Industrial sensor product attributes

Industrial sensors are a family of categories that share a few attributes and differ in many others. Inductive, photoelectric, capacitive, ultrasonic and pressure sensors all have an output type, supply voltage, housing and connection, but each has its own measuring principle, range and accuracy terms. A schema that forces them into one flat template usually ends up with empty or misused fields.

Rated sensing distance is a good example of a value that needs context. For an inductive sensor it is measured against a standard steel target, and non-ferrous metals reduce it by a correction factor. Shielded and unshielded versions of the same body size have different ranges. Supplier files that give only a number in millimeters leave buyers guessing whether it applies to their target and mounting.

Electrical and mechanical fit decide whether a replacement drops in. Output type, such as PNP or NPN with normally open or closed contacts, has to match the controller input. Connector type and pinout have to match the existing cordset, and the housing thread, ingress rating and any hazardous-area marking must suit the location. IO-Link capability adds parameters of its own.

The sensors attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 10 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Manufacturer Part Number manufacturer_part_number	Identifier	Core	PX-M12-02PS-C4
GTIN / UPC gtin_upc	Identifier	Core	5412345000433

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Voltage - Supply voltage_supply	Text · V	Core	10-30 VDC
Operating Temperature operating_temperature	Text · °C	Core	-25 °C to +70 °C
Ingress Protection Rating ingress_protection_rating	Controlled list	Core	IP67
Repeatability / Accuracy repeatability_accuracy	Text · %	Buyer decision	Repeatability ≤ 5 % of Sr

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Sensor Type sensor_type	Controlled list	Core	Inductive Proximity
Rated Sensing Distance (Sn) / Measuring Range rated_sensing_distance_sn_measuring_range	Text	Core	2 mm (Sn, standard steel target)
Output Type output_type	Controlled list	Core	PNP-NO 3-Wire
Package / Case (Body Style) package_case_body_style	Controlled list	Core	Cylindrical threaded, M12 x 1
Material - Body material_body	Controlled list	Buyer decision	Stainless steel 316L
Product Lifecycle Status product_lifecycle_status	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Active

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Termination Style termination_style	Controlled list	Core	Connector, M12 4-pin
Shielding (Flush Mountable) shielding_flush_mountable	Controlled list	Buyer decision	Shielded (flush mountable)
Communication Interface communication_interface	Controlled list	Buyer decision	IO-Link v1.1 (COM3)

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
RoHS / REACH Status rohs_reach_status	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	RoHS3 Compliant; No SVHC > 0.1%
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Japan
Hazardous Area Certification hazardous_area_certification	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	ATEX II 3G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc (where certified)

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Target Material Correction Factor
• Cable Length and Jacket Material
• IO-Link Version, COM Mode and IODD Reference
• Wetted / Process Connection Material
• Weld-Field Immunity

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing sensors ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• Will this sensor detect an aluminum target at the same distance as steel?
• Is this PNP normally open, to match the inputs on my existing controller?
• Does it use the same M12 4-pin connector as the cordset already installed?
• Can this sensor be flush mounted in a steel bracket?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

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