What is Taxonomy Management Software

Taxonomy Management Software helps businesses organize, structure, and standardize their product data using a consistent classification system (also known as a taxonomy).

It provides the tools to build and manage product categories, attributes, relationships, and hierarchies, so your product information is structured in a way that’s both logical for internal teams and optimized for external systems like ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, or distributors.

Main benefits

  • Keeps your product data organized: You can create consistent naming conventions, category structures, and relationships that make your product data easier to manage.
  • Improves search and filtering: A well-managed taxonomy makes it easier for customers (and internal teams) to find what they’re looking for, especially when browsing or filtering on ecommerce sites.
  • Simplifies data mapping and syndication: By using consistent classifications, it’s easier to map your data to the requirements of marketplaces, resellers, or internal systems.

Things to consider

Choosing the right taxonomy setup depends on your business needs. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • Do you need a separate tool? Before shopping for standalone taxonomy software, check whether your existing tools (like your PIM, ERP, or ecommerce platform) already support flexible taxonomy management. Most modern PIMs include robust taxonomy features like product relationships, variant grouping, and channel-specific mapping.
  • How complex is your product structure? If you manage large catalogs, multiple brands, or both sellable and non-sellable items (like kits, bundles, or accessories), look for software that supports multilevel hierarchies and custom rules.
  • How many channels are you mapping to? The more platforms you sell through, the more likely you’ll need a tool that can map your internal taxonomy to external ones (like Amazon, GS1, or retailer-specific categories).

A brief history

Companies used to manage their product taxonomies manually using tools like spreadsheets, legacy ERPs, or homegrown systems. These setups worked, but they were time-consuming.

As Product Information Management (PIM) systems became more common, taxonomy management became a built-in feature, helping companies structure and organize their product data centrally.

Today, businesses may use taxonomy features built into their PIM, or layer on dedicated tools when they need more customization, automation, or governance controls. The right setup depends on catalog complexity, number of channels, and internal workflows.

Popular providers

  • Plytix
  • Akeneo
  • Salsify
  • Informatica
  • Stibo Systems

How it fits into your tech stack

Taxonomy Management Software is often part of your PIM system, but it can also exist as a standalone tool or module. If you are using a standalone tool, it should integrate with your PIM, ERP, ecommerce platform, and any systems where product data is stored or published.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

Is taxonomy management the same as categorization?
Not exactly. Categorization is one part of taxonomy management. A taxonomy includes categories, but also defines attributes, relationships, and rules for how products are structured and connected.
Do I need separate taxonomy software if I already use a PIM?
In most cases, no, if you’re using a PIM, you won’t need taxonomy management software as well. A good PIM lets you set up and manage product hierarchies, relationships, variants, and attributes, and map them to the structure required by each sales channel. This means you can maintain a clean internal taxonomy while customizing how products appear externally. But if your product structures are especially complex, or your PIM doesn’t offer enough flexibility, a dedicated taxonomy tool might give you more advanced control.
Can taxonomy software help with SEO or product discovery?
Yes, taxonomy software can help with SEO and product discovery. A clean, logical taxonomy improves how your products are organized on websites, which makes them easier for both customers and search engines to find.
How often should I update my taxonomy?
How often you update your taxonomy depends on your business and product lifecycle. Some companies review quarterly; others update as new products or markets emerge. Good taxonomy software makes updates easier to manage and track.