This article explains how to use the Value Map Transformation within the Mappings tab of the Syndication platform. Review the video and steps provided below to convert source choice list values into the correct target values when the values do not align exactly. You will learn when to use value mapping, how to apply a value map transformation, how to correct mapping issues, and how to manage larger sets of source and target values.
Article Contents:
- What It Is
- Why Use It
- Common Use Cases
- Apply a Value Map Transformation
- Manage Source Values and Mapping Pairs
- Understand Front-End and Back-End Values
- Review and Correct Mapping Issues
- Map Larger Data Sets
- Important Notes
- Related Resources
What It Is
Value Mapping is a transformation that converts one source value into a different target value. It is most often used when both the source and target attributes are choice list attributes, but the available choices use different names, codes, formats, or naming conventions.
For example, if your source value is Blue but the target choice list requires a different naming convention or text case format like (6) BLUE. Value Mapping tells the system to send (6) BLUE to the target attribute whenever it reads Blue from the source attribute.
Why Use It
Use Value Mapping when source and target values represent the same information but do not match exactly. This helps keep product data accurate, reduces manual updates, and ensures mapped values meet target or recipient requirements before data is reviewed or syndicated.
Common Use Cases
- Map one choice list value to another choice list value when naming conventions are different.
- Convert internal source values to recipient-required target values.
- Align color, size, material, warranty, or other controlled values when source and target lists do not match.
- Correct mapping issues caused by invalid or unmatched target values.
- Prepare large groups of source and target value pairs by copying and pasting values instead of manually entering each row.
Apply a Value Map Transformation
- Map your source choice list attribute to the target choice list attribute.
- Click the mapped line to open the Mapping Details panel. (Click either source or target attribute to reveal the mapping line or to open the Attribute details panel where you can click on the Mapping Card.)
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- In the dynamic right-hand panel, expand the Value Map Transformations card.
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- Select, enter, or paste the applicable source values.
- For each source value, select, enter, or paste the corresponding target value if they do not align automatically.
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- Review the source and target value pairs to confirm each value maps to the correct target option.
- Click Done or complete the card as prompted.
- Click Save Changes at the top of the page.
- Use the tools below to manage value mappings after the initial pairs are created.
Manage Source Values and Mapping Pairs
After you apply a Value Map Transformation, use the available controls to copy, edit, delete, select, or deselect values as needed.
Use Copy Values
- Copy values: Click the Copy icon to copy all values contained in the attribute.
- Edit a value: Double-click into the field, then update the selected value.
- Delete a value mapping: Click the trash icon to the right of the value mapping you want to remove.
Use Source Values
Click Source Values to select or deselect choice list values from the source attribute.
Understand Front-End and Back-End Values
Choice list values can have both a front-end value and a back-end value. If the values are the same, only one value may appear. If they are different, the front-end value appears in parentheses.
Value Mapping connects front-end values to back-end values. The front-end value is what displays in your data. For example, the target back-end value may appear as a number, while the front-end value displays as the color name users recognize.
Review and Correct Mapping Issues
If source and target choice list options do not align, a Mapping Issues tag appears. Expand the Value Map Transformations card to review the issue, then connect each source value to the correct target value before saving your changes.
- Review any rows or values marked as invalid.
- Select a valid target value for each unmatched source value.
- If a source value needs cleanup before it can map correctly, add the appropriate transformation when supported.
- Save changes after all mapping issues are resolved.
Map Larger Data Sets
For larger value mapping projects, use Copy/Paste to complete value pairs outside the mapping card and then paste them back into the transformation. This is helpful when you need to map many source values at once or when you already have the source and target values prepared in a spreadsheet.
- Click the Copy icon to copy ALL data value options contained in the attribute.
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- Paste the values into Excel or another spreadsheet tool.
- Enter or update the matching target values.
- Copy the completed values from the spreadsheet.
- Open the Mapping Details Panel of your mapping.
- Click Source Values.
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- Click Select All and click Done.
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- Click Copy/Paste.
- Select all the cells down the row before pasting the copied values.
- Press CTRL+V on your keyboard to paste your values into the fields.
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- Press CTRL+V on your keyboard to paste your values into the fields.
- Paste the completed mapping pairs back into the value mapping table.
- Review the value pairs before clicking Done and Save Changes.
Important Notes
- Value Mapping is applied to an existing mapping between a source and target attribute.
- The source attribute should be added to your Data View before you create the mapping.
- If the source attribute is not listed, add it to your Data View:
- Click Mappings Settings located in the “Mapping Overview” Panel on the right side of the Mappings tab to edit and manage your data views.
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- Click Mappings Settings located in the “Mapping Overview” Panel on the right side of the Mappings tab to edit and manage your data views.
- If source and target choice list values already match, the system will automatically match them for you.
- If values do not align, review the Mapping Issues tag and connect each source value to the correct target value before saving.
Related Resources
- Mappings User Guide
- Applying Transformations
- How to Map Data
- Live Mappings Workshop
- Mappings Course in Syndigo University:
- In the platform, click the ? icon at the top right of your account.
- Click Syndigo University (new users will enter first name, last name & email to register).
- Click the Catalog tab at the top.
- Find the Mappings Course.
- Click to Enroll or Start Now.
