Data model: definition and role in PIM

In PIM practice, the data model is the foundation for every other capability. Workflows, completeness rules, channel exports and permissions all reference it. A typical model covers product families, attribute groups, attributes with types and units, variant axes, relationship types, classifications and category trees.

Illustrative example: a furniture brand models its sofas with a product model per design and variants per fabric and size. Relationships link matching chairs, and attributes cover dimensions, materials and care instructions per locale.

In a selection, the data model is the decision buyers most often postpone, and the one that matters most. PIMvendors' view is that buyers should model two or three representative product families in full, including the most complex one, before vendor demos. Vendors then configure those families live, which shows data model flexibility far better than a prepared demo.