E-commerce Dictionary
Not sure what a term means? Find plain-English definitions, real-world examples, and practical tips for PIM, product data, and all things e-commerce.
All Terms
Product data transformation engine
A product data transformation engine is software that converts product data from source formats into the structure, units and wording each sales channel requires.
Product data validation framework
A structured system of policies, processes, and tools used to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of product data.
Product data validation rules
Product data validation rules are automated checks that test product records for missing, wrong or badly formatted data before they are published to a channel.
Product data versioning system
A product data versioning system stores earlier versions of product records, so you can see what changed, when and by whom, and restore an older version.
Product information model
A product information model, or PIM data model, defines how product data is structured: families, attributes, allowed values, variants and links to categories and assets.
Product information security
The measures and protocols implemented to protect sensitive product information from unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure.
Real-time Product Data
Real-time Product Data refers to product information that is updated and accessible immediately as changes occur, ensuring customers and systems always have the most current details. This is crucial for dynamic e-commerce operations.
Supplier Data Integration
Supplier data integration is the process of bringing product data from suppliers into your own system and mapping it to one consistent product model.
Sustainability Attributes
Sustainability attributes are product data fields that describe environmental and social properties, such as materials, recycled content, certifications, origin and repairability.
Vendor Product Data (VPD)
Vendor product data (VPD) is the product information a supplier or manufacturer sends to a retailer: identifiers, descriptions, specifications, prices, stock and images.
Vendor Product Data Portal
A vendor product data portal is a website where suppliers submit and update product data for a retailer, checked against the retailer's rules.
Vendor Product Information Management (VPIM)
Vendor product information management (VPIM) is the process of collecting, checking and standardizing product data that suppliers send to a retailer or distributor.
Zero-Party Data
Zero-party data is information a customer shares with a brand on purpose, such as preferences, sizes or purchase plans, for example through a quiz or profile.
eCl@ss
eCl@ss is an international standard that classifies B2B products with 8-digit codes in four levels and a fixed set of properties per class.