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Product Import/Export

Data Management1/5/2026Advanced Level

The process of importing and exporting product data between systems and platforms.

What is Product Import/Export? (Definition)

Product import/export is the process of moving product information between different software systems. Product import involves bringing data into a PIM system from outside sources like suppliers, manufacturers, or spreadsheets. Product export involves sending that data from the PIM to sales channels like webshops, marketplaces, or ERP systems. These processes help businesses keep their product details accurate and consistent across all platforms. Tools like WISEPIM automate these transfers to save time and reduce manual errors. This ensures customers always see the correct information regardless of where they shop.

Why Product Import/Export is Important for E-commerce

Product import/export is the process of moving digital product information between different software systems. This capability helps store owners keep their data accurate across every platform they use. It allows businesses to quickly bring in new items from suppliers or send product lists to marketplaces like Amazon. Using these tools reduces manual data entry and prevents mistakes. It also helps teams share the right details with manufacturers and partners. With a tool like WISEPIM, companies can update thousands of items at once to meet specific channel requirements. This keeps product listings consistent and ready for customers to see.

Examples of Product Import/Export

  • 1Bringing product details from a supplier's catalog into your central system
  • 2Sending finished product information from WISEPIM to an online store
  • 3Pulling product listings and details from a marketplace into your database
  • 4Sending updated product specifications or requirements back to a manufacturer
  • 5Moving core product data like SKUs and prices from an ERP system

How WISEPIM Helps

  • Pre-built Connectors are ready-made tools that link WISEPIM to popular e-commerce platforms.
  • A Flexible API is a connection tool that links your custom or older software systems to the platform.
  • Visual Mapping is a tool that lets you match data fields between systems using a simple on-screen interface.
  • Scheduled Sync is an automation feature that runs your data transfers at the specific times you set.
  • Error Handling is a system that finds and fixes data issues to keep your product information moving.

Common Mistakes with Product Import/Export

  • You skip data checks during the import process. This causes errors and messy information in your other systems.
  • You map and change data by hand. This process is slow and leads to many mistakes as your business grows.
  • You use different data formats for different systems. This makes it hard for your software tools to work together.
  • You do not set clear rules for your data. This creates duplicate products and confusing information because no one knows who is in charge.
  • You do not use automatic updates. This means your customers see old or wrong product details on your sales channels.

Tips for Product Import/Export

  • Set clear rules for your data before you start moving it. This helps keep your product information accurate and uniform across all systems.
  • Use your PIM system to check and clean data automatically. This reduces manual work and prevents mistakes during the transfer.
  • Use a PIM system as the main home for all product details. This ensures every import and export uses the same correct information.
  • Set up alerts to track errors during data transfers. This helps you find and fix problems as soon as they happen.
  • Check your data often to make sure it matches between systems. Compare the original files with the final results to ensure everything is correct.

Trends Surrounding Product Import/Export

  • AI-powered data mapping and transformation tools that automate the identification and conversion of complex data structures.
  • Increased adoption of API-first integration strategies for real-time, bidirectional data synchronization instead of batch file transfers.
  • Headless commerce architectures driving demand for flexible, granular product data exports tailored to various frontend experiences.
  • Emphasis on automated data quality checks and enrichment during import/export, using AI to detect and correct discrepancies.
  • Integration of sustainability data attributes, allowing businesses to import and export product-specific environmental information for compliance and consumer transparency.

Tools for Product Import/Export

  • WISEPIM: A comprehensive PIM solution centralizing product data management and streamlining complex import/export workflows across channels.
  • Akeneo: An open-source PIM platform enabling efficient product information management and multi-channel syndication through flexible import/export capabilities.
  • Salsify: A Product Experience Management (PXM) platform that combines PIM, DAM, and syndication to facilitate seamless data import and export to various touchpoints.
  • Shopify: An e-commerce platform offering native product import/export functions, often extended with apps for more sophisticated data handling and PIM integration.
  • Magento (Adobe Commerce): A powerful e-commerce platform known for its extensive product data management features and robust API for custom import/export integrations.

Related Terms

attribute mappingchannel managementdata syndicationmiddlewareproduct data migrationdata feed managementproduct data sourcingproduct data quality

Also Known As

Data TransferData MigrationData ExchangeData IntegrationData Synchronization