In today’s world, the need for standardization to power digitalization efforts is evermore present.  Thinking about standardization, some of the earliest efforts in the electrical world involved standards for manufacturing products which was developed, and is governed, by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in Europe.   

As digitalization grows and expands, the need for product data standards grows as product information needs to be communicated down through the channel.  For example, imagine the issues a customer might face without clearly being informed if an electrical enclosure lacks the protection designation NEMA 4X or IEC’s IP55, which both denote enclosure protection against different types of ingress. 

Digitalization of product descriptions is becoming increasingly needed. Word-based descriptions to organize product taxonomies is difficult. Thinking more about these word-centric definitions, the common term “switch” can denote many things: a home light switch, an industrial selector switch, a miniature toggle switch, and a networking device responsible for relaying information between different endpoints. A more robust, yet simple, process is needed. 

The ETIM classification model, developed in 1991, is designed to meet the industry’s growing need for a clear methodology for discerning various products. The structure allows for technical products to be classified and uniformly described by product Classes, with their pre-determined Features and Values, and other key information. 

The result is an alphanumeric, language-agnostic classification system that enables product information to be seamlessly transferred from system to system and decoded into the desired language with no loss of translation. 

ETIM International, founded in 2008 to manage and maintain the ETIM model, enables the industry to more easily and clearly identify products used in their operations and has grown into an international movement with participation in over twenty countries. ETIM facilitates the flow of consistent content throughout the industry and sets an open, global standard for the logical grouping and specification of products.  

KYKLO’s unique experience with distributors and manufacturers coupled with our exclusive methodology of building and syndicating enhanced product data using a team of engineers with firsthand knowledge of the products and their use in applications positions KYKLO to make the journey more efficient. 

According to Ryan Francis, Managing Director at KYKLO, “We see the ETIM efforts as another tool that will allow our clients to better reach and communicate with their customers. Our product information not only aligns with ETIM standards but also goes above and beyond, showcasing KYKLO’s dedication to surpassing industry norms. Many of the product selectors and comparisons we build into our work are precursors to these efforts and will only serve to better demonstrate the superiority of this kind of product data development. We are proud to officially make the connection to this important movement by joining ETIM North America to support the needs of our customers throughout North America.” 

About KYKLO: 

KYKLO helps Manufacturers and Distributors improve online product discovery, generate more sales- 

qualified leads and deliver a better online buying experience. KYKLO knows the challenges that manufacturers face not just syndicating content, but also creating it to begin with, maintaining it, or deploying it to the final user.  When manufacturers partner with KYKLO they discover the benefit of fully automated data sharing which turns into powerful, qualified lead generation. Case studies indicate that this drives new business more efficiently than any other form of marketing activity completely outclassing tradeshows, old-fashioned advertising, or other web-based efforts.  

At KYKLO, we’re different because your buyers are different. Learn more at kyklo.co 

About ETIM North America 

Based in Salt Lake City, with an office in Ottawa, Canada, ETIM North America is a non-profit chapter of ETIM International, responsible for the translation and adoption of the ETIM product classification model to support consistent communication of technical product information from manufacturers to end-users in the North American wholesale electrical industry and related construction and industrial sectors. www.etim-na.org