08 Oct Is the BMEcat dead?
ETIM International has long advocated for a new exchange format. Last fall, the focus here was a mix of the Dutch DICO and the EMDG (European Master Data Guideline). According to the latest rumors, BMEcat is said to be replaced by a completely new exchange format called xChange, based on JSON. Is xChange the definitive demise of BMEcat? Find out in our latest article if the BMEcat is dead and learn how to prepare for all eventualities surrounding xChange.
Why does BMEcat still have its relevance?
In a time when new exchange formats like xChange are on the rise, and ETIM International is pushing for a modernization of the standard, one may wonder why BMEcat remains relevant. However, the answer is by no means trivial, and there are good reasons why this proven standard continues to play a crucial role in the world of electronic product catalogs.
Widespread use in marketplaces and procurement platforms
Many established marketplaces (e.g., Conrad, Mercateo) or procurement platforms (e.g., Simple System or InstallData) have relied on BMEcat for many years. Even its predecessor, BMEcat 1.2, is still accepted, for example, by Conrad and Mercateo. These companies have invested substantial resources in integrating the standard, making it cost-effective for them to continue using BMEcat. A switch to a new format would entail significant adaptation costs and potentially disrupt business operations.
Trust and stability:
The continued use of BMEcat by established marketplaces and platforms builds trust among suppliers and buyers. They can rely on their existing processes and investments without fearing major disruptions.
Industry recognition:
Unlike new exchange formats, BMEcat has already proven itself as a reliable standard for data exchange in various industries (e.g., HVAC, WEBA, electrical, or construction). Its use ensures the consistency of product information and facilitates smooth data exchange between suppliers and buyers.
Coexistence with new formats:
It is crucial to emphasize that the introduction of new formats like xChange does not necessarily mean the end of BMEcat. Currently, BMEcat coexists with other competing standards like GS1.
Why shouldn’t xChange and BMEcat compete? This would provide companies with the flexibility to choose the standard that best fits their requirements.
When and if xChange will arrive is still uncertain. If you find yourself a bit uneasy about xChange, we have three valuable tips for you.
How to prepare for the new exchange format:
1) Wait and, above all, don’t panic. Even if xChange should come in the near future, it’s not the end of the world. There will undoubtedly be a transition period, during which you can always rely on our support.
2) Stay informed by following the latest developments through our newsletter or directly on the ETIM International website.
3) Invest in flexible and adaptable software in data syndication. This way, new exchange formats can be nearly irrelevant to you, as you can quickly and easily adapt your product data to current requirements.
Get to know CatalogExpress, our flexible data syndication solution:
With CatalogExpress, you can quickly and easily prepare product data from different systems (Akeneo PIM, Contentserv PIM, crossbase PIM, OMN by Apollon, Pimcore, VIAMEDICI EPIM, and ERP) and files (BMEcat, XML, JSON, EXCEL, CSV) for various target formats (FAB-DIS, JSON, BMEcat, XML, CSV) and target systems (Conrad, Mercateo, Shopware, Simple-System, InstallData). There are virtually no limits to what you can achieve.