Hierarchy: definition and role in PIM

In PIM practice, several hierarchies coexist. Product hierarchies link product models to variants. Category hierarchies drive navigation. Packaging hierarchies link a consumer unit to an inner pack, a case and a pallet, each with its own GTIN and dimensions.

Illustrative example: a beverage producer models a can, a four-pack, a tray of 24 cans and a pallet. Each level carries its own GTIN, weight and dimensions, and the PIM publishes the full packaging hierarchy to a GDSN data pool.

In a selection, buyers should map every hierarchy they maintain and test each one. Packaging hierarchies matter for GDSN, logistics and PPWR packaging data. Product hierarchies matter for variant handling and inheritance. Inheritance rules decide which values flow down a hierarchy and where a lower level may override them, so they deserve a scenario of their own.