{"id":21422,"date":"2025-03-31T10:39:14","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T08:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.datasolution.fr\/?p=21422"},"modified":"2026-01-22T14:03:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T13:03:06","slug":"etim-standard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.datasolution.fr\/en\/etim-standard\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the ETIM standard and what is its purpose?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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Producing high-quality data is a major challenge for the construction sector, as end customers increasingly demand greater transparency.<\/p>\n

The ETIM<\/a> (Electro-Technical Information Model)<\/strong> international standard was developed to classify the technical data of building supply products. It ensures that the FAB-DIS<\/a> data exchange format<\/strong> operates efficiently.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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What is ETIM?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

ETIM, short for Electro-Technical Information Model<\/strong>, is an international classification system<\/strong> for technical product data<\/strong>, also referred to as “rich data,” specifically used for building sector products<\/strong>, such as electrical equipment<\/strong> and HVAC systems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This model structures and organizes technical product data<\/strong>, enabling the precise and consistent description of any product through standardized characteristics and attributes<\/strong>. As a result, products are uniformly described across manufacturers, platforms, and languages<\/strong>, improving clarity and consistency.<\/p>\n

Manufacturers can integrate ETIM-compliant data<\/strong> into their Product Information Management (PIM) systems<\/strong>, while distributors benefit from improved product visibility<\/strong> across various channels, including e-commerce websites, retail stores, catalogs, and mobile applications<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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A bit of history<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The ETIM classification standard<\/strong> was developed to structure the flow of information between professionals, manufacturers, and distributors in the construction sector. ETIM was created to meet the growing demand for clear and structured product information<\/strong> within the construction industry.<\/p>\n

Initially, the ETIM model<\/strong> was used by manufacturers and distributors in the electrotechnical sector<\/strong>, but it quickly expanded to other fields and countries around the world.<\/p>\n

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A regularly updated model<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Today, this classification model<\/strong> (or taxonomy) is available in 17 languages<\/strong> and is promoted by 20 member organizations<\/strong> representing 21 countries<\/strong>. The model is regularly updated<\/strong> to remain relevant.<\/p>\n

International versions of ETIM are released every two years<\/strong>. The current version, ETIM V8.0<\/strong>, has been available to members since March 2021<\/strong> in its French edition. The next version, ETIM V9.0<\/strong>, is in preparation and will be released by the end of 2022<\/strong>. It is essential for manufacturers to keep their product data updated to comply with these new versions.<\/p>\n

There is also a dynamic version of the model<\/strong>, which allows real-time integration of any modifications or updates.<\/p>\n

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Need a custom solution?<\/p>\n

Request your personalized audit<\/strong> now<\/a><\/p>\n

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What is a data exchange format?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Previously, distributors did not require specific data formats from their suppliers or manufacturers when receiving product data<\/strong>. This led to inconsistent data formats<\/strong> that were hard to manage.<\/p>\n

Some suppliers provided detailed and complete data<\/strong>, while others submitted incomplete and poorly structured files<\/strong>, making it difficult for distributors to use the information effectively.<\/p>\n

To address this issue, standardized data exchange formats<\/strong> were introduced, enabling suppliers and distributors to speak the same language<\/strong>. Different industries have developed their own specific formats<\/strong> to meet their unique needs.<\/p>\n

Increasingly, distributors are now requiring standardized and unified formats<\/strong> from their suppliers to streamline data management.<\/p>\n

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GS1: The universal language of the industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The GS1 format<\/strong> (formerly known as GenCod<\/strong> or UPC<\/strong>) was one of the first to improve supply chain efficiency<\/strong> by introducing unique product codes<\/strong> accessible via barcodes<\/strong>: UPC (Universal Product Code)<\/strong> in the United States and EAN (European Article Numbering)<\/strong> in Europe.<\/p>\n

Each product is now assigned a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)<\/strong>, replacing the old EAN code. This unique identifier<\/strong> links the product to a wide range of commercial, logistical, and regulatory information<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The GS1 identification system<\/strong> establishes communication standards<\/strong> between companies and their products throughout the supply chain<\/strong>. Accurate barcodes<\/strong> are essential for ensuring the reliability and precision<\/strong> of product information.<\/p>\n

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The standardized FAB-DIS data exchange format<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The FAB-DIS<\/strong> format is a standardized and unified data exchange format<\/strong> that is widely used in the electrical sector<\/strong> of the construction industry. It is now expanding to cover all construction-related fields<\/strong>, including infrastructure and industrial sectors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The FAB-DIS file<\/strong> is structured as an Excel spreadsheet<\/strong> with multiple tabs, each containing specific types of information:<\/p>\n