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Data Ingestion

Data management1/5/2026Intermediate Level

Data ingestion is the process of collecting, importing, and processing raw data from various sources into a system like a PIM, often involving initial validation and transformation.

What is Data Ingestion? (Definition)

Data ingestion is the process of moving raw information from various sources into a central system like a PIM or database. You might pull this data from ERP systems, supplier files, or simple spreadsheets. During this stage, the system checks the data for errors and cleans it up. It also changes the format so the information fits correctly into the new system. This step ensures your product information stays accurate and complete in one place. WISEPIM helps automate this flow so you can handle large amounts of data without manual entry.

Why Data Ingestion is Important for E-commerce

Data ingestion is the process of moving product information from suppliers or spreadsheets into a central system. It helps e-commerce teams add new items to their webshop quickly. Fast ingestion keeps product details accurate across every sales channel. If this process is slow, catalogs become outdated. Errors in listings can lead to lost sales and unhappy customers. A smooth process ensures the PIM system gets the right data in the correct format. This allows teams to focus on improving product content rather than fixing technical errors.

Examples of Data Ingestion

  • 1A PIM system automatically pulls new product codes and basic details from an ERP system using an API.
  • 2You can upload Excel or CSV files from suppliers directly into the PIM to start organizing product information.
  • 3The PIM connects to outside sources to bring in extra details like safety certificates or professional product photos.
  • 4The PIM collects daily stock level updates from a warehouse management system to keep product data current.

How WISEPIM Helps

  • Flexible connectors link WISEPIM to different data sources to import information easily.
  • Automated mapping matches incoming data to your PIM structure to save time on manual entry.
  • Pre-ingestion validation checks for errors and consistency before data enters the PIM to ensure high quality.

Common Mistakes with Data Ingestion

  • Skipping data checks when importing files. This allows bad information to spread through your entire system.
  • Using different formats for different data sources. This leads to confusing units and terms that do not match.
  • Entering data manually instead of using automated tools. Manual work causes mistakes and slows down your business.
  • Forgetting to set clear rules for data management. Without rules, nobody knows who is responsible for keeping information accurate.
  • Failing to record errors during the import process. This makes it hard to find and fix data flow problems.

Tips for Data Ingestion

  • Set up validation rules at the source to catch data errors as early as possible.
  • Match all data formats and units across your systems before you start the import.
  • Use APIs and connectors to automate data imports. WISEPIM automates these flows to reduce manual tasks.
  • Define clear rules for data ownership and quality standards to keep your information reliable.
  • Check your data flows regularly for errors or slow performance to ensure a smooth process.

Trends Surrounding Data Ingestion

  • AI-driven data quality and mapping: Utilizing AI and machine learning for automated data cleansing, enrichment, and intelligent schema mapping during ingestion.
  • Real-time data ingestion: Shifting from batch processing to streaming data pipelines to enable immediate updates and real-time product information availability.
  • Automated data pipelines: Implementing end-to-end automation for data ingestion, transformation, and loading (ETL/ELT) to reduce manual effort and accelerate data flow.
  • Event-driven architecture: Adopting event-driven approaches for data ingestion, where data changes trigger immediate updates across connected systems.
  • Integration with headless commerce: Developing ingestion strategies that support flexible data delivery to various headless frontends and channels.

Tools for Data Ingestion

  • WISEPIM: A PIM system that centralizes product data, offering robust connectors and APIs for efficient data ingestion from various sources like ERPs, supplier portals, and spreadsheets.
  • Akeneo PIM: Provides comprehensive product information management capabilities, including tools for importing and structuring product data from diverse origins.
  • Salsify PXM: A Product Experience Management platform that facilitates data ingestion, enrichment, and syndication across multiple channels.
  • Talend: An open-source data integration platform offering extensive ETL capabilities for complex data ingestion and transformation workflows.
  • Informatica PowerCenter: An enterprise-grade ETL tool widely used for large-scale data integration, warehousing, and ingestion projects.

Related Terms

data modelapi application programming interfacedata transformationproduct onboardingpim integration strategy

Also Known As

Data importData loadingData acquisition