In Akeneo , category , family , attribute groups and attributes are key concepts in product information management. Here are their differences and uses:

Category

• Used to group products in an online store or other channels.

• A product can belong to several categories at the same time.

• Does not affect the product data structure or required attributes.

• Used for navigation and search engine optimization (SEO).

• Example: “Bicycles” , “Road bikes” , “Children's bikes” .

Family

• Defines the required and optional attributes of the product .

• Each product belongs to only one family .

• Specifies what information about the product must be entered (e.g. name, color, size).

• Helps ensure consistent and comprehensive product information management

• The family defines which attribute is the unique identifier visible in the product listing (e.g. product name or product code), and which image attribute is used in the images in the product listings.

• Example: The “Bicycles” family can include attributes such as frame size, number of gears, brake type

Attribute Group

• Used to organize attributes for easier management.

• It doesn't affect which attributes appear on the product - that's determined by the family.

• Helps organize large numbers of attributes into logical entities.

• Example: “Technical information” , “SEO information” , “Product images” .

Attribute

• Specifies a single piece of product information.

• Always belongs to an attribute group , but visibility depends on the family.

• There can be different types, such as text, number, selection list, image , etc.

• Example: “Color” , “Material” , “Weight” , “EAN code” .

Summary

• Category: Determines where the products appear (online store, catalogs).

• Family: Specifies what information the product should contain.

• Attribute Group: Organizes attributes for easier management.

• Attribute: A single piece of product information, such as color or size.