PaX Schema

What is a PaX Schema?

A schema defines the structure and relationships of data on the company's PaX server. It outlines which data fields are available and how they are organized. There are different PaX schemas for different material types, such as one for fabrics, trims, zippers, or special materials like lace. Each schema holds specific information relevant to that material type.

Example:

For fabrics, the width is stored, while for a button, the diameter is recorded. General data like prices is available in all schemas.

A PaX server can manage several schemas at the same time, depending on the needs of the brand or supplier. This data is then displayed in the DMIx Customer Account.

Why is a PaX Schema Required?

Using a data schema ensures organized, consistent, and reliable data. It improves performance, enforces data integrity, and creates a clear structure, allowing attributes to be easily found through search functions.

For example, when a designer searches for a fabric made of 100% cotton, the schema ensures that across all master data sets, the entry for "100% Cotton" is identical. This consistency allows for accurate and efficient searches across the system.

What does a PaX Schema include?

Depending on the material type, a schema contains all the essential master data for that material. Master data includes:

• Commercial data (e.g., prices, delivery times)
• Physical data (e.g., weight, length, width, material composition)
• Care instructions
• Material details (e.g., construction, finishing)

This master data itself is provided via the PaX server through the schema structure and shown in the DMIx Company Account to authorized users.

How to use an existing PaX schema?

It’s a two-step process.

Due to the separate server structure of the DMIx Company Account and the PaX account server, settings need to be made on both sides so that master data can be displayed (in the DMIx Account) and entered (via the PaX Company server).

Settings in the DMIx Company Account:
In the company settings, all globally available schemas can be assigned to the DMIx Company Account. This can only be done by the Company Admin. All available schemas will be shown in a dropdown in the PaX settings and can be selected with a checkbox.

Upload of Schema to PaX Company Server:
On the PaX server, the schema needs to be uploaded by the PaX administrator. The schema file is provided by the ColorDigital team.

Updating an existing schema

Sometimes, an existing schema structure needs to be updated. This update can be only performed by the Team of ColorDigital. Reasons for an update could include:

• Changes to attribute names
• Adding new attributes
• Removing old attributes

Note that attribute names are limited to 12 characters

In this case, the ColorDigital team will update the schema files and assign a new version number. Once the new schema is provided, it must be uploaded to the PaX server. A background mapping logic ensures that data under new attribute names is displayed correctly.

Recommendation for a schema update:
If a schema update is needed, it's a good idea to first export the admin data. This helps prevent data loss during the update. After the update, you can upload the admin data export again to restore the most recent data easily.

The ColorDigital team is happy to assist in setting up a schema and connect your DMIx Company Account and PaX Company Server. Please contact [e-mail] for help