Finfo Media
The need for market and sales-related information is increasing significantly in the building materials trade as more and more customers choose to shop online. The pressure on suppliers becomes high when all their customers demand the same information but in different formats.
With Finfo Media, you turn complex product information delivery into a seamless, standardized process. One source, one format, for every customer.
Finfo Media acts as a hub between the supplier and the retailers regarding product-related images, texts and other attachments. The service creates a quality-assured flow that benefits both parties. By using Finfo Media, you can direct all customers to one place where they, in turn, can retrieve the information in the same way from multiple suppliers.
The service customizes the format and layout according to the recipient's requirements. The service handles the flow of product images, product documents, and product texts in a unified and standardized manner between the supplier and the trade.
Getting started
To get started with Finfo Media, you need to be a Finfo customer and submit your article data through our article service, as well as have a signed agreement for the service.
Finfo recommends that imports to Media are primarily carried out using the Import Template. The template is uploaded through the Finfo portal or integrated via FTP (ftp://ftp.logiq.no).
Product Images
Providing high-quality product images is essential for successfully marketing your products in the digital world. An image can enhance the understanding of the product, strengthen your brand, and lead to increased sales.
Finfo recommends always including at least one high-quality Product Image, Single. This image is fundamental to how your products are perceived and can influence the customer's decision-making process. Complementing this with other types of images can enrich the product presentation and offer a more comprehensive visual experience for the customer. By carefully selecting images that represent your products, you contribute to a stronger presence in the digital commerce environment and improve the customer experience.
Product images are handled via the Import Template and uploaded along with the images via the Finfo portal or FTP.
|
Object Name |
Description |
Position/
|
|---|---|---|
|
Product Image, Single |
Product isolated. Only one product per image.
|
1-9 |
|
Product Image, Group |
Isolated products. Multiple of the same or similar product.
|
1-9 |
|
Contextual Image |
Product with background. For example, in a usage context.
|
1-9 |
|
Action Image |
Image showing the product in use.
|
1-9 |
|
Line Drawing |
Line drawing of the product.
|
1-9 |
|
Brand, Logo |
The product's logo.
|
1-9 |
|
Color |
Image showing the color.
|
1-9 |
|
Product Surface |
Shows the product's surface.
|
1-9 |
Recommended Image Specifications
Requirements - web
-
The images must at least meet the requirements for display in digital channels (web). The requirement applies to all Product images, Action- and Contextual images, Line drawing, Logo, Color, Product surface images, as well as energy labels.
-
The longest side must be at least 1200 pixels
-
Images cannot be larger than 60 MB
-
Accepted file types are JPG, TIFF, PNG, GIF and WebP
Requirements – print
For print quality the images must meet the following requirements:
-
The longest side must be at least 3508 pixels
-
Images cannot be larger than 60 MB
-
The file type must be JPG, TIFF, PNG, GIF or WebP
-
Images must have a transparent background.
Finfo has automatic control for incoming images and classifies them according to the matrix above. Finfo recommends delivering according to GS1 (high resolution), but other "image types" are accepted.
Images are sent to retailers without any changes or processing, so you should provide the highest quality images possible.
Product Documents
As a supplier, you have the option to submit twelve different types of documents. For certain types, you can upload up to nine per article, while others allow only one (see Table below). All documents must be in PDF format.
Product documents are handled via the Import Template and uploaded along with the images via the Finfo portal or FTP.
