If you are a Target+ vendor, you may occasionally encounter a data validation error when attempting to list or update products. This guide will help you understand why this happens and how to fix it within the Acenda platform.
The Error Message
DATA_VALIDATION: Item type does not align with the item. NOTE: Kindly update the item type to ...
Why is this happening?
This error occurs when the Item Type (defined by your Posting Template) does not match Target’s specific category requirements. There are generally two reasons for this:
Incorrect Category Mapping: The product has been assigned to a Target.com category that doesn't fit the physical item (e.g., a Stroller was accidentally assigned to a Car Seat category).
Target Taxonomy Updates: Target.com frequently updates its store category taxonomy. A category that was previously broad (e.g., Bedding) may have been retired in favor of more granular options (e.g., Sheets, Comforter Sets, or Pillows). When this happens, your old template becomes invalid.
How to Resolve the Error
To fix this, you must update the Posting Template assigned to the product to match the correct, granular category required by Target.
Log in to your Acenda Admin panel.
Navigate to Items and search for the affected product SKU.
Click on the product to open the item details.
Click the Channel Status tab.
Click the Target+ / Target Marketplace section.
To the right of the Action column, click the Edit button.
In the Posting Template dropdown menu, select the new, correct template that corresponds to the item type suggested in the error message.
Click the Update button at the bottom of the window.
Note: If the specific Posting Template you need does not exist yet, you may need to create a new one under Channels > Target+ > Posting Templates before completing the steps above.
Need more help?
If you have updated the template and are still seeing validation errors, please reach out to our support team via the Intercom messenger with the affected SKU.