🚀 Automation in the Variant module

We've introduced automation to the Variant module, making the grouping process more efficient and reducing manual intervention.

A list of columns can be defined in the SDM admin, and all products with the same value in those columns (for instance with the same Model Name) will be grouped together without user input. 

If some products aren't grouped (because of duplicate values in the variation axis for instance), they will be left untouched for the user to manually handle. Products without a family variant are automatically marked as independent (simple products).

Note: this update is compatible with the fast mode. This means that, if all products are successfully grouped via automation, the process can seamlessly move to the next step of fast mode is activated on the variant step. 

Get more information on the Variant module.

🚀 Configurable Languages in Supplier Access

Previously, suppliers could only select the interface language from their Supplier Access. With this update, suppliers with access to other steps besides Import can now also select the catalog's structure language if the attributes are localizable.

This means suppliers can have the interface in one language (e.g., English) while working on the catalog in another language (e.g., German), ensuring that localizable attributes are displayed in the appropriate language for the project.

Example:

• A supplier can keep the interface in English for navigation while viewing and editing attributes like "Product Name" or "Description" in German, as configured for the catalog.

This enhancement provides greater flexibility for multilingual projects, making it easier for suppliers to manage data in their preferred context.

🚀Fetch data from your PIM when you need it

You can now manually synchronize with the Akeneo connector directly from your SDM interface! 

This means that when changes are made in your PIM, you no longer need to wait until the next day's automatic sync to fetch your new attribute or any other new element in your PIM structure.

How it works

1. Go to the project connected to Akeneo PIM
2. Go to Configuration Tab > Connector
3. Click Synchronize 👇🏼

New Filter - Mapping step

The mapping step now has a new "by type" filter option, allowing you to select types such as "media", "text", "number", "yes/no", and "select".

Attribute type “image” supported

The attribute type "image" is now supported by our connector along with the asset type collection. This means that you are now able to assign your imported media files to the "image" attribute of your products.

Categorisation module renamed “Classification”

The "Categorisation" module has been renamed "Classification" for improved language consistency. Note that this change is not retroactive. Therefore, any custom names you've set for your Classification modules will not be affected.

Image preview displayed in all table elements

A preview of the imported media files has been integrated into the workflow to give you a constant view of the product they're working on. Previously, only the media URL could issue a preview.

🚀 Introducing Supplier Access!

Supplier Access Enabled

Supplier Access offers a dedicated platform where you can easily manage your suppliers and what you share with them. This feature allows you to:

• Create and update multiple supplier accesses: Customize and manage supplier access points efficiently.
• Share initial guidelines: Provide suppliers with essential onboarding information and instructions.

How It works

Creating Supplier Access 

Manually create supplier access points, assign a team member as owner, and invite suppliers via email. This intuitive process ensures smooth onboarding and effective collaboration.

Managing Supplier Access 

View and manage all your supplier accesses from a centralized tab, tracking creation dates, invited collaborators, last visits, and more

Configuration and Setup 

From your SDM interface in the Configuration tab, upload documents (templates, legal notices, etc.) in various formats and provide general or specific guidance to your suppliers. This ensures all necessary information is easily accessible from their portal access.

🚀Import Media files and transform them into Assets in your Akeneo PIM

Media Import Enabled

A second step to your import has been added enabling you to import media files and your product information. This step is optional and can be skipped.

Map your media file attribute to your PIM image attribute

At the mapping step easily map your media field from the product file (the one that contains the media file values) with your PIM Attribute type “collection” or “image”

Associate Media files to products

A dedicated space from the Normalization module enables you to manage your imported media from a product row to:

• associate more media if needed
• remove media if what was imported was incorrect 
• upload new media from your computer 

How to access it?

Transform Media into Assets

When pushing media toward your PIM destination, media files will be converted into assets and linked directly to your products.

🚀New UI design

In light of the ongoing merger between Unifai and Akeneo, we are excited to share some impactful news regarding the evolution of the Supplier Data Manager (SDM) interface.

As we move forward with the unification process, the SDM tool, formerly known as Unifai, will be undergoing a significant transformation in its interface. This strategic move aims to align our tools seamlessly and offer you a more cohesive and user-friendly experience.

Functionality Unchanged

While the interface is evolving, rest assured that the core functionality of the Supplier Data Manager remains unchanged. All the features and capabilities you rely on will continue to serve you seamlessly.

Sneak Peek of the New Interface:

🚀More Filtering Capabilities for Templates

We are happy to announce additional filtering options for the product selection when creating templates.

In addition to filtering on Family, users can now choose from these additional filters to get the right product selection for their template.

• Completeness
• Enabled/Disabled
• Simple Select Attributes
• Multi-Select Attributes
• Identifier Attributes
• Boolean Attributes

Screenshot below of the additional filtering options:

🚀 Modification of default filters: Discover the new customized view of your jobs

Previously, when you entered the platform, the default filter showed you all the jobs you had created. From now on, you'll see all jobs still requiring action on your part.

What has changed?
 

New Default View: Filter by status

From now on, when you access your dashboard, the default filter will only show jobs for which you have an action to perform. This includes jobs with the following statuses: "Pending," "Processing," and "Error."

This update aims to simplify your experience by highlighting the jobs that need your immediate attention, helping you to stay focused on the important tasks. You can still access all your jobs by adjusting the filters to suit your needs.

Where Have My Jobs Gone?

We've noticed that this change has raised questions among our users about jobs that have already been completed. Don't panic, your completed jobs haven't disappeared. They are still available on the platform.

To access your completed jobs, simplyselect the "status" filter and choose "Completed." You'll be able to see the history of your completed jobs at a glance.

What input file formats are accepted?

Supplier Data Manager can receive and process catalogs hundreds of thousands of rows and hundreds of columns wide. But which formats are accepted?
 

What is an input file?
 

Input files represent the files that will be loaded into SDM to be processed by the tool. They can be files from suppliers or other software (PIM, ERP,...), depending on your use case.

SDM can read single-tab files under certain conditions, and multi-tab files under certain conditions.

We support the following formats: xlsx, xlsm, xls, csv, xml. Maximum file size for manual import is 50MB. Supplier Data Manager does not manage .doc, jpeg or pdf files.

Addition of warnings 

In addition to blocking errorstes that exist in the normalization module, it is now possible to create warnings (using the same rules as for errors) on fields.

A warning functions in the same way as an error, but is not blocking: it can be ignored and does not prevent the user from completing the step.

Warnings are displayed separately for errors in the table and in the normalization form.

When a line is validated but still has warnings, it will remain in the"Lines to check" category. But by selecting it, the user can use either the "Validate" button at the top of the table, or the "Ignore warnings" button at the bottom of the form.