|
Object Name |
Description |
Format |
Position/
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product Data sheet |
A product data sheet contains detailed information about the product, such as specifications, technical data, and product characteristics. |
|
1-9 |
|
Safety Data sheet |
Describes safety and handling of the product, including information on risks and any protective measures, according to applicable laws and regulations. This is particularly important for businesses handling chemicals or other potentially hazardous materials. |
|
1-2 |
|
Construction Declaration (BVD) |
Information on the product's environmental performance according to current regulations. Environmental labeling Type II. |
|
1 |
|
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) |
Environmental Product Declaration, Type III labeling. Information on the product's environmental performance and its impact throughout its lifecycle. A critical document for customers focusing on sustainability, as an EPD can serve as a basis for evaluating the product's environmental impact in a project. |
|
1 |
|
User Manual |
A manual that provides detailed instructions on how to use the product correctly and efficiently. It often includes guidance, troubleshooting tips, and other instructions. |
|
1-9 |
|
Installation Instructions |
Step-by-step instructions for assembling or installing the product. This document facilitates the assembly process and minimizes the risk of incorrect installation. |
|
1-9 |
|
Disassembly Instructions |
The document describes how the product should be dismantled and reused, inspected for damage, and protected during transport and storage. It also includes guidelines for renovation and renewal, as well as information on available spare parts. |
|
1-9 |
|
Exploded View |
An illustration showing the product in cross-section and clearly identifying all components. This document demonstrates the product's construction, making maintenance and repairs easier. |
|
1-9 |
|
Performance Declaration |
Declarations specifying the product's performance characteristics and certifying compliance with applicable regulations through documents like Certificate of Conformity (CoC), Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and Declaration of Performance (DoP). |
|
1 |
|
Product Catalog |
Catalogs compile extensive information about a product range or assortment. They are often used as a marketing tool and help customers gain an overview of available products. |
|
1-9 |
|
Certificate |
Certifications indicating the product's compliance with specific standards and regulations. |
|
1-9 |
|
Operation & Maintenance |
Data sheet focusing on the maintenance of the product to ensure a long lifespan and optimal performance. |
|
1-9 |
Energy Label Files
Energy labels are handled via the Import Template and uploaded along with the images via the Finfo portal or FTP.
|
Object Name |
Description |
Format |
Position/
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Energy Label (pdf) |
Label for products showing their energy efficiency class, from A-G, to help consumers assess energy consumption. |
|
1 |
|
Energy Label (image format) |
Label for products showing their energy efficiency class, from A-G, to help consumers assess energy consumption. |
JPG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, WebP |
1 |
|
Product Sheet Energy Label / EPREL Documentation |
Product declaration designed according to regulations. Environmental labeling Type II |
|
1 |
Construction Files
CAD-files are handled via the Import Template and uploaded along with the images via the Finfo portal or FTP.
|
Object Name |
Description |
Format |
Position/
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
CAD File |
Digital file supporting CAD software for drawing and modelling objects. |
Stp, dwg |
1-2 |
Product Texts
Product texts and descriptions play a crucial role in communicating the value of a product to potential customers. Correctly and strategically crafted texts not only improve the customer's understanding of the product but also increase their willingness to make a purchase. As a supplier, you can submit four different types of texts, each serving a unique purpose. Together, they form a comprehensive product description that promotes sales and enhances the customer experience.
If you do not want to use all text fields, leave them empty. Do not enter, for example, a period (.) or zero (0) to indicate that the field is empty. This would be considered an enriched field and will be exported to the retailers.
Product texts are handled via the Import Template and uploaded via the Finfo portal or FTP.
|
Object Name |
Description |
Max. characters |
|---|---|---|
|
Web Name |
A name tailored for use on websites and e-commerce platforms. |
100 |
|
Product Text, Intro |
A brief and concise text providing an initial insight into what the product offers. It should be both informative and persuasive, working well alongside a product image. |
250 |
|
Product Text, Complete |
A more detailed description that complements the summary. It should provide full information of the product and stand alone, meaning it can be read and understood without the summary. |
4000 |
|
Bullet List |
An informative list highlighting the key attributes and features that make the product unique (USP: Unique selling points). |
1000 |
Some words are not allowed in product texts for legal reasons and will be blocked upon import.
Forest Stewardship Council, FSC, and PEFC are registered trademarks. To use these, the recipient of the product texts must have chain-of-custody certification or a trademark license for the specific product. Since many recipients lack this, they risk sanctions from FSC/PEFC if these words appear in marketing material (e-commerce is considered marketing in legal terms). Read more about this here.
