Key Points Discussed
1. Standardizing Incoming Product Data
o We receive product data files from shops, typically in Excel format.
o A standardized structure needs to be defined to convert incoming data into a
consistent internal format.
o Most suppliers share large Excel sheets containing product listings.
o A mini research task has been assigned to understand how online stores handle
these files.
o We must talk internally and create a system to intelligently categorize and map
these files into the platform.
2. Concept of Digital Product Space
o Excel files resemble a vast digital space where data (products) is scattered.
o Each product’s code acts like coordinates pointing it to a specific place (category).
o A system must be created that understands where a product belongs, based on
back-end codes.
o The goal is for the platform to detect and auto-categorize products (e.g., wood,
windows, etc.) when they are uploaded.
3. Dynamic Product Identification
o Products may evolve (e.g., new versions, discontinued items).
o Serial numbers may slightly change to indicate upgrades.
o The system should:
▪ Identify similar existing products and treat them as updates.
▪ Detect completely new products and assign them new space.
▪ Handle numbering with flexibility (e.g., 43A if 43–46 already exists).
4. Vendor Collaboration Strategy
o For small suppliers: manual conversion is expected.
o For large vendors (e.g., Brotherhood, Doll): potential for automation or direct
integration should be explored to streamline the onboarding process.
5. Product Pricing and Discount Structure
o Product data includes customer price, company discount, net price, etc.
o Logic varies: some prices are before tax, some after; net price may be wholesale
or discounted.
o Developers encouraged to clarify unfamiliar pricing terms using tools like
ChatGPT to ensure proper interpretation.
6. Effort & Time Tracking for Implementation
o Each product includes an estimated number of hours needed for
implementation.
o This time factor feeds into the larger calculation module, used for pricing
estimations and quote generation.
7. Calculation Logic & Customization
o Each company can define how calculations are done (e.g., per square meter or
length meter).
o Components (e.g., wood, screws) come with different measurement units and
waste factors.
o Waste is split into:
▪ Product Waste (due to cutting/leftovers)
▪ Work Waste (inefficiencies during labor)
o Companies can customize these inputs to reflect local cost structures (e.g., in
Turkey vs. another region).
8. Category Model Reassessment
o Current categories: my product, company product, etc.
o Team may need to revisit and expand this model to better suit the calculation
and pricing system integration.
9. Related Products Section
• Located on the right of the product sheet.
• Related products will primarily come from the same shop.
• Inspired by online stores: similar products or accessories (e.g., a phone case shown
when buying a phone).
• Future enhancement may include intelligent recommendations based on purchase
behavior or complementary items across shops.
Action Items
Task
Research online store product import formats
Propose structure for standardizing Excel files
Draft automation logic for categorization and updates
Define and confirm calculation logic components
Re-evaluate product category structures
Formulate questions for Pablo
