DATANORM – Simple exchange of Product Data in the construction industry
Would your customer like to receive data via Datanorm? Does he mean a system, specific product information or documents? This article will help you to understand the DATANORM concept.
What is DATANORM?
DATANORM is a standardized file structure for the exchange of product information such as article number, tender text, price and image names. This format is mainly used in the construction industry. The aim is to enable the listing of articles from manufacturers and wholesalers in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or calculation programs with just a few clicks.
This means that product information such as item prices no longer needs to be maintained manually, but can be transferred directly to the software via the interface. This saves a lot of time and keeps the product information up to date.
The structure and content are defined and developed by the DATANORM working group. The working group consists of associations, manufacturers, dealers, publishers and software providers from the construction and craftsman sectors. This standard is therefore manufacturer-independent.
Which versions of DATANORM are available?
This file structure was published in 1986. Three versions have been published since then:
- 1990 Version 3
- 1994 Version 4
- 1999 Version 5 (current version)
Version 5 added further information such as tile product features, customs tariff numbers or multimedia elements such as images or drawings.
Structure of the DATANORM structure
DATANORM is not mapped using a single file, but the information is stored in several files. The individual data records are identified via the article numbers and group numbers.
A complete “DATANORM record” consists of the following files:
- Basic product information: DATANORM.001- .999
- Product groups: DATANORM.WRG
- Price file: PREISDAT. 001 – .999
- Discount groups: DATANORM.RAB
Which systems have a standard interface to DATANORM?
The format has become the industry standard in the construction and craftsman sectors. For this reason, many software providers have a standard interface that can read DATANORM files. These include
Craftsman software
Enterprise resource planning system (ERP)
Accounting software
Challenge: Keeping article data up to date
DATANORM is a static catalog format. I like to compare this to a stone tablet. Because as soon as the data has been sent from the wholesaler to the trade business, it is already out of date again. There is a smart approach to this problem. Many providers of craftsman software have an additional interface for integrating dynamic catalogs. This allows current prices and availability to be called up for quotations and orders. The interface described is called IDS. This abbreviation stands for “Integrated Data Interface” and connects craftsman software with the supplier’s online store.
➡️ Would you like to provide your customers with up-to-date images, prices and delivery times in quotations? In this case, it is worth taking a closer look at the IDS Connect interface. Read here to find out what this interface can do and how it is revolutionizing the craftsman’s trade.
Conclusion
DATANORM is the industry standard in the construction sector. It allows data to be exchanged quickly and easily. If the construction industry is a focus target group for your company, then it is worth investing in the structure of DATANORM files. Before you dive into the technical details of this structure, my tip is to take a look at your customers’ must-have DATANORM information and analyze whether this information is available in a structured form.
Peter Prütting is an expert in value-oriented and digital business development. With over 15 years of sales experience in wholesale, manufacturing and e-marketplaces, he takes a holistic view. His colleagues value him as a customer-centric and focused leader who guides teams through digital change. Away from his day-to-day work, he recharges his batteries by mountain biking.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
What is DATANORM?
A structured file that can be used to pass on product information from wholesalers and manufacturers. This structure is widely used in the construction industry.
What is DATANORM not?
It is not software or a program. Nor does it automatically update any product information. It is also not a ASCII plain text.
Which versions of DATANORM are available?
There are currently versions D3, D4 and D5.
Do enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or invoicing programs offer a DATANORM interface?
Yes, providers of software for craftsmen in particular have provided such an interface to DATANORM.
Time savings, error reduction and automatic updates.
Yes, the benefits are available to small and large companies.
Sources
- DATANORM, versions: https://www.DATANORM.de/DATANORM/DATANORM-Versionen
- Hero, interface: https://hero-software.de/features/schnittstellen/DATANORM
- Baufaktura, interface: https://baufaktura.de/produkt/schnittstelle-DATANORM-import/
- The program, interface: https://das-programm.io/schnittstelle/DATANORM
