What is the BMEcat standard?

BMECat Standard Explained: Versions, Integration, and Implementation

Martin Broda

01.08.2022

5 min. reading time

What is the BMECat Standard?

BMEcat is a catalog exchange standard, created in 1999 and developed by the German association BME - Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik e. V.. The standard is based on XML, is fully open and has no fees, its latest version is BMEcat 2005.

All partners in the supply chain (manufacturers, wholesalers, vendors) are exchanging more and more data, and the different data format complicates the process. The use of BMEcat significantly reduces costs for all participating companies by standardizing communication between information systems.

BMECat is a widely recognized catalog exchange standard developed in 1999 by the German association BME - Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik e.V. Based on XML, BMECat is an open, free standard designed to facilitate efficient communication between suppliers and buyers. The latest versions are BMECat 1.2 and BMECat 2005, each offering unique features to streamline data exchange in supply chains.

Design

The BMEcat standard consists of two parts: a header part (HEADER) and a transaction part (T_NEW_CATALOG, T_UPDATE_PRODUCTS or T_UPDATE_PRICES).

The header contains general information about the entire file, e.g. sender and recipient details. The transaction part contains details of all directories, among others:

Features from classifications such as ETIM or ECLASS
Custom features e.g. additional descriptions, keywords
Images and additional documents e.g. instructions, certificates, technical drawings, videos, thumbnails
References to other products e.g. accessories, alternative products, spare parts
Pricing, ordering and additional fees e.g. tiered pricing, minimum quantity or order quantity range
Logistics data e.g. packaging variants
Tree structure of data, if there is a custom classification of products
BMEcat provides for two types of fields: required and optional.

BMECat 1.2 vs. BMECat 2005: A Comprehensive Comparison

Understanding the differences between BMECat 1.2 and BMECat 2005 is crucial for businesses aiming to optimize their catalog data exchange.

BMECat 1.2:
- Released: Early 2000s.
- Features:
  - Basic support for product data exchange.
  - Limited support for multimedia elements.
- Use Cases: Suitable for businesses with straightforward catalog data needs.

BMECat 2005:
- Released: 2005.
- Features:
  - Enhanced support for multimedia content (images, documents).
  - Improved handling of complex pricing models.
  - Extended capabilities for internationalization and localization.
- Use Cases: Ideal for companies requiring advanced features and international operations.

Which Version Should You Use?

BMECat 1.2 may suffice for small businesses with simple catalogs.
BMECat 2005 is recommended for larger enterprises needing advanced features.

For detailed specifications, download the BMECat 2005 documentation here.

Integrating BMECat with SAP Systems

Seamless Integration for Enhanced Efficiency

Integrating BMECat with SAP systems enables businesses to automate and streamline their procurement processes.

Benefits:
- Automated data exchange reduces manual errors.
- Real-time updates improve inventory management.
- Enhanced supplier collaboration.

Implementation Guide:

Assess Compatibility: Ensure your SAP system supports BMECat integration.
Configure SAP Modules: Set up the necessary modules (e.g., SAP Ariba).
Map Data Fields: Align BMECat fields with SAP data structures.
Test Integration: Conduct trials to ensure data is correctly exchanged.
Go Live: Deploy the integration in your production environment.

Implementing BMECat in Pimcore

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Product Data

Pimcore is a flexible platform that supports BMECat implementation, allowing you to manage and distribute product information efficiently.

Key Features:
- Centralized product information management (PIM).
- Support for custom data models.
- Integration with BMECat standards for data exchange.

Steps to Implement BMECat in Pimcore:

Install Pimcore: Set up the Pimcore platform on your server.
Configure PIM Module: Customize data models to match BMECat structures.
Import/Export Data: Utilize BMECat import/export functionalities.
Customize Templates: Adjust templates to include required BMECat fields.
Validate Data: Ensure data integrity and compliance with BMECat standards.

Explore our Pimcore implementation services to get started.

Looking for a BMECat solution provider?

Optimize Your Supply Chain Communication

Implementing BMECat can significantly reduce costs and improve efficiency in your supply chain. Whether you're a manufacturer, wholesaler, or vendor, standardizing your catalog data exchange is essential.

Martin Broda

[email protected]

+48 723 395 567

Download BMECat Specifications and Templates

Access the official BMECat specifications and templates to streamline your catalog data exchange processes.

