA or other systems;
- Export data for 2BA or other data pools;
- Automatic generation of your website, online store or paper publications;
Using data pools
For manufacturers:
Once the range is fully classified, it can be delivered to data pools. From Catalogger PIM, it is possible to create an export including all associated images, line drawings and documentation such as PDFs. Catalogger PIM can create an export in the right format for all different data pools.
Alternatively, the classified data can also be shared directly with the wholesalers without the intervention of a data pool.
For wholesalers:
Wholeslaers can download the files from the website of the data pool and import it directly into Catalogger PIM. The information is immediately ready to use after that.
Using classified data
On the website or online store
The online store offers plenty of space to show all classified data. This is often done in a clear 2-column table where the values can easily be read. The classification attributes can (by using our Stentor software) also be used as fiultering, allowing the user to search more efficiently and find the right products even faster.
In the catalog
With the help of the Catalogger PRINT software, paper publications such as catalogs, price list and datasheets can be formatted fully automatically. The classified data can be included here.
A catalog probably does not offer the space to show all information. That is why Catalogger allows you to make a selection of the properties that must be shown. Based on this selection, the catalog is turned into a professional document from the PIM database fully automatically. Ready to send to the printer or to place on the website as a PDF.
Data sheets
Even datasheets can be set up with classification data. For the user, a clear sheet with all conceivable product information is of course very convenient. With Catalogger, the data for these sheets can be converted to a professionally formatted document in the corporate style fully automatically.