Spare Parts and Accessories
It is possible to link entities to display a product together with its accessories and spare parts. By creating this connection, customers can easily see which accessories and spare parts are available for a product without having to identify them manually. Linking spare parts and accessories can lead to increased sales at the time of purchase, as well as for future needs.
Connect your product with accessories and spare parts to maximize your product information, boost sales, and increase customer satisfaction.
Example
A screwdriver (Product A) has two products that can be used together with it. By linking them, you can display bits (Product B) and a battery (Product C) to visualize and simplify the search for related products.
|
Object Name |
Description |
Position/
|
|---|---|---|
|
Accessories |
Link entities to expose a product together with accessories. |
10 |
|
Spare Parts |
Link entities to expose a product together with spare parts. |
10 |
Model number/name
|
Object Name |
Description |
Position/
|
|---|---|---|
|
Model number |
Links multiple items that are part of the same product. |
1 |
External links
|
Object Name |
Description |
Position/
|
|---|---|---|
|
External links |
Installation-, product- and marketing videos. |
1-2 |
File Management
There are two ways to send files to Finfo for updating media: via FTP or directly via the Finfo portal. It is recommended that enrichment is done through the import template via FTP or the Finfo portal. Control and supplementation are recommended to be done via the web interface.
The FTP flow can, if you have system support, be fully or partially automated. Note that the FTP import does not distinguish between uppercase and lowercase letters in article numbers in the import template. If you wish to use FTP for automation, please contact Finfo at info@finfo.se.
Import Template
To import and update product- and marketing information, the Import Template is used. Only one file is needed, as it is divided into different tabs depending on what you want to upload. It allows for dynamic uploads, meaning you can upload a single tab or all tabs at once. Unlike an article file, which must always be submitted in full (including all articles), you only need to submit updates or changes as needed. The import template includes explanatory help text for all fields, and the last tab contains a detailed manual to assist you in filling out the template.
In the file, you can either reference a web link, which Finfo recommends, or a resource. In both cases, the file extension must be specified (e.g. .jpg or .pdf). The resources are linked to articles and types via the Import Template, as illustrated by the following example from the Image tab:
|
Supplier's
|
Image Type |
Position |
Filename or Web Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4009121 |
Product Image, Single |
1 |
Image_1.jpg |
|
4009122 |
Line Drawing |
1 |
Asfaltboard.jpg |
|
4009123 |
Contextual Image |
1 |
|
|
4009121 |
Product Image, Single |
2 |
NewImage_2.jpg |
-
Supplier's Article Number: Enter the article number used by the supplier in business communication with their customers to which the file will be linked.
-
Image/Document/Energy/Construction Type: The type of resource to be submitted to Finfo Media.
Note: Depending on what is to be submitted, the correct tab in the import template should be selected. -
Filename or Web Link: The file's name including file extension (e.g., .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, etc.). It can also be a direct URL to the file on your own server, and we will fetch the file from the link.
The filename must not contain ÅÄÖ, dots (except the dot before the file extension), spaces, or special characters. When using a link, it must be a direct link pointing to the document. It cannot be a redirect link. The link must also end with a file extension.
Resource Management
Positions
In Finfo Media, positions are used to identify which resource should be seen as primary, secondary, etc., during transfer via FTP or Finfo portal. The allowed positions for a certain file type are shown in the tables under the sections for product images, product documents, energy label files, and construction files. The column "position/quantity" describes how many positions or quantities of a certain file type can be available on an article.
Normally, position 1 should be enriched first.
-
Example 1: 1-9 = An article can contain between 1 to 9 of the same file type. The file type can have the position 1,2,3...9 provided that it is the file type product image, single (BP).
