Businesses of all types and sizes know how important effective management of product data is for sustainable success (or, at least, those businesses in the know!) When it comes to product data, whether you’re a retailer, distributor, or manufacturer, understanding that data and centralising its management can enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and increase sales. So, our article puts thew spotlight product data what it means, some examples, and a few insights on how to centralise it effectively.
What is product data? Meaning, examples and how to centralise it
Table of Contents
What is product data?
Product data encompasses all the information associated with a product. This data includes everything from basic attributes like product name and description to detailed specifications, pricing, and multimedia assets. It’s not just a collection of facts, but the backbone of your product’s identity in the marketplace, because it ultimately helps customers to make informed purchasing decisions, as well as enabling companies to present their product offerings in the best possible light.
Key components of product data include:
- Product attributes: Characteristics such as size, colour, material, and brand that define a product’s unique features.
- Multimedia (digital) assets: Images, videos, and other visual content that showcase the product.
- Pricing and logistics information: Details like cost, discounts, packaging, and shipping specifications.
These elements combine to create a comprehensive view of a product, providing the informational foundation for both online and offline sales.
Examples of product data
Basic Product Information
- Product Name: Bosch Cordless Drill 18V
- SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): BCD-18V-001
- Brand: Bosch
- Product Type: Power Tools
- UPC/EAN/GTIN: 4059952512345
Technical Specifications
- Voltage: 18V
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Weight: 2.3 kg
- Material: ABS Plastic, Steel
- Dimensions: 200mm x 80mm x 250mm
Descriptive Content
- Short Description: A compact and powerful 18V cordless drill with a brushless motor.
- Long Description: This Bosch 18V Cordless Drill delivers high performance with its brushless motor and durable construction. Ideal for drilling into wood, metal, and masonry, with an ergonomic grip for comfort.
Categorisation & Taxonomy
- Main Category: Tools & Equipment
- Subcategory: Power Tools > Drills
- Product Attributes
- Chuck Size: 13mm
- Torque Settings: 21+1
- Speed Settings: 2
- Max RPM: 1,800
Digital Assets & Media
- Images: JPEG/PNG of product from different angles
- Videos: How-to guides or feature highlights
- 3D Models: CAD files for industrial buyers
Compliance & Certification
- Safety Certification: CE, RoHS
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Compliance Documents: SDS, Technical Data Sheets
Product data, product information, and product attributes
It’s worth briefly explaining that among the sea of acronyms, while the terms “product data,” “product information,” and “product attributes” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:
- Product data is the broadest term, encompassing all the structured and unstructured data related to a product.
- Product information refers to the user-friendly presentation of product data, typically seen on product detail pages, brochures, or catalogues.
- Product attributes are the specific base characteristics or features of a product, such as size, colour, or material.
Centralising your product data
Centralising product data is a strategic move which will enhance your business operations. For this task, a Product Information Management (PIM) system is the most effective tool. It acts as the single source of truth for all product data, ensuring am single version with consistency and accuracy when used across sales channels.
The most notable gains of centralisation include:
- Greater efficiency: With all data in one place, updates are streamlined, minimising the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
- Enhanced collaboration: Different departments can access and manage data according to their roles, optimising workflow and communication.
- Cost control: A centralised system reduces the need for multiple software solutions, reducing overall costs.
- Higher-quality product data: Automated processes for data cleaning and normalisation ensure that the information is timely, accurate, up-to-date, complete, and most importantly, trustworthy and usable.
Implementing a PIM system can be challenging, particularly for large enterprises with complex data needs. Having said that, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial hurdles. In a sentence, centralised product data management leads to a more agile, responsive, and customer-focused business.
Managing product data - Best practices
Managing product data effectively requires a strategic approach. The main best practices to bear in mind?
- Know your data landscape: Identify all data sources and eliminate silos to ensure a comprehensive view of your product information.
- Implement a data governance framework: Establish clear policies and procedures for data management to ensure high standards of quality and security.
- Conduct regular data audits: Periodically review and cleanse data to remove duplicates, correct inaccuracies, and update outdated information.
- Leverage advances in technology: Use advanced PIM systems that offer features like real-time updates, data enrichment, and integration with other business systems.
- Focus on the UX: Ensure that product information is presented clearly, comprehensively, and accessibly to customers.
{And don’t forget your business user-stakeholders on the coalface. Their UX should be transparent, smooth and generative of collaborative approaches to delivering the final information product to customers.}
Overall, these practices will not only improve the quality of your product data but also turbo-charge your overall business operations, leading to more productive teams, better customer experiences and increased sales revenue.
Final words
So, we can see how product data attributes are crucial for eCommerce success. They enhance product discoverability, improve customer experience, and drive sales. By managing and optimising them mindfully, you can gain a competitive edge by having a trustworthy reputation for reliability in your target markets.
At Start with Data, we help businesses design scalable taxonomies and attribute models that improve searchability, navigation, and conversions. Our services include taxonomy design, data modelling, attribute definition, and content enrichment, ensuring your product data is structured, accurate, and easy to manage.
Want to build an attribute strategy that scales with your business? Let’s have a conversation.