Supplier Data Manager (SDM) is built around a set of independent, composable modules. Each module handles a specific stage of data processing—mapping, normalizing, classifying, enriching, and more—so you can build a workflow that fits your business without activating steps you don't need.
The screenshot above shows the Supplier Data Manager modules overview, displaying all available modules that can be combined into a data processing workflow.
Available SDM modules
Each module in Supplier Data Manager operates independently and is fully compatible with the others. You can activate, sequence, and reuse them at any stage of your workflow.
Mapping Module
The Mapping Module aligns columns from supplier files to your internal taxonomy. The system automatically suggests matches based on previous mappings. Required fields must be mapped before the job can proceed; optional fields can be skipped.
Suppliers can also complete this step themselves through their supplier portals.
Normalization Module
The Normalization Module detects and corrects data errors based on predefined rules—for example, verifying that a selling price is higher than the buying price, or that mandatory fields like EAN or price are populated. All rows with errors must be validated before the job advances to the next step. Rows with warnings can be ignored.
Extraction Module
The Extraction Module uses AI to analyze available product text—such as descriptions and names—and automatically fills in missing attributes like dimensions, materials, or technical specifications. Attributes filled with low confidence are flagged in orange for review.
Classification Module
The Classification Module assigns products to categories and families based on your predefined structure. The AI-powered version analyzes each product and proposes the most appropriate classification automatically. Products can also be classified manually for full control.
Value Mapping Module
The Value Mapping Module converts supplier-provided attribute values into your standardized catalog values. For example, supplier color values like "Light Blue" or "Duck Blue" can be mapped to your preferred value "Blue." Mappings are saved and applied automatically on future imports.
This module is particularly useful for select-type attributes that can have multiple options.
Comparison Module
The Comparison Module shows a side-by-side view of incoming file values against existing data in the Akeneo PIM, so you can approve or reject changes before they are pushed. New values are accepted by default. You can reject them one by one, by attribute column, or by product row.
Variants Module
The Variants Module groups related products together as variants under a single product model. You can also keep products independent if they should not be grouped.
Match History Module
The Match History Module tracks which products have already been processed in Supplier Data Manager. It can automatically skip products that were previously imported, or surface only new products for processing. You can also manually toggle individual products in or out of the workflow using a red/green switch.
How modules work together
SDM offers a modular approach, letting you choose and sequence modules based on your requirements. Each module operates independently and applies only the transformations and processes relevant to that step, so you can build lightweight or complex workflows as needed.
Modules can be reused at multiple stages of the same job. For example, you can run the Normalization Module at the start of a job to verify key fields like EAN and SKU are present, then run it again at the end to perform detailed quality checks before export.
As your product data volume grows or processes become more complex, you can introduce additional modules or adjust existing rules without rebuilding your entire pipeline.