Batch processing

Definition

Batch processing refers to the execution of a series of programs or jobs on a computer system without manual intervention. These jobs are typically processed in batches, meaning a collection of data or tasks is processed all at once, rather than individually or interactively. This method is particularly effective for large volumes of data where immediate user interaction is not required and efficiency is paramount.

Why It's Important for E-commerce

In e-commerce, batch processing is fundamental for managing extensive product catalogs and operational tasks efficiently. Online retailers often deal with thousands or even millions of SKUs, each with numerous attributes, images, and prices that require frequent updates. Manually updating this data is impractical and error-prone.

Examples

• Updating prices for 10,000 products across an entire catalog based on a new pricing strategy.
• Importing a daily CSV file containing inventory updates for all products from a supplier's ERP system.
• Exporting product data feeds to multiple marketplaces (e.g., Bol.com, Amazon) and comparison shopping engines (e.g., Google Shopping) simultaneously.
• Applying a new product category or attribute to hundreds of products within a specific collection.
• Resizing and watermarking thousands of product images overnight for a new channel.

How WISEPIM Helps

• Efficient Data Updates: WISEPIM enables users to update thousands of product attributes, prices, or inventory levels simultaneously, ensuring data consistency and reducing manual effort.
• Automated Content Syndication: Product data can be batched and automatically pushed to various e-commerce channels, marketplaces, and social media platforms, saving time and ensuring timely updates.
• Streamlined Data Imports & Exports: WISEPIM facilitates the import of large datasets from ERPs or supplier systems and the export of product feeds to external platforms, all managed as efficient batch processes.
• Improved Data Quality Control: Batch operations allow for mass validation and enrichment, ensuring that bulk changes adhere to predefined data quality rules before publication.

Related Terms

Also Known As