The data repository, the first building block of your digital platform

Why talk about data repositories rather than PIM or MDM (or even SCV, “Single Customer View“) ? 

Quite simply because the boundary between these different tools is no longer as clear-cut as it used to be, and new needs are emerging.

Why do we do this? Because we’re finding that our customers’ projects are no longer just about product information management tools (PIM), but now aggregate a wide range of data and objects around the product, moving closer to the philosophy of a Master Data Management (MDM). Indeed, more and more objects revolve around a product: publication channels, categories, suppliers, brands, factories, media, documents, prices and sometimes even customers.

While some solutions, such as Pimcore (open-source MDM application for managing digital data and customer experience, on all your channels and media) or Maps System (the highly configurable Master Data Management solution to manage your company’s data) make it possible to address this issue within a single platform, we are also seeing the emergence of MDM + PIM pairs in IT ecosystems.

By definition, Master Data Management (MDM) is the tool used to structure, store, manage and distribute reference data within an Information System (IS).

More and more manufacturers are using an MDM at the factory gate to manage complex data models, which are then combined with a PIM such as Akeneo or Pimcore to enrich and publish marketing data across the various channels.

Contact our PIM/MDM experts

What does the data repository provide?

The data repository will enable you to apply different operations to all your data: collecting, consolidating, enriching and syndicating. In this way, you eliminate silos by having a single point of reference for all your data, reliable and validated, easily accessible and distributable across all channels, digital or otherwise.

« Single point of truth » : reference point for all the data.

• Données de base (SKU, statut), techniques (attributs) et logistiques (dimensions, poids, etc)

Tacts as a centralised custodian of essential information such as unique product identifiers (SKU), availability statuses, technical attributes describing product characteristics (size, colour, materials, etc), as well as logistical data such as dimensions and weight. By consolidating this fundamental data into a single source, the repository ensures its consistency and accuracy across the entire enterprise, eliminating ambiguities and potential errors caused by multiple, disparate and erroneous data sources.

• Publication data (description, SEO, etc.), images, videos and documents: 

In addition to basic data, the repository also manages information for product publication and promotion. This includes detailed product descriptions, optimised for referencing (SEO), as well as visual media such as images, videos and associated documents. By integrating these multimedia elements into the repository, companies can ensure a consistent and attractive presentation of their products across all sales channels, enhancing the customer experience and reinforcing their brand image. By unifying these different types of data within a centralised repository, companies can not only optimise their internal operations, but also improve their visibility and competitiveness in the marketplace by offering accurate, attractive and consistent product information to their customers across all points of contact.

• Relationships between products: accessories, spare parts, upsell, cross-sell, etc :  

The data repository not only stores information about individual products, but also captures the dynamic relationships between these products. This includes associations such as accessories and spare parts, as well as up-selling and cross-selling strategies.

• Accessories and spare parts: by recording the links between main products and their associated accessories or spare parts, the repository enables efficient management of product bundles. By documenting these relationships, the repository facilitates the recommendation and cross-selling of related items, improving the customer’s shopping experience and potentially boosting sales.
• Up-sell and cross-sell: the data repository also records suggestions for up-selling (selling products from a higher range) and cross-selling (selling complementary products) based on buying behaviour and product characteristics. By identifying these cross-selling and up-selling opportunities, the repository helps companies to maximise the value of each transaction and strengthen customer relationships.

Save time and money

• Reduced time-to-market:  

One of the most tangible benefits of a well-designed data repository is the significant reduction in time-to-market. By centralising and standardising product data, the repository eliminates the inefficiencies and delays associated with managing multiple, disparate data sources. As a result, product teams can quickly access accurate and up-to-date information, accelerating the design, production and marketing processes.

• Less time spent collecting and checking data:  

By consolidating data in a centralised repository, companies can reduce time-consuming tasks, as well as the time spent collecting and checking information. Instead of manually searching for and assembling data from different sources, teams can quickly access accurate, complete and reliable data from a single source of truth.

• Guaranteed quality of the data disseminated 

Quality data, everywhere: the data repository guarantees the quality and consistency of information across all channels. This strengthens brand credibility and customer satisfaction.

• Completeness checks and publication workflows 

Completeness checks and repository publication workflows ensure that only validated and complete data, is distributed, avoiding errors and gaps in information.

Distribution via multiple channels

• Web & marketplaces: the standard ensures a uniform and effective presence on the internet and online sales platforms.
• Print & packaging: product information is automatically distributed on physical media such as catalogues, brochures and packaging.
• Syndication, voice assistants, IOT: the repository also facilitates the distribution of data to voice assistants and IOT devices connected to the internet, thereby extending the brand’s potential reach.

What’s new in data repositories?

Unsurprisingly, AI is making massive inroads into data repository tools, mainly providing automation and efficiency for operators. This integration of Artificial Intelligence offers companies the opportunity to optimise the use of their data. By automating processes such as product classification, analysing market trends and personalising customer recommendations, data repositories are becoming powerful tools for businesses.

Some concrete examples of AI implementation:

• Text generation (from attributes, for example) or image generation
• Assign metadata to images or documents
• Automatic assignment of images to products
• Automatic creation of items based on attributes (size, colour, etc)

In addition to AI, headless connectors have also been integrated to feed directly into e-commerce sites or CMSs, without having to go through their back-office.

The DATASOLUTION teams, partners of numerous software publishers, can help you think about and set up your data repository:

• Consulting: help with selection, modelling and architecture
• Platform deployment, syndication and automated page layout solutions.

Our consultants will recommend the best solution to ensure that your data is available and reliable across all your channels and media.

Contact us