To achieve rich functionality and data consistency, we leveraged best-world PIM practices and our own expertise. Accordingly, our project team employed EAV (entity–attribute–value model) architecture to create entities of any type containing the product name, description and unique identifier (UI) with any attributes and hierarchy. Since EAV implies a heavy structure and storing information in several sources, we configured a relational database for main storage and a non-relational one (ElasticSearch) for indexing and quick access based on instant caching. To access video files, we configured cloud storage for media.

The PIM system gives managers a great deal of flexibility when choosing types and attributes for new products. Thanks to that, our client, for instance, can easily switch from selling clothes to selling iPhones, screwdrivers, or even online gardening courses without having to restructure the existing platform.

Furthermore, we ensured that default product types could be customized. Thus, our client could add new trade units as follows:

• Simple. A single product is sold with fixed properties (size, weight, material, etc.) and does not have variations.
• Configurable. Configurable implies many simple products that include several sizes or color options.
• Virtual. Unlike visible and physical products mentioned above, a virtual one can be a service, membership, warranty, or subscription that does not require shipping or delivery.
• Grouped. Purchasing them together is usually more advantageous than purchasing them separately since they share similar characteristics or have a relationship with one another.
• Bundle. Shoppers have no choice but to purchase all items in a kit containing bundle products.
• Downloadable. As the name suggests, customers might download software, files, ebooks, videos etc., after watching trailers or sampling.

• As a big online retailer, our customer manages a lot of product information related to clothes. In this manner, every item includes such attributes as size, color, material, care instructions, shipping information, and marketing data (titles, descriptions, photos, etc.) With that in mind, Infinity InfoSoft has implemented the following PIM features.

• Product data modeling

  For adding new product content data, we developed a web-based tool that enables drag-and-drop operations without requiring any coding. This tool allows users to create entities, attributes, and relationships, as well as keep SKUs organized throughout the product lifecycle. Furthermore, it comes with pre-built templates that simplify the organization, aggregation, classification, and translation of product information.

  Omnichannel publishing

  Customers expect accurate, consistent information throughout their customer journeys. To ensure that data about the product is up-to-date across various sales and communication channels, we implemented omnichannel data updating. For example, if the price for a certain product changes from 30$ to 50$, marketers should update the information on the website, price sheets, and catalogs accordingly. With the PIM system, managers change prices once, and thanks to pre-built connectors to the Magento e-commerce platform, they will be accurate across all touch points.