BMECat 1.2 Specification: Download PDF
BMECat 2005 Specification: Download PDF
BMECat XML Templates: Download Templates

Note: Always refer to the latest documentation for up-to-date information.

Cooperation with ETIM classification

Every three years or so, a new version of the vendor guidelines appears on the site, and currently the latest is ETIM BMEcat V5-0 of 2021. In addition to the three BMEcat transactions, ETIM uses its own fourth transaction, T_NEW_PRODUCTDATA. The new transaction makes it easy to provide the most important data for new products (only the most important data to import the product into the database without pricing and logistics data). Additional data will be provided in another step. As a result of omitting elements that are defined as mandatory in the BMEcat 2005 specification, the T_NEW_PRODUCTDATA transaction leads to a data file that is not 100% compliant with the BMEcat specification. This is a conscious decision by ETIM International to facilitate the transfer of product data at an early stage.

Depending on the country, supplier guidelines additionally:

change some optional features to required features,
set descriptive text fields (standard in ETIM text is a checkbox),
can introduce new features, e.g. in the Polish version the PKWiU code is required.

Understanding BMECat and ETIM Standards Integration

Enhance Data Quality with ETIM Classification

ETIM (Electro-Technical Information Model) is a standardized classification system for technical products. Integrating ETIM with BMECat offers:

Consistent Product Classification: Improves searchability and comparability.
International Standardization: Facilitates global trade.
Efficient Data Exchange: Streamlines communication between suppliers and buyers.

How to Integrate ETIM with BMECat:

Map ETIM Classes: Align your products with ETIM classification codes.
Include ETIM Data in BMECat Files: Add ETIM attributes to your BMECat XML files.
Validate Compliance: Use validation tools to ensure data meets ETIM and BMECat standards.
Update Regularly: Keep classifications current with ETIM updates.

Learn more about BMECat and ETIM integration services.

Get Started with BMECat Today

Optimize Your Supply Chain Communication

Martin Broda

[email protected]

+48 723 395 567

Cooperation with ECLASS classification

The Research and Development Department of the ECLASS e.V. Association has created an extension for BMEcat so that it can take full advantage of the potential of ECLASS classification. This version is called BMEcat 2005.1-advanced and is backward-compatible with BMEcat 2005, extending it with:

multilingualism (adding languages according to ISO 639-2:1998 and regions according to IETSs RFC 5646)
tree structure (attaching additional element id and parent id)
grouping elements into Aspects with ECLASS ADVANCED (containers have additional id, name and description).

BMECat Implementation with ECLASS Classification

Leverage Advanced Classification Systems

ECLASS is another classification standard that complements BMECat, especially with the BMEcat 2005.1-advanced version.

Benefits:
- Multilingual Support: Cater to international markets.
- Detailed Classification: Use Aspects and properties for comprehensive product descriptions.
- Enhanced Data Structures: Utilize advanced grouping and relationships.

Implementation Steps:

Understand ECLASS Structure: Familiarize yourself with classes, properties, and values.
Upgrade to BMECat 2005.1-advanced: Ensure compatibility with ECLASS Advanced features.
Integrate Data: Map ECLASS properties into your BMECat files.
Use Advanced Features: Leverage multilingual capabilities and complex data structures.

For assistance, contact our ECLASS implementation team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

BMECat is used for standardizing the exchange of catalog data between suppliers and buyers, reducing errors, and streamlining procurement processes.

BMECat can be integrated with SAP systems by mapping BMECat data fields to SAP modules, enabling automated data exchange and improved supply chain management.

The main differences lie in advanced features such as enhanced multimedia support, complex pricing models, and improved internationalization in BMECat 2005.

Yes, BMECat specifications are openly available. You can download them directly from our website or the official BMECat site.

BMECat can incorporate ETIM and ECLASS classification data, enhancing product information consistency and facilitating international trade.

Why choose us for your BMECat implementation

Schedule a free consultation to discuss how BMECat can benefit your business.

Optimize Your Supply Chain Communication

Expertise: Our team has extensive experience with BMECat, ETIM, and ECLASS standards.
Customized Solutions: We tailor our services to meet your specific business needs.
Support: From initial consultation to full implementation, we're here to help every step of the way.

Martin Broda

[email protected]

+48 723 395 567