Back to E-commerce Dictionary

Data Mapping Rules

Data management10/21/2025Intermediate Level

Specific instructions defining how data fields from a source system correspond to fields in a target system, ensuring accurate data transfer and transformation.

Definition

Data mapping rules are explicit, configurable instructions that dictate how data elements from one data model or source system are translated and transferred to another data model or target system. These rules define the relationships between source and target fields, specifying transformations such as renaming fields, converting data types (e.g., text to numerical), combining multiple source fields into one target field, or applying conditional logic. In the context of PIM, data mapping rules are crucial for ingesting product data from various internal (ERP) and external (supplier) sources into the PIM, and for syndicating enriched product data from the PIM to different e-commerce channels, each with its own unique data requirements.

Why It's Important for E-commerce

In e-commerce, accurate data mapping rules are foundational for maintaining product data quality and consistency across all touchpoints. Incorrect mapping can lead to product listings with missing information, wrong pricing, or inaccurate specifications, directly impacting customer trust and conversion rates. Effective mapping rules streamline the onboarding of new products and channels, reduce manual errors, and ensure that product information is presented correctly regardless of the platform. This efficiency is vital for scaling e-commerce operations and delivering a seamless omnichannel customer experience.

Examples

  • Mapping an ERP's 'Item_Description' field to a PIM's 'Product_Name' field and applying a rule to capitalize the first letter.
  • Converting a supplier's 'Weight_KG' field to a PIM's 'Weight_LBS' field using a multiplication factor.
  • Combining 'Size_Numeric' and 'Size_Unit' from a source into a single 'Size_Attribute' in the PIM (e.g., '10 cm').
  • Applying a conditional rule to map a 'Product_Status' field from 'Active' to 'Available' for an e-commerce platform, but to 'In_Stock' for a marketplace.

How WISEPIM Helps

  • Configurable Mapping Engine: WISEPIM provides a powerful, configurable data mapping engine to define complex rules for ingesting and syndicating product data.
  • Automated Data Transformation: Automate data type conversions, field concatenations, and conditional logic directly within WISEPIM's mapping interface.
  • Reduced Errors & Inconsistencies: Ensure high data quality by enforcing precise data mapping rules, minimizing manual intervention and errors across channels.
  • Accelerated Onboarding & Syndication: Rapidly map data from new sources or to new channels, significantly speeding up product onboarding and content syndication processes.

Related Terms

Also Known As

attribute mapping rulesdata transformation rulesfield mapping rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please get in touch with our team.

Contact Support

Ready to see WISEPIM in action?

Experience how WISEPIM can transform your product information management.

Request a Demo