-
Example 2: 1 = Safety Data Sheet 1 is to be replaced with Safety Data Sheet 2. SDS2 will be placed under Documents to show that it is the latest active document. SDS1 will disappear from documents and be inserted under Legacy Documents to enable traceability.
Documents can be displayed under two headings, Documents & Legacy Documents. (Example 2). The older document that is replaced will be placed under Legacy documents to enable traceability for dealers who need to see older documentation.
Changing Positions
To change the positions of resources in Finfo Media, you need to be aware of the positions that the current resources have on an article. By getting an overview in the interface - Contribute, it becomes easier to modify the positions according to your wishes. Once the positions have been identified, the file code needs to be changed where the different resources get the opposite resource's position. It is only possible to switch positions between files of the same resource type.
Example: We will switch the positions of Product Datasheet A (PDA) and Product Datasheet B (PDB). PDA has position 1 and PDB has position 2.
To switch positions, we change the position so that Product Datasheet A gets Product Datasheet B's position, resulting in the new positions: Product Datasheet A = 2, Product Datasheet B = 1.
Replace Resources
It is possible to replace an article's existing resources in Finfo Media. This is done by uploading a new resource with the same position as the resource to be replaced. In the Import Template, the position of the resource is defined in the column "position". It is only possible to replace resources of the same type. For example, you cannot replace a User Manual with a Safety Data Sheet as the resource type is not the same.
Delete Resources
Currently, it is not possible to delete resources using the Import Template. Resources can only be unlinked via the interface.
Unlink Relations
Currently, it is not possible to delete resources, they can only be unlinked via the interface.
There are three different ways to handle the unlinking of resources:
-
Unlink specific resources from an article.
-
Unlink specific articles from a resource.
-
Unlink all resources of a specific resource type.
If a resource is no longer linked to any article, it will automatically be deleted after 30 days.
Temporary Article
A temporary article is created by Finfo when resources or product texts are imported and the article does not exist. This allows suppliers to send an article file containing new articles without having to wait for Finfo's approval to start enrichment with images, documents, or product texts. If Finfo does not receive a new Vilma file and approve it within 30 days, the temporary articles will be deleted. When Finfo has received and approved the new article file, the "Temporary Article" will be removed from the products and sent to recipients.
Example workflow: New articles have been added to the range. A new Vilma file containing the new articles is sent to Finfo, which will provide feedback within a predetermined timeframe. At the same time, I upload the import templates for images/documents and product texts according to standard. Since the articles are not created, all my new articles will become "temporary articles" until my Vilma file is approved.
Note: Temporary articles are only created when the Import Template is used as the method for enrichment.
Upload
When uploading via FTP, the Import Template and image/document files must be uploaded to the media_import directory. The import is delayed and usually takes between one and two hours. The delay is made to prevent an import from starting simultaneously as file uploading is in progress.
Finfo recommends only using FTP upload when you want to automate your exports. Contact Finfo for guidance. The address to our FTP is: ftp://ftp.logiq.no.
Upload via Finfo Portal
When uploading via the Finfo portal, the import template and resources should be uploaded under the "file upload" menu. Under the menu, there is "upload Mediacentral" where you should select the files to be uploaded. When the files are selected and you click "Upload", the upload is complete. The import to Finfo Media is delayed and usually takes between one and two hours. The delay is made to prevent an import from starting simultaneously as file uploading is in progress.
-
If the image/document files are local on your computer, they should be uploaded together with the import template.
-
If links have been used, only the import template need to be uploaded via the Finfo portal.
Status and Statistics
In your FTP account, there is a status list in Excel format that you can download to see which of your articles have been enriched with resources and product texts. The status list is updated daily. You can find the status list in your FTP account in the /media_export/Statistics/ folder.
It is also possible to locate and retrieve this status list via the portal. Under the "Manuals" menu and the "statistics" heading, there is a file named Username_ArticleStatus.xlsx.
When an article is marked as obsolete in the article file process, it will remain in Finfo Media for 2.5 years. After two years, its status will be set to 90.