In order to be able to use product data during all steps of the business process, classification of the technical product specifications is necessary. Step four is the first step of the ETIM Classification. During this step, the product is classified into the product class (by EC code) to which it belongs. Products that have been assigned a product class can already be linked in outline with installation parts and calculation time standards. The product class also provides access to search structures in catalogues.
Product Class
A product class is the standard description of a group of products that are physically and/or functionally similar and can therefore be described with the same set of features and limit values. ETIM is manufacturer-neutral, which means that no brand-specific terms and/or descriptions are included and allowed in the classification.
The product class is indicated by means of the international EC code (formerly UBIM code). There are several methods of ascertaining the correct product class including:
| ETIM Classification Management Tool (International) | |
| PIM Software |
Classifying parts in ETIM
For various parts and accessories, product classes such as 'Accessories/parts for ...' are available within the ETIM classification. However, it is possible that no specific class is (yet) available or that an existing product class is not suitable enough for your parts/accessories. In that situation, it is not the intention that the part is classified in a somewhat adequate product class. There is a good chance that not all (necessary) technical features can be filled, which means that your parts are difficult to find or cannot be found, which is a disadvantage for your score on the Data Quality Label.
You can easily specify/make parts findable via the product reference "Part of ...". If your PIM software supports this option, the data will be exported and available within the Unifeed data pool and search engine. The part will also be recognized as part if the product reference is made correctly and will apply to the score of your Label data quality.
Different specifications apply per exchange format:
ETIM; always on the move
The ETIM model is continuous in development. Updates from ETIM International are therefore made available in the form of official (biennial) releases. Certain market parties often have to get started quickly with newly announced ETIM classes and/or characteristics, ETIM makes new versions and changes available daily. So in anticipation of the next new official version, we call this ETIM Dynamic.
A dynamic or intermediate ETIM release contains all classes that have already been published or are in "publishing" status. To indicate the differences with the current official ETIM release, new or changed product classes and/or features are marked with a change code. Please note that a dynamic release will still contain the entire official release, including the classes, functions, and values 'tagged' to be removed in the next official release.
ETIM UP
Especially for manufacturers, Ketenstandaard Bouw en Techniek has developed a tool which data can be easily converted to a newer version of ETIM. The tool takes a lot of (unnecessary) work off your hands and, given classification, ensures higher data quality.
Thanks to ETIM UP, migrations no longer have to be carried out manually when the ETIM class changes. You upload your old data to ETIM UP and you get the data back in the new version. Updating in ETIM UP takes place on the basis of mapping rules defined by ETIM.
