Preserve the meaning of the source
An incoming column called “Size” might describe a package, a physical measurement, or a named option. A value should not be normalized until its meaning is understood. Keep a reference to the original batch so that a reviewer can resolve an interpretation later.
The intake design identifies the source, the time of receipt, and the person responsible for questions. It also establishes whether a file is a full replacement, a set of additions, or a list of changes.
Separate mapping from approval
Mapping describes how source information fits the catalog. Approval establishes whether a proposed value is accepted for a particular use. A successfully parsed cell does not prove that the content is correct or authorized for publication.
A useful review view shows the original value beside the proposed interpretation when the distinction matters. It should identify uncertain units, unmatched references, and unsupported categories without hiding them inside a general error count.
Handle corrections as part of the work
A supplier may resend a file with a corrected description and unchanged identifiers. The workflow needs to distinguish a deliberate update from an accidental duplicate. Matching rules and replacement behavior should be agreed before recurring imports are introduced.
Rejected rows should remain explainable. A reviewer needs to know whether to correct a format, seek confirmation, or leave an item outside the current batch. A retry should not create a second accepted copy of the same change.
Define a useful first delivery
A bounded intake project can cover one source format and one representative product family. Outputs may include a mapping specification, example batches, a review interface, and instructions for resolving common exceptions.
The acceptance review should account for received, accepted, held, and excluded entries. Live supplier access, recurring synchronization, and responsibility for the factual accuracy of product claims are separate matters that must be defined with the relevant information owner.