The xChange format is the current standard for the exchange of information about the products.
Product information can refer to any data that is generally available in catalogs. That's why xChange files are also called "catalogs." Catalog data includes technical specifications, text descriptions, prices, ordering and packaging information, and multimedia information such as photos, drawings, certificates, product sheets, safety data sheets, etc. Along with product data, it is also possible to upload a complete product classification system or provide information on the classification system in use.
The xChange format also enables automation of data exchange. By using JSON notation, which is designed to represent various data in a structured and compact way, making it both human-readable and suitable for computer communication, which facilitates the exchange of data between different systems.
The current xChange format has replaced the BMEcat format, which was used for many years and is based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML). BMEcat is no longer developed by ETIM International, but due to its popularity it is still available in our application in product data import and export mode.
The xChange standard is very versatile – allowing any type of product to be described. ETIM International has imposed certain requirements for the use of xChange elements. This is why it is colloquially said that the product data files prepared by the electrical, plumbing, HVAC or construction guidelines are in the ETIM xChange format. A set of guidelines for: technical parameters, descriptions, prices, order information, options, packaging, attachments, etc. has been introduced in order to simply and clearly explain the meaning and use of the individual fields of product information, with particular emphasis on elements that are relevant and frequently used in practice. The ETIM xChange guidelines for the format and content of individual product description fields facilitate the process of preparing product information and, consequently, the exchange of data between manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers and installers.
The guidelines for the deprecated BMEcat format are no longer being developed (the latest version is 5.01).
To be sure that the xChange or BMEcat file that you produce or receive is well-formed and valid, use xChange Validator (available soon) or ETIM BMEcat Validator. Validators check not only the file structure but also the compliance with ETIM classification and with ETIM International Guidelines for Product Data Suppliers (also in country-specific validation variants).
The xChange format (successor to BMEcat) is the current standard for the exchange of information about the products.
xChange files are also called "catalogs". They include technical specifications, textual description, pricing, ordering and packaging information, and also multimedia attachment files, such as photos, drawings, certificates, product cards, security cards, etc.
The uniform ETIM xChange guidelines on the format and content of product files simplify the product information exchange between manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, and installers.
Using xChange Validator (available soon) or ETIM BMEcat Validator you can verify if the corresponding files are well-formed and valid against the schema and ETIM International Guidelines. The country-specific validation variants are supported.