ETIM is a format to share and exchange product data based on taxonomic identification. This widely used classification standard for technical products was developed to structure the information flow between B2B professionals.
The Power of ETIM
Why ETIM?
The ETIM classification model was developed to meet the industry’s growing demand for a clear, discerning information structure for available technical products: ETIM allows for technical products to be classified and uniformly described by product groups, classes, synonyms, features, values and units.
With ETIM, the exchange of detailed information needed to find technical products became a reality.
Scale and Scope
ETIM was initially developed for the Dutch electrotechnical sector, but steadily expanded its activities to different industries and different countries worldwide. Today, the ever expanding ETIM classification model is available in 17 languages and supported by no less than 20 member organizations – one of which is representing 21 countries – one of which is ETIM North America.
In addition to electrotechnical products, ETIM now also covers the classification of HVAC & Plumbing, Building Materials and Shipbuilding sector related products, including tools. What’s more, we are confident more sectors and product groups will follow suit in the years to come.
Joining Forces
When it comes to the standardized international product data flow, the ETIM classification model has proven its value as a preferred strategic option over the past decade. Ensuring further adoption and long-term integration of the ETIM structure by suppliers and wholesalers worldwide, however, requires extensive alignment and collaboration on a global scale.
That’s why ETIM organizations from 21 different countries – and counting – have joined forces in ETIM International, a non-profit organization centrally managing the development, maintenance, publishing and promotion of the ETIM classification model to effectively pursue a shared objective: becoming the classification standard for technical products worldwide.
In early 2020, DDS (Distributor Data Solutions), a leading technology and product content solution provider serving the wholesale distribution industry, became the founding member of a new dedicated ETIM North America association to share in that worldwide objective and bring the benefits of the standard to the North America wholesale industry.