What is EN 16991:2019?

EN 16991:2019 is a technical standard that sets requirements for product information management systems (PIM systems) used in various industries. The standard was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and provides guidelines for managing product data across different channels, such as e-commerce platforms and print catalogs.

The Purpose of EN 16991:2019

The main purpose of EN 16991:2019 is to ensure the consistency, accuracy, and completeness of product information throughout its lifecycle. It aims to facilitate the exchange of product data between suppliers and customers and enhance the efficiency of information management. The standard also helps organizations comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as labeling and product safety regulations.

Key Requirements of EN 16991:2019

EN 16991:2019 specifies several key requirements that product information management systems must meet:

Data Quality: The standard emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality product data, including attributes such as descriptions, images, and technical specifications. PIM systems should support data validation and cleansing processes to minimize errors and inconsistencies.

Data Exchange: EN 16991:2019 promotes interoperability between different systems and platforms by defining formats and protocols for exchanging product information. It encourages the use of standardized data models and supports data synchronization across multiple channels.

Version Control: The standard requires PIM systems to have version control capabilities, allowing users to track changes and maintain a history of product data modifications. This ensures transparency and accountability in managing product information.

Security and Access Control: EN 16991:2019 specifies security measures to protect product data from unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. It recommends implementing authentication mechanisms, user roles, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information.

Benefits of EN 16991:2019 Compliance

Complying with EN 16991:2019 can offer several benefits for organizations:

Improved Data Accuracy: Following the standard helps organizations maintain accurate and up-to-date product information, reducing the risk of customer dissatisfaction caused by incorrect or misleading data.

Enhanced Efficiency: Implementing a PIM system that meets the requirements of EN 16991:2019 streamlines information management processes, saving time and resources involved in manually handling product data.

Interoperability: By adhering to standardized data exchange formats, organizations can seamlessly integrate their PIM systems with other software applications, improving collaboration and data sharing.

Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the requirements of EN 16991:2019 ensures conformity with relevant legal obligations regarding product information, minimizing the risk of non-compliance penalties.