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General
Can I use SDM modules in any order?
Yes, Supplier Data Manager (SDM) modules are highly flexible and can be reused at various stages of your workflow. For example, you can perform light data verification at the start (to ensure key fields like EAN and SKU are present) and then apply more detailed normalization at the end to ensure data quality before export.
However, some sequences are more effective than others. For instance, running an Extraction module before setting up families is usually impractical. A typical workflow might start with mapping source attributes and conclude with normalization, allowing for final adjustments before data is exported.
Mapping
Can SDM automatically create new attributes if they don't exist in the PIM?
No, the SDM Mapping module relies on the PIM's data model. If you need a new attribute, it must first be created in the PIM and synced to SDM before it can be used.
Does SDM support localizable attributes?
Yes, SDM supports localizable attributes (for example, description_fr-FR and description_en-US). If your spreadsheet includes product descriptions in both French and English, SDM can map the French text to description_fr-FR and the English text to description_en-US. SDM can handle multiple languages in the same workflow.
Can SDM suggest mappings automatically using AI?
Yes, the SDM Mapping module can generate AI-powered mapping suggestions. When you click Generate AI mapping, the AI analyzes column names, sample values from your source file, and target field names from your taxonomy, then proposes the most likely matches for each unmapped field. Every suggestion includes a confidence score โ only matches above 70% are surfaced. You can then accept, adjust, or ignore each suggestion. Fields that are already mapped are left untouched.
AI mapping supports source files with up to 2,000 columns. Files exceeding this limit require manual mapping.
See Mapping: Structure Supplier Data for full details.
Value Mapping
Can SDM add new values to lists during value mapping?
Yes, you can add new options to select, multi-select, and reference entity attributes directly from the SDM Value Mapping module, and push them to the PIM. Select the options you want to create, click Create options, review the codes and labels, then click Create to confirm. The options are created in both SDM and the PIM simultaneously.
Option codes are permanent and cannot be changed after creation, in either SDM or the PIM. Options created from SDM cannot be deleted or have their labels edited from within SDM โ those changes must be made in the PIM.
See Value Mapping: Standardize Attribute Values for full details, including connector configuration requirements.
Classification
Can SDM automatically create new categories when importing data?
New categories are not created automatically when you import files in Supplier Data Manager. You need to add them to your SDM configuration first. There are two ways to do this:
- If the categories exist in your PIM, they are automatically retrieved and added through PIM sync.
- If you are not connected to the Akeneo Connector, ask your support contact to add the categories manually.
This maintains a consistent and controlled data model between systems and prevents unintended two-way updates.
Extraction
What happens during an SDM Extraction step if an attribute is already filled with a value?
The SDM Extraction step can be configured in two ways:
- The AI only fills empty attributes and does not overwrite existing values.
- The AI runs for specific or all attributes, including those already filled. In this mode, the step does not notify you when its output differs from the supplier-provided values.
For option 2, processing all attributes can take a long time. Defining a specific set of attributes to target is recommended.
Can SDM extract data from images?
Not currently. To explore complementary solutions, contact the Pre-Sales or Tech Partners team.
Normalization
Can I set up my own normalization rules?
Rule creation is not available through the SDM interface โ rules require backend configuration. To add or modify normalization rules, contact your SDM support contact or administrator, who can configure them via the SDM admin panel.
See Normalization: Correct Errors and Edit Catalogs for details on how predefined rules work during the normalization step.