These terms are all used in DigitBridge and it's helpful to get familiar with what they mean.
In this guide, we'll be exploring the terms: Class, Categories, Departments, and Groups. Each section will offer a definition and some examples.
What is a Class?
Definition
In product management, a class refers to a broad grouping of items based on their main characteristics or purposes. For example, if you are in electronics, TVs, phones, etc. could be classes, while an apparel company might include classes like tops, bottoms, etc., and furniture businesses would have classes such as sofas and tables. This system helps organize products by their primary functions or design features. Here is a guide to creating classes in DigitBridge.
Example (Apparel)
Class refers to broad distinctions based on the type or nature of the clothing. Examples might include:
- Outerwear: Includes all types of clothing meant to be worn outdoors like jackets, coats, and rainwear.
- Footwear: All varieties of shoes, boots, sandals, and other types of footwear.
- Accessories: Encompasses items like belts, hats, scarves, and gloves.
Category
Definition
A category is a subset within a class and provides a more specific grouping of products. Categories are used to refine product classifications further within a class. For instance, under the electronics class, you might have categories like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Categories help in organizing products on a more granular level, making it easier to manage marketing and sales strategies. Here is a guide to creating categories and subcategories in DigitBridge.
Example (Apparel)
Category divides each class into more specific groups that detail the function or style:
- Outerwear
- Jackets: Lightweight options suitable for different seasons.
- Coats: Heavier, often insulated outer garments for cold weather.
- Rainwear: Waterproof or water-resistant clothing specifically for rainy conditions.
- Footwear
- Casual Shoes: Everyday wear shoes like sneakers or flats.
- Dress Shoes: Formal shoes for business or formal events.
- Athletic Shoes: Designed for sports and other physical activities.
- Accessories
- Hats: Includes caps, fedoras, beanies, etc.
- Belts: Leather belts, fabric belts, decorative belts.
- Scarves: Range of materials and styles for both fashion and warmth.
Subcategory
You can get even more granular if you'd like. Going off the above example of Jackets, you could have: Track Jackets, Denim Jackets, Leather Jackets, and so on. Not all companies use subcategories so this is entirely up to you.
Department
Definition
In retail or wholesale, a department refers to a specific division within the business that handles certain types of products. Think of it as a specialized team focused on a particular product category, such as clothing, electronics, or home goods. In an ERP system, setting up departments helps divide product management responsibilities across different teams, making it easier to manage and track inventory. Here is a guide to creating departments in DigitBridge.
Example (Apparel)
Department represents the sections within a retail store or divisions within a company that handle specific classes of goods:
- Men’s Apparel: Manages all clothing lines designed for men.
- Women’s Apparel: Handles clothing designed for women.
- Children’s Apparel: Oversees clothing for children and infants.
Group
Definition
The term group in the context of product information often refers to a collection of items within categories that share common characteristics but might span multiple classes. Groups can be used to organize products for specific purposes like promotions, seasonal collections, or sales strategies. For instance, a “Back to School” group could include products from various categories and classes such as apparel, backpacks, and electronic gadgets. Here is a guide to creating groups and subgroups in DigitBridge.
Example (Apparel)
Group is used to create collections of items for specific marketing campaigns, seasons, or themes across various classes and categories:
- Spring Collection: Might include light jackets from outerwear, floral dresses from women’s wear, and casual shoes from footwear.
- Holiday Specials: Could group festive accessories, themed sweaters, and gift-worthy footwear.
- Back to School: Could include children’s shoes from footwear, jackets suitable for fall, and accessories like backpacks and lunch boxes.
Subgroup
You can get even more granular if you'd like. Going off the above example of Holiday Specials, you could create subgroups of: gifts for her, gifts for him, gifts for kids, etc.
How are They Different?
- Class is the most general level of product categorization, focusing on the primary function or type.
- Category breaks down the classes into more specific segments, allowing for finer management and marketing.
- Department usually corresponds to how a business is organized internally and may encompass one or more classes.
- Group is flexible and can be used to bring together products from different classes or categories based on marketing or sales needs.