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Semantic layers of the Product Information Management Systems (PIM)

Overview of Product Information Management Systems 

Companies rely on Product Information Management Systems (PIM) to create, manage, and distribute product information across various channels.  PIM, or Product Information Management, refers to the systems used to manage and centralize product data and information within an organization. PIM systems are essential for businesses, especially those with large product catalogs, to ensure consistent, accurate, and up-to-date product information across various channels and platforms. At PANTOPIX we offer PIM systems software solutions for our industrial clients. 

Challenges of traditional PIM data stacks solved by Knowledge Graphs  

Traditional PIM data stacks face several limitations in meeting contemporary data management needs: 

  • They lack a single source of truth, making it challenging to integrate various data sources and break down data silos. 
  • They fall short in schema flexibility, as they struggle to accommodate new data sources, attributes, or channels, and require significant remodeling to integrate new competitor product data. 
  • They hinder effective data exchange and cross-domain insights; they often operate within domain-specific boundaries, limiting the ability to publish, share, and exchange data while maintaining quality and deriving comprehensive insights across different domains. 

Using a knowledge graph (KG) for PIM systems addresses these issues, offering a more flexible, integrated, and holistic approach to data management.   

PIM Knowledge Graph semantic layers 

PIM Knowledge Graph semantic layers

The Knowledge Graph is organized into three semantic layers: 

PIM Ontologies Layer: The topmost layer provides a semantic understanding of the data by defining relationships and concepts. For example, in the PIM ontology layer, a refrigerator’s ‘Temperature’ property might be linked to a ‘Measurement Unit’ concept. This layer enables advanced functionalities such as cross-domain insights, allowing businesses to analyze data across different product categories and uncover patterns or trends that might not be visible within siloed datasets. Flexible schema integration is another key benefit, as the ontology layer allows the system to accommodate new data sources and attributes without significant redesign. For instance, if a new type of smart appliance with unique properties is introduced, the ontology layer can integrate this data seamlessly, maintaining the integrity and coherence of the overall knowledge graph. 

PIM Taxonomies Layer: This intermediate layer categorizes and organizes the data into structured taxonomies, grouping similar products and properties together. For instance, refrigerators, air fryers, and vacuum cleaners would be organized under a ‘Home Appliances’ category, with subcategories for different types and brands. This structure supports various use cases such as improved instances creation, where new product entries can be added more efficiently by following predefined categories and attributes. It also aids in the validation of the knowledge graph instances, ensuring that new product data adheres to established standards and formats. Additionally, taxonomies enable inference, allowing the system to deduce new information based on existing data, such as suggesting compatible accessories or related products. Enhanced information retrieval is another benefit, as users can more easily search and filter products based on well-defined categories and attributes, improving the overall user experience. 

PIM Data Layer: This layer represent the PIM data using the predefined data model by the PIM ontologies and the taxonomy concepts defined by the PIM taxonomies. For example, for a product like a refrigerator, the PIM data layer would include detailed specifications such as model number, dimensions, weight, energy rating, capacity, and features like built-in ice makers or smart technology. This layer ensures that all product information is captured comprehensively, providing a rich and detailed product information. By consolidating this data, businesses can ensure they have a single, consistent source of truth for all product details, which is crucial for maintaining data accuracy and reliability. The data instances in this layer are actual representations derived from the ontologies and reuse concepts from the taxonomies, ensuring consistency and semantic richness in the dataset. 

By leveraging these three semantic layers, a knowledge graph for PIM systems ensures that product data is not only organized but also meaningful and actionable. This approach facilitates better data management, enhances the ability to derive insights, and supports more effective decision-making processes across the organization. 

Dr. Amir Laadhar
Senior Knowledge Engineer

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Dr. Amir Laadhar
Senior Knowledge Engineer