How to Use Attribute Validation

Audience: Admin, Product Manager, Data Specialist

Prerequisites: Access to Catalog → Attributes → Validation Rules

Status: General Availability

Overview

Attribute Validation ensures that all product data entered in MerchPIM meets specific quality standards before publishing.

It prevents incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrectly formatted data from entering your catalog or syncing to Shopify.

By defining validation rules — such as required fields, allowed formats, or value limits — you can maintain data integrity across all products and categories.

Why Validation Matters

Prevents missing or incorrect product information.
Ensures consistent formatting and accurate product listings.
Reduces manual QA checks and sync errors with Shopify.
Improves catalog quality and SEO readiness.

Steps

1. Open Validation Settings

Navigate to Catalog → Attributes → Validation Rules.

Expected: The page lists all attributes with columns for Validation Type, Requirement, and Status.

2. Select an Attribute to Validate

Click an attribute (e.g., Material, Weight, SKU).

Expected: A sidebar or modal opens with configurable validation options.

3. Configure Validation Rules

Choose from the available rule types:

Required Field – Must be filled before saving or publishing.
Data Type Restriction – Enforce numeric, text, or Boolean input only.
Value Range – Define minimum or maximum allowed values.
Character Limit – Restrict text length (e.g., 100 characters max).
Allowed Options – Limit input to a pre-approved list (e.g., Color = Red, Blue, Green).

Click Save to apply the rule.

Expected: The attribute’s validation rule becomes active.

4. Test Validation

Open a product that uses this attribute → enter invalid data (e.g., empty required field or wrong format).

Expected: MerchPIM displays a validation warning and prevents saving until corrected.

5. Review Validation Summary

Go to Catalog → Validation Report to view which products fail validation and why.

Expected: The report shows product name, attribute, and validation error details.

Validate

Required attributes should show an asterisk (*) or warning if left blank.
Entering incorrect data (e.g., letters in a numeric field) should trigger an error.
Validation errors must prevent saving or publishing until resolved.

Troubleshooting

Issue	Likely Cause	Fix
Product saved without warning	Validation disabled for that attribute	Check the Validation Rules settings
Too many false errors	Rule misconfigured	Adjust the rule’s conditions (e.g., value range or format)
Attribute missing from validation list	Not yet linked to a category	Assign the attribute in Attributes & Data Fields first
Shopify sync error	Required field missing data	Complete all required fields before activation

Best Practices

Apply validation to all key attributes (Title, SKU, Price, Weight, Category).
Keep rules simple at first, then expand for advanced categories.
Combine validation with Completeness Scoring for stronger data governance.
Review validation logs regularly to maintain a clean catalog.

Impact

✅ Fewer sync and publishing errors

📊 Higher data accuracy and compliance

🧠 Improved product discoverability and SEO

Updated on: 04/11/2025

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