The History of FAB-DIS
A data model designed by manufacturers and distributors to standardise and streamline product data exchange in the building and industrial sectors.
Why was FAB-DIS created?
In the early 2010s, manufacturers and distributors in the electrical, sanitary, heating, plumbing and tools sectors faced a major challenge: heterogeneous product files, a proliferation of formats and considerable time wasted during data integration.
It was in this context that FAB-DIS was created under the initiative of IGNES (manufacturers) and COEDIS (distributors), with a clear objective: to standardise product data exchange through a single, structured and shared format.
The initial problem
- Heterogeneous product files
- Proliferation of formats (Excel, CSV, PDF…)
- Time wasted & integration errors
- No industry-wide standardisation
Key milestones of FAB-DIS
From the first version of the data model to the collaborative platform FAB-DIS Connect.
Model Versions 1.0 → 2.0
First official version of the standard format with technical, commercial, logistics and marketing data.
Model Version 2.3
Addition of new data families: media, marketing documents, logistics codes.
Easy-Check Service
Online service allowing manufacturers to validate their FAB-DIS files before sending them to distributors.
FAB-DIS Company Founded
FAB-DIS was established as a SAS company, marking a new milestone in the project’s structuring.
Model Version 3.0
Modernisation of the model with integration of new market practices: omnichannel, e-commerce, etc.
FAB-DIS Inside
API development for PIM technology providers – synchronisation for file verification.
Move To Tool
Service to convert 2.3 files into 3.0, facilitating migration to the new standard.
FAB-DIS Connect
Centralised platform to share, validate and distribute product data across all stakeholders.
4 Key Periods
The Origins
Facing heterogeneous product files and a proliferation of formats, IGNES and COEDIS initiated the creation of a single, structured format to standardise data exchange.
The First Versions
Official launch of FAB-DIS 1.0 in 2014 with the first data structuring. Then version 2.3 in 2016 with the addition of media and marketing documents.
Growth & Maturity
The Easy-Check service launched in 2018 for online compliance. Consolidation of the format to support the rise of catalogue digitalisation.
The New Generation
Establishment of the SAS company, launch of model 3.0 and FAB-DIS Inside in 2023. In 2025, FAB-DIS Connect revolutionises product data sharing.
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The collaborative platform to simplify, centralise and enhance your product data.
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