productmodel

Productmodel is a formal construct used in product data management and related domains to represent a family or line of products that share core characteristics. It defines the common attributes, structure, and rules that apply across multiple variants, enabling consistent cataloging, configuration, and lifecycle governance. A productmodel typically captures identity information (an internal model identifier and name), descriptive metadata, category, and a set of attributes that describe generic properties such as size, materials, performance specs, and compliance requirements. It also carries pricing that may apply at the model level, as well as lifecycle data like status, release date, and end-of-life.

Variants, options, and configurations are layered on top of a productmodel. The model acts as a template from which individual products or SKUs are derived by assigning specific values to attributes or selecting permissible options. In manufacturing contexts, the productmodel can link to a bill of materials and routing information; in digital or software contexts, it may define feature sets, licenses, or configurability rules.

Applications of productmodel include maintaining clean and scalable catalogs, enabling variant-rich product lines, and synchronizing data across systems such as PIM, ERP, e-commerce platforms, and PLM. It supports change management by providing a stable reference point while allowing attribute values and configurations to evolve over time.

In practice, distinguishing between the productmodel and concrete product instances helps reduce data duplication and improve cross-system consistency. Related concepts include product lifecycle management, product data management, SKUs, and BOMs.