Product management and merchandising roles

The following product management and merchandising roles are supported by WebSphere Commerce: Product Manager (this role may also be referred to as a merchandising manager), Category Manager, Buyer (seller side).

The following table describes each role and the business model each role can work within.

WebSphere Commerce EnterpriseNote: The Extended sites business model does not provide the Product Manager role. Use the Category Manager role instead.
Role Description Business model
Product Manager The Product Manager traces customer purchases, suggests promotions, and determines the best way to display, price, and sell products in the online store.
  • B2C
  • WebSphere Commerce Enterprise B2B direct
Category Manager The Category Manager manages the financial success of a category of products. The Category Manager also manages the category hierarchy by creating, modifying, and deleting categories. The category hierarchy organizes products or services offered by the store. The Category Manager manages products, expected inventory records, vendor information, inventory, and return reasons.
  • B2C
  • WebSphere Commerce Enterprise B2B direct
  • WebSphere Commerce Enterprise Demand chain
  • WebSphere Commerce Enterprise Extended sites
  • WebSphere Commerce Enterprise Supply chain
Buyer (seller side) The Buyer buys merchandise for sