Every year, industry standards evolve and adapt to market requirements, shaping how businesses operate, interact, and scale. But here’s the catch: staying ahead of these changes is not just about keeping up; it’s about leveraging them to stay competitive, efficient, and agile in a highly interconnected global market.
Whether you're a manufacturer fine-tuning your product catalog or a distributor looking to optimize your data flow, industry standards are the backbone of your business' success. Therefore, you must adapt to new industry standards to ensure smoother data exchange, regulatory compliance, and seamless cross-border transactions. Let's dive into the most recent updates in key standards, like ETIM, FAB-DIS, and others, and explore how they’re revolutionizing the industrial manufacturing space.
ETIM: Revolutionizing product classification and product data exchange
ETIM is transforming how product data is categorized and shared across industries. With the introduction of ETIM 10.0 and ETIM xChange, manufacturers and distributors now benefit from standardized, streamlined data exchange. These updates enhance product classification accuracy, improve integration, and ensure consistency across geographies and platforms.
So, what are the latest updates?
1. ETIM xChange 1.0 (February 2024)
A new JSON-based exchange format for manufacturers and distributors, governed by ETIM International.
- Ensures standardized product data exchange across platforms and geographies
- Reduces friction in the supply chain, enabling seamless technical product data sharing
- Offers an online validation tool that enables users to validate data files against the xChange schema and receive a certificate upon successful validation
*Patch release version 1.1 in August 2024
2. ETIM 10.0 release (December 2024)
The newest version of the international classification standard.
- Introduces 119 new product classes and features and grouping of attributes, such as material, electrical characteristics, and dimensions
- Expands the ETIM system with improved class grouping and sector mergers to better organize products
- Includes a new IXF 3.1 version alongside ETIM 10.0 to enhance system integration
- Supports multiple languages: English, Dutch, German, and Swedish (with other languages to follow)
Developments like these aim to support global manufacturers and distributors in maintaining efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing data reliability, ultimately fostering smoother operations and faster product discovery.
Following the ETIM updates, manufacturers like Pemsa-Rejiband are leading the way by adopting the ETIM xChange JSON-based data standard for their digital product catalog. By aligning with the ETIM product classification standard, the supply chain becomes more efficient, product information is delivered with greater accuracy, and the purchasing process for end users is significantly improved.
3. Potential synergies with GS1 in the construction and real estate industry (May 2024)
The integration of the ETIM classification into the GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) is being spearheaded by a GS1 expert group comprising Swiss members, including CRB, BdCH/bSCH, buildup, ETIM Switzerland, and several construction product manufacturers.
Currently focused on certain product categories, this collaboration ensures that technical product data classified under ETIM can now be seamlessly exchanged within GDSN’s global network. For manufacturers and distributors, this simplifies the sharing of accurate, standardized data across industries and reduces inefficiencies in the digital value chain.
FAB-DIS: Advancing data exchange for French manufacturers
FAB-DIS (Fabrication Distribution) is a standardized file format widely used by French distributors in the construction, tools, and parts sectors. This complex XLSX format ensures that essential data, including media, logistics, price, and ETIM classifications, is shared accurately and organized efficiently.
1. FAB-DIS 2.3 upgraded to 3.0
- Better media management
FAB-DIS 3.0 increases media attributes from 17 to 31, adding new visuals like 360° photos and 3D models. Media can now be organized by language, target group, and purpose for easier identification and presentation. It also supports sharing manufacturer-specific data, such as promotional banners, within the same file.
- Enhanced product marketing and customer experience
The update introduces features to suggest complementary products, upsell items, promote spare parts for repairs, and offer secondhand options when a product is unavailable. It also offers new ways to organize and display product information, improving both sales and customer satisfaction.
- Sustainability compliance
The new version allows the addition of ecological data, including recycled material percentage, carbon footprint, traceability of hazardous substances, and the presence of precious metals. This ensures manufacturers meet new French and European regulations on sustainability and the circular economy.
- Improved product lifecycle management
FAB-DIS 3.0 provides clearer management of product lifecycle data, such as marketing status and expected opening and end dates. It also improves the expression of units and rates, reducing ambiguity and enhancing stock flow and the customer experience.
For businesses still using the outdated FAB-DIS 2.3 version, upgrading to 3.0 is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Continuing to use older versions could lead to compatibility issues, errors in product listings, and inefficiencies in managing product data.
