BMEcat PIM: Import and export product data efficiently

The BMEcat standard is one of the most important formats for exchanging product data in the B2B sector. Manufacturers and suppliers often make their catalogues available as BMEcat files.

However, without a suitable system, processing this data is time-consuming and prone to errors.

With a BMEcat-compatible PIM system such as ComBinder PIM, you can import product data in a structured format, edit it and export it to various target systems.

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What is BMEcat?

BMEcat is a standardised XML format for the exchange of product data between companies.

It is used in particular in the B2B sector to exchange structured catalogue data between manufacturers, retailers and purchasing systems.

Typical contents of a BMEcat file include:

  • Product master data
  • Descriptions and texts
  • technical specifications
  • Prices and classifications
  • Media references (e.g. images, documents)

Common versions include BMEcat 1.2 and BMEcat 2005, which differ in structure and scope.

Challenges in processing BMEcat data

Although BMEcat is a standardised format, its practical implementation often presents challenges:

  • Different structures depending on the supplier
  • Variable data quality
  • Complex XML structures
  • Missing or inconsistent attributes
  • Difficulties in processing data in target systems

Ohne ein geeignetes System müssen diese Daten manuell angepasst und konvertiert werden – ein zeitaufwendiger und fehleranfälliger Prozess.

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How a PIM system simplifies BMEcat processing

A PIM system serves as a central platform for processing and organising BMEcat data.

Imported catalogues are converted into a standardised data structure and can then be edited, supplemented and exported as required.

Advantages:

  • Structured import of BMEcat files
  • Standardisation of different data sources
  • Centralised management of all product information
  • Mapping to custom data models
  • Export in verschiedene Formate und Systeme

BMEcat with ComBinder PIM

ComBinder PIM has been specifically developed for handling structured product data and BMEcat catalogues.

BMEcat Import
Import BMEcat files from various suppliers and transfer product data into a centralised, structured environment.

Data mapping and transformation
Flexibly adapt imported data to your own structure and standardise data from different suppliers.

Editing and enrichment
Add to product information, correct data and expand content directly within the PIM.

BMEcat Export
Export your product data back into BMEcat format – tailored to the requirements of your target systems.

Integration with online shops and systems
Use BMEcat data for online shop systems, catalogues or internal applications.

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Typical use cases for BMEcat in PIM

Import supplier data
Regularly import updated product catalogues from suppliers and integrate them into your system.

Centralise product data
Bring together data from various sources and create a consistent database.

Preparing data for online shops
Convert BMEcat data into product information suitable for online shops.

Create catalogues
Use structured data for digital or printed product catalogues.

BMEcat, variants and media

BMEcat catalogues often contain variant structures and media references, but these must be interpreted and processed correctly.

A PIM system ensures that:

  • Variants should be clearly structured
  • media are correctly assigned
  • Product data remains complete and consistent

ComBinder PIM unterstützt diese Prozesse und stellt sicher, dass komplexe Datenstrukturen effizient verarbeitet werden können.

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Making efficient use of BMEcat data

With ComBinder PIM, you can efficiently import, organise and export BMEcat data, significantly reducing the amount of manual work involved.

Make the most of the standard and organise your product data into a centralised, consistent structure.