Oracle Product Hub uses the Import Workbench to bring product data from disparate systems into a master product information repository, known as the Product Information Management Data Hub (PIMDH). Examples of disparate systems and data include:
third party applications
legacy applications
data from mergers and acquisitions
duplicate data in global locations
vendor or supplier item data
item definition information from external CAD systems
While importing data into a centralized data model, the Import Workbench identifies and resolves duplicates and errors while at the same time enriching existing data with external information. This process creates a blended record, known as the single source of truth. You can then create business reports and other documents related to the updates. The following steps describe the Import Workbench process:
Extract and Load. Use one of the following options to extract and load:
Upload data to the interface tables using Microsoft® Office Excel.
Upload data directly to the interface tables using APIs.
Attention: If you choose to upload data directly to the interface tables, then you must call the data load complete public API as the last step when uploading data.
Match
Identify and resolve duplicates
Exclude unwanted data
Import
Import and create a single source of truth blended record in the product information repository
Optionally, enforce the product change approval process when importing data
You can import the following types of data using Import Workbench:
items
structures
Attention: You cannot update transaction attributes using the Item Open Interface, the Microsoft® Office Excel spreadsheet, or the Import Workbench. You must update them directly. See: Defining Transaction Attributes.
In order to import data from an external source system, you must define a source system for each data source and create match rules to help match imported data to existing data in the product information repository.
You can use the PIMDH as its own source system when importing new or updated data. The advantage of using the Import Workbench instead of the Item Open Interface or importing data using a spreadsheet comes from the Import Workbench's extensive error management capabilities.
The process of importing PIMDH data is much simpler than importing data from a source system for the following reasons:
No setup steps - There is no reason to define a source system or match rules since the PIMDH is the source system.
No matching process
No unconfirmed (unmatched) data or data excluded from import
Process for Importing PIMDH Data
Create a batch using the Product Information Management Data Hub as the source system. See: Creating Batches
Review and import the batch. See: Reviewing and Importing PIMDH Batches
Perform actions on the batch as necessary. See: Performing Actions on Batches