If you haven’t made the switch yet, it’s time—check out Productsup’s comprehensive guide to setting up FAB-DIS 3.0 exports.
2. Governance revamp: New FAB-DIS board members in 2025
FAB-DIS introduced its newly appointed Board of Directors, consisting of 11 members, to drive innovation and strengthen collaboration within the industry. Their collective expertise will support the ongoing development of the FAB-DIS ecosystem and its global impact.
Prysmian X Productsup: Simple product content syndication to over 100 manufacturers globally
The Prysmian Group, a global cable manufacturer, used Productsup to create ETIM-compliant content and integrate it into formats like BMEcat and FAB-DIS. Managing 620 product attributes, they onboarded new data pools in just 30 days, streamlining data exchange and boosting product visibility in global markets.
Learn more →2BA: Enhancing product data efficiency
2BA, a key player in the industrial manufacturing segment, plays an integral role in streamlining product data exchange in the Dutch market. In 2024, 2BA expanded its network to include 3,000 installation companies and material handlers, 476 manufacturers, agents, and importers, 219 wholesalers and distributors, and 58 software partners. And, we’re proud to be one of their channel partners—discover how Productsup can assist with your 2BA integration.
1. 2BA accepts ETIM xChange
2BA now supports the latest JSON-based ETIM xChange format, enabling easier data exchange for industrial manufacturers. This update allows customers to import and export data more efficiently, replacing older formats, like ETIM BMEcat 2005 or DICO. With this integration, companies can streamline collaboration, improve data consistency, and speed up the adoption of the ETIM standard across the supply chain.
ARGE: Advancing data management and collaboration
ARGE continues to lead advancements in electrical, sanitary, and HVAC industries, offering specialized digital solutions for connecting manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in Germany. Their recent developments include:
1. BMDG 2.1 to 3.0 transition (December 2024)
BMDG 3.0 is a data exchange guideline from ARGE that offers a comprehensive, updated approach to data management. It is designed to help manufacturers provide accurate product data that meets European market requirements.
- Alignment with local guidelines
BMDG 3.0 fully aligns with local industry standards, like 2BA, FAB-DIS, and DQR, ensuring seamless integration and consistency across various data platforms.
- Alignment with international formats
The new version is aligned with global data standards, such as ETIM xChange, promoting broader interoperability and improved global data exchange.
2. Collaboration with GS1
ARGE has partnered with GS1 to introduce the digital product passport. The initiative will enable better sustainability tracking by offering transparent information on a product’s materials, lifecycle, and environmental impact.
If you’re looking to integrate your products with ARGE, connect with Productsup for a seamless integration experience. Learn more about our ARGE integration.
DDS: Transforming product content for B2B ecommerce
DDS (Distributor Data Solutions)s a leading provider of product content solutions in the US market. It empowers manufacturers and distributors to manage, align, and share rich product content in real-time, enhancing efficiency and driving growth.
1. Acadia launch: The industry's first Product Access Cloud
In the US, DDS introduced Acadia, the industry's first Product Access Cloud, designed to address common product content challenges in B2B ecommerce. Acadia unifies key tools for real-time product data access, enabling better content delivery, enhanced collaboration, and growth in B2B sales.
- Real-time product content access
Acadia allows customers to view and edit rich product content in real-time without requiring a PIM system first.
- AI-driven insights
Acadia integrates generative AI capabilities to deliver results recognized by industrial experts, improving product content quality.
- Simplified data sharing
Manufacturers and distributors can easily align, authorize, and enhance their product data across channels through a single, unified platform.
Ready to embrace these data standard changes in 2025? Productsup has the solution
Navigating the complexities of numerous diverse channels, including regional platforms like FAB-DIS, 2BA, ARGE, and DDS can be daunting. Each market comes with unique requirements, but the need for seamless, accurate product data exchange is universal. That’s where Productsup steps in.
With the ability to manage data across more than 2,500 channels, Productsup ensures your product content aligns with local standards while maintaining global consistency. Whether you’re optimizing for ETIM classifications or customizing content for distributors in different markets, our P2C (product-to-consumer) platform simplifies the process, empowering you to focus on growth.
We bridge the gap between manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, empowering them to thrive in today’s interconnected world. Let us elevate your product data management and drive your business to new heights. Book a demo today.
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