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Glossary term

What is Unique Identifier (UID)?

Definition

A distinct code assigned to each product or entity to differentiate it across systems and processes. In PIM, UIDs ensure reliable data matching, mapping, and synchronization between internal and external platforms. They prevent duplication, support lineage tracking, and strengthen overall data governance.

Uniqueness has a scope; internal IDs and global product identifiers are not interchangeable. For example, an autonomous product data operation could take a fixture appearing in several source catalogs, link source references to the governed internal identifier, and update the correct record without creating unintended duplicates.

Unique Identifier (UID) in an autonomous operation

  1. Step 1:

    Input

    A fixture appearing in several source catalogs

  2. Step 2:

    Unique Identifier (UID)

    Link source references to the governed internal identifier

  3. Step 3:

    Outcome

    Update the correct record without creating unintended duplicates

Uniqueness has a scope; internal IDs and global product identifiers are not interchangeable.

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