If you need to update one or two part numbers in PDM, it's easy to just log into your account and change the part number in the user interface. But if you have hundreds or thousands of products to update, the best method is to use an import template.
In the following steps, we'll show you the standard procedure to take more than a few part numbers and rename them to a new part number.
Updating part numbers in bulk can save significant time, especially when dealing with thousands of records. Follow these steps to complete the process efficiently.
Identify the Part Numbers to Update
Navigate to All Products.
Locate the list of part numbers that need to be updated.
Prepare a separate list with the corresponding new part numbers.
Export Excel Items Template
Tag Products to Rename
(See column AC)
Identify the Part numbers you want to update.
Use formulas like VLOOKUP or FIND to match and update values efficiently.
Identify the column containing the Tags.
Add a Tag of your preference so you can differentiate from the other part numbers. If the part number already has a Tag you can use the semicolon (;) to add more than one.
Import Items template
Filter the tagged products
Filter by the Tag created and then export all the products again so you can work only on those.
How to prepare your Excel Import
Identify the column containing the part numbers.
Create a new column labeled for Part Number
Duplicate the part numbers, add in the new column the new Part Number names and also the old names, delete the tags for the New part numbers and delete the old PartNumber column, click save and import the file to create the new products
Make sure to double-check for any formatting inconsistencies (extra spaces, missing numbers, etc.)
Verify and Delete old Part Numbers
Go to All Products
Search for a few updated part numbers
Compare them with your uploaded data to confirm accuracy
If errors occur:
Check the import log for issues
Verify that the correct columns were mapped
Reformat and re-upload the file if necessary
Once confirmed, repeat the process for every segment that has data for those Part Numbers
After you successfully update all the segments you can delete the old part numbers by filtering the tag, selecting all the products, click on Actions and Delete
Updating part numbers in bulk using an import template is the most efficient way to handle large-scale changes in PDM. By following the structured steps outlined above, you can streamline the process, minimize errors, and ensure data accuracy. Properly tagging and filtering products, leveraging Excel functions, and verifying updates before deleting old part numbers will help maintain an organized and reliable product database. Taking the time to follow these best practices will save time and effort while keeping your records up to date.