What is the Fab-Dis?
Distributors reply on product data content from their numerous manufacturers in order to present the products to their own customers, whether it is physical or digital sales. They used to handle various file formats to integrate the manufacturers´ product data. The implementation was time-consuming, partially successful and not always fitting to their product data quality standards. Therefore, in 2015, French manufacturers' and distributors' associations (IGNES and COEDIS) created the catalogue format Fab-Dis, which standardises product data exchange across building, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.
Why “Fab-Dis”? Because it connects the manufacturers (“FAB” = fabricants) and the distributors (“DIS” = distributeurs) together.
The Fab-Dis is a simple Excel file covering all product information, easy to read and to process by the distributors, via their Product Information Management systems. It is also particularly relevant for the French market as it provides information for both international and national compliance standards. The Fab-Dis became quickly popular, even replacing the BMEcat format in some industries.
Today the Fab-Dis covers more than 15 sectors and it is used by 756 manufacturers and demanded by 153 distributors. It is particularly prevalent in the building equipment supply chain: electrical, lighting, HVAC, sanitary, tools, or construction equipment.
To get access to the Fab-Dis format and the Fab-Dis resources, the manufacturer needs to register an account to the Fab-Dis organisation. Several services are available. French Data Channel, as a full independent advisor and solution provider, strongly recommends the choice of a package integrating the Easy-Check verification tool.