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Creating and managing channels

This article explains what channels are, why they matter, and how to create and manage them to control which attributes are used for specific outputs.

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Written by SKULaunch Support
Updated over 4 months ago

What is a channel?

A channel in SKULaunch defines a specific use case or output context for product data. Channels allow you to control which attributes are relevant for a given purpose without changing your core data model.

Typical examples include:

  • eCommerce

  • Marketplace listings

  • Print catalogues

  • Supplier source data

  • Internal data views

Channels do not store data themselves. Instead, they reference existing attributes and define where and how those attributes are used.

Why channels matter

Channels make it possible to:

  • Reuse the same attributes across multiple outputs

  • Keep schemas clean and purpose-driven

  • Avoid bloated “one size fits all” attribute sets

  • Align data with downstream systems and teams

For example, an eCommerce channel might require rich descriptions, images, and nutritional data, while a Source Data channel may only reference raw supplier inputs.

Viewing channels

To view existing channels:

  1. Navigate to Product settings → Channels

  2. The table shows:

    • Channel code

    • Label

    • Number of related attributes

    • Creation date

  3. Click a channel to view or manage its attributes

This view helps you understand how attributes are distributed across different outputs.

Creating a new channel

To create a channel:

  1. Click New channel

  2. Enter a Code

    • System-friendly and lowercase

    • Example: e_commerce, source_data

  3. Enter a Label

    • Human-readable name

    • Example: eCommerce, Source Data

  4. Click Create

The channel is now available but contains no attributes yet.

Linking attributes to a channel

After creating a channel:

  1. Open the channel

  2. Click Link attributes

  3. Select the attributes you want to associate with this channel

  4. Save your selection

Only linked attributes will be considered part of that channel.

Managing channel attributes

Within a channel, you can:

  • View all linked attributes

  • Remove attributes that are no longer needed

  • Adjust channel composition as requirements change

Removing an attribute from a channel does not delete the attribute or its data. It only removes it from that specific output context.

Channel vs attribute groups

Channels and attribute groups solve different problems:

  • Attribute groups organise attributes for UI and usability

  • Channels define which attributes are relevant for a specific output

An attribute can belong to multiple channels and multiple attribute groups at the same time.

Best practices

  • Create channels based on real output needs

  • Keep channel scopes focused and intentional

  • Reuse attributes across channels rather than duplicating them

  • Review channel composition as integrations evolve

  • Avoid using channels as a replacement for taxonomy or families

Well-designed channels keep your product data flexible, scalable, and easy to maintain as your catalogue grows.

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