# Channels & Distribution Explains how product data is delivered to external systems and channels, enabling Struct PIM to act as a central hub in your data ecosystem. This ensures that the right data is available in the right place and format. ### Overview Product data is only valuable when it can be used where it is needed. Struct PIM enables you to: * Publish data to different channels * Export data in required formats * Integrate with external systems * Keep data synchronized across your ecosystem This makes Struct PIM a central hub for distributing product information. *** ### Core capabilities Channels and distribution in Struct PIM include several key areas: *** #### Channels Channels represent destinations where product data is used. Examples include: * E-commerce platforms * Marketplaces * Print or digital catalogs Channels allow you to control which data is available in each context. *** #### Publication Publication is the process of preparing and delivering product data for external use, such as catalogs, PDFs, or data feeds. This includes: * Selecting relevant data * Structuring it for the target output (e.g. print or feed) * Formatting and organizing content Publications ensure that product data is presented correctly for specific channels and outputs. *** #### Export Export allows you to extract data from Struct PIM. This can be used for: * Updating or reviewing data outside the system * Sharing data between teams * Supporting internal workflows and processes Exports make it possible to work with data outside Struct PIM in a controlled and flexible way. *** #### API & Integrations Struct PIM provides APIs for integrating with other systems. This enables: * Real-time data access * Synchronization with external platforms * Custom integrations APIs allow Struct PIM to function as part of a larger system landscape. *** #### Webhooks Webhooks enable real-time notifications when data changes. They can be used to: * Trigger updates in external systems * Automate synchronization * React to events in Struct PIM This ensures that connected systems stay up to date. *** ### How it fits together These capabilities work together to distribute data effectively: * Data is prepared and enriched in Struct PIM * Channels define where the data should go * Publications and exports deliver the data * APIs and webhooks keep systems connected and synchronized *** ### Why it matters Channels and distribution enable you to: * Deliver consistent product data across platforms * Support multiple channels and use cases * Integrate with your existing systems * Keep data synchronized and up to date This ensures that product information is available wherever it is needed. *** ### Related concepts * [Data Model](/fundamental-concepts/data-model.md) * [Data Management](/fundamental-concepts/data-management.md) * [Workflows & Automation](/fundamental-concepts/workflows-and-automation.md) * [Glossary](/glossary/overview.md) *** --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.struct.com/fundamental-concepts/channels-and-distribution.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.