About PIE 

The PIE Technology Platform^TM (PIE) is a cloud-based platform for the exchange of rich product content between manufacturers and distributors. Rich product content includes images and product attributes. Having a standard common schema developed by distributors and manufacturers eliminates the need for each manufacturer to identify, map, define and interpret attribute definitions and fields with each of their distributor partners.
 

How it Works

Manufacturers easily upload their rich content product data to the secure platform, map their current state rich content to the PIE Template and control distributor access to that content on the PIE Technology Platform.

Their authorized distributors have access to the rich content product data in the PIE standardized format and can easily map it into their company-specific PIM, website or end user digital communication tool, or simply download it in the PIE Template format. This allows:

• manufacturers 24/7/365 access to upload PIE-complaint content and notifies distributors when new content is available.

• distributors 24/7/365 access to the most current PIE-compliant content for all manufacturer partners in a single session.

Learn more or register for the PIE Technology Platform.
 

A Ground-Breaking Opportunity

We are establishing working groups to identify the appropriate attributes and schema for new product categories that will be made available to authorized participating distributors through the PIE Technology Platform. Using the established PIE Template, working groups will identify the attributes/taxonomy/schema for specific PT/MC product categories. This is a prime opportunity to harness your industry knowledge and experience with others in the PT/MC arena who have a valued interest in providing tools and resources to streamline the industrial supply chain.  

PTDA currently has working groups for chains, belt drives and sprockets. However, we will be seeking subject matter experts to develop the following future product categories:

• Shaft couplings
• Conveyors & material handling
• Gearing (open/closed)
• Adjustable/Variable speed drives
• Motor/Motion Control
• Clutches & Brakes
• Motors

Note: some of the above categories may be broken down into additional product templates.

PTDA members will form Working Groups to develop and review the pertinent taxonomy/attributes/schema for each product category. Using the PIE Product Template, working group members will collaborate and shape how vital information is presented to benefit both manufacturers and distributors. We anticipate each new product category to take anywhere from 3-6 months to develop and receive approval from the PIE Task Force.
 
Working Group responsibilities include:

• Identify the taxonomy (products included in the product category)
• Determine which of the already existing attributes in the PIE Template apply to each product
• Add any new attributes that may not yet be in the PIE Template
• Indicate which attributes apply to which products (schema)
• Identify attribute type (global, product)
• Ensure all 13 required fields are included
• Identify data type (i.e., integer, string, etc.)
• Identify attribute type as Global or SKU (product) only
• Identify if the attribute can contain multiple values
• May need to identify minimum and maximum value
• May need to identify minimum and maximum length
• Identify if attribute value is validated against a List of Values
• Identify if attribute Unit of Measure is from a defined list of Unit of Measure

If you are interested in becoming a part of this important project, please email Anna Meyer at ameyer@ptda.org and include your product category working group selection. You will be added to the interest list and contacted when we are ready to develop the next product category. 
 

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