Expertise · data and standards

Understand BMEcat

BMEcat is a file format for electronic product catalogues. Suppliers can use it to send customers article information such as descriptions, prices and technical features. The content required also depends on the recipient’s specifications.

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Schematic illustrationBMEcat: catalog structure
BMEcat Catalog
  • Header data
  • Items
    • Identifier
    • Description
    • References

The exchange format structures content. Recipient requirements need a separate check.

BMEcat as an exchange format
  • Articles · descriptions · prices
  • Version · transaction · references
  • Recipient requirements

What BMEcat covers

A BMEcat catalogue can contain article master data, descriptions, prices, units, product groups, media references, classifications and other relationships. BMEcat 1.2 and BMEcat 2005 differ in structure and capabilities. Recipients often define additional required fields and validation rules.

Learn about BMEcat together

Get to know BMEcat in a live online workshop with no prior knowledge required. For up to six people from your company, in German or English, with a separate option covering how both standards work together.

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Common problems

Structure and format

  • XML or transaction cannot be processed

Content and mapping

  • required content is missing or inconsistent
  • articles, groups and references do not match

Processing

  • source data needs mapping to BMEcat fields
  • a catalogue needs validating, correcting or converting

Recipient / target system

  • customer-specific requirements differ from the standard

Practical approaches

Review and approval

  • validate a BMEcat file yourself with BMEtoolbox
  • order a BMEcat quality analysis with expert review

Processing

  • request an individual offer for error correction
  • have a BMEcat catalogue created for a customer
  • Convert BMEcat to Excel or CSV

Schedule and operation

  • hand over recurring catalogue deliveries as a managed service

Scope boundaries

Technical validation guarantees neither content completeness nor acceptance by a recipient. Customer-specific rules are only considered when explicitly agreed within the scope.

FAQ

What is the difference between BMEcat 1.2 and BMEcat 2005?

Both versions structure electronic product catalogues, but they have different elements and modelling capabilities. The suitable version depends on the target system and recipient requirements.

Is BMEcat the same as ETIM?

No. BMEcat is an exchange format for product catalogues. ETIM is a classification model for product classes, features and values. ETIM data can be transmitted within a BMEcat catalogue.

Which validation approach fits?

Use BMEtoolbox for supported validation tasks you carry out yourself. Choose the BMEcat quality analysis for expert-reviewed findings with an action plan.

Expertise · data and standards

Define your task

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