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Data import

Data management11/27/2025Basic Level

Data import is the process of bringing data from an external source into a target system. In e-commerce, this often involves populating a PIM with product information from various sources like ERPs or supplier feeds.

What is Data import? (Definition)

Data import refers to the process of transferring data from an external source into a specific software application or database. This operation is fundamental for populating systems with necessary information, ensuring that data stored elsewhere can be utilized and managed within a new or existing platform. Common external sources include spreadsheets, CSV files, XML files, JSON files, databases, or direct integrations with other systems like ERPs or CRM platforms.

Why Data import is Important for E-commerce

For e-commerce, efficient data import is critical for managing vast and dynamic product catalogs. Online retailers frequently receive product data from multiple suppliers, internal ERP systems, or merchandising teams. Manually entering or updating this information is time-consuming, prone to errors, and unsustainable, especially with thousands of SKUs and frequent product changes.

Examples of Data import

  • 1Importing new product SKUs and their initial attributes (name, description, price) from an ERP system into a PIM.
  • 2Updating stock levels and pricing information daily from a supplier's CSV file.
  • 3Migrating an entire product catalog from a legacy e-commerce platform to a new PIM system.
  • 4Adding new marketing descriptions and media assets (images, videos) provided by a content agency.
  • 5Importing product variations (sizes, colors) along with their specific attributes from a spreadsheet.

How WISEPIM Helps

  • Seamless integration: WISEPIM connects with various data sources, including ERPs, CRMs, and supplier portals, enabling automated and scheduled data imports.
  • Flexible data mapping: Easily map incoming data fields to your PIM attributes, regardless of the source format, reducing manual data preparation.
  • Advanced data validation: Implement custom validation rules during import to ensure data quality, consistency, and compliance with internal standards.
  • Version control and history: Every data import is logged, allowing you to track changes, revert to previous versions, and maintain a clear audit trail.
  • Scalable performance: WISEPIM handles large volumes of product data efficiently, ensuring fast and reliable import processes even for extensive catalogs.

Common Mistakes with Data import

  • Failing to validate data before import, leading to corrupted records and inconsistencies across systems.
  • Ignoring proper data mapping, resulting in incorrect attribute assignments or data loss during transfer.
  • Overwriting critical existing data without proper backups or a clear understanding of the import's impact.
  • Not standardizing data formats or units from different sources, creating ongoing data quality issues.
  • Relying on manual data imports for recurring tasks, which is inefficient and highly prone to human error.

Tips for Data import

  • Define and enforce strict data validation rules for all incoming data to prevent dirty data from entering your systems.
  • Document your data mapping thoroughly, creating clear guidelines for how source fields correspond to target system attributes.
  • Utilize a staging environment to test all new or complex data imports before deploying them to your live production system.
  • Automate recurring data import tasks using integrations or scheduling tools to reduce manual effort and improve consistency.
  • Implement a robust error handling and notification system to quickly identify and address issues during the import process.

Trends Surrounding Data import

  • AI-powered data validation and cleansing tools automatically detect anomalies, suggest corrections, and standardize incoming data.
  • Increased adoption of automated data orchestration platforms for seamless, scheduled, and triggered data imports from various sources.
  • Real-time data synchronization becomes standard, especially for headless commerce architectures, minimizing latency between data sources and storefronts.
  • Enhanced data governance frameworks specifically for import processes, ensuring compliance and maintaining a clear audit trail of data origin and transformations.
  • Focus on 'sustainable data' practices, optimizing import processes to reduce data redundancy and storage, contributing to lower energy consumption.

Tools for Data import

  • WISEPIM: Centralizes product data, streamlines complex imports from various suppliers and ERPs, and ensures data quality across all sales channels.
  • Akeneo PIM: Offers advanced data import capabilities for managing diverse product information, attributes, and digital assets effectively.
  • Salsify: A Product Experience Management (PXM) platform that provides robust tools for importing, enriching, and syndicating product content.
  • Shopify: Provides built-in CSV import functionalities for products, customers, and orders, suitable for direct e-commerce management.
  • Magento (Adobe Commerce): Features powerful and flexible data import/export tools for extensive product catalogs, customer data, and order information.

Related Terms

pimproduct-datadata-qualitydata-validationproduct-feederp-integration

Also Known As

Data ingestionData uploadData migrationData synchronization (one-way)