BMEcat from Excel: understand the product data first.
Prepare product data from Excel, an ERP or a PIM for a sales partner and deliver an agreed catalogue.
Read the German originalThe file format and product features have different jobs
BMEcat describes the exchange of electronic product catalogues. ETIM classifies technical products and their features. ETIM International also provides the xChange exchange format. Your trading partner's recipient profile determines which combination is needed.
Start with that partner's guidelines. The question is not simply whether an XML file can be generated, but which products, language variants, media and classification versions your partner actually processes.
A sample makes gaps visible
Select different product types, variants and pack units. Check whether a column such as power always means the same thing and whether units are stored separately. An item number identifies a product; it does not explain its characteristics.
Each target field needs a supported source or an explicitly recorded gap. Missing manufacturer data must not be replaced with plausible values. A small, varied sample usually reveals the need for subject-matter maintenance better than a large unchecked export.
Plan the next catalogue too
Prices, features, images and product ranges keep changing after the first import. Agree which system owns each piece of information and how deleted items are handled. A repeatable export needs the same validation rules as the first run.
The pilot ends with a recipient test and a list of unresolved data questions. A data hub such as FireFlint can then serve as a project-specific basis for maintenance and distribution. This does not assume that a ready-made BMEcat or ETIM connector already exists.
What does this look like in your work?
We can turn the idea into a sensible next step with you.
BMEcat & ETIM: get product data ready for delivery · Packages