What is ETIM?
ETIM is a standardized data format for exchanging product data. The ETIM classification is structured according to codes. For example, blue is not a color in ETIM, but a code. ETIM is multilingual and you start by classifying your products using local language versions. You then send your product information to all ETIM-supporting countries, where they translate your coded information into their local language version.
- Who is ETIM?
- The purpose of ETIM
ETIM International is a non-profit organization founded in 2009. The organization is officially headquartered in Brussels and ETIM International consists of the following formal bodies:
- The General Assembly
- Direction
- The Standardization Committee.
ETIM's power (and not least success) lies in the collective, as the development takes place via independent and industry organizations, which means that you can also influence the development.
ETIM creates value through standard exchange
An international structure for data exchange facilitates the process of distributing products - from producer to end user.
ETIM has chosen that this structure should take place via codes. All codes consist of 2 letters followed by a sequence number. Below is an example from an exchange file in XML (BMEcat):
EG000001 = ETIM group code
EC000001 = ETIM class code
EF000001 = ETIM function code
EV000001 = ETIM value code
EU000001 = ETIM device code
If we use the example with the blue color, it is a great advantage to exchange codes instead of words. There is assurance that it is the same blue color that is communicated about across all ETIM countries.
PIM provides an overview and efficient maintenance of the ETIM structure
All commercial PIM systems can ensure that the maintenance, enrichment, and distribution of your ETIM structure takes place efficiently. With the PIM systems Perfion or inriver, you ensure the following:
- Ability to handle different ETIM versions.
- Faster enrichment of your products with ETIM values.
- Better overview of your ETIM structure.
- Strong handling of ETIM across languages.
- Efficient maintenance of ETIM codes.
GS1 standards in PIM
Like ETIM, GS1 is a non-profit organization set in the world to create standards across national and language boundaries. GS1 is probably most recognized in connection with barcodes - unique identification of products, manufacturers, packaging, conveyors, locations etc.
Think of the GS1 standard as a product's DNA as it moves through the supply chain.
Do you need to live up to GS1 standards?
Get in touch with us - then we will help you structure your product data and prepare you for the journey towards a standardized world.
How to get started with data standards
We know that ETIM or GS1 are a big projects, and it requires a lot from most organizations to get on board. At PicoPublish, we have extensive experience with data standards and in particular using PIM as an engine for handling ETIM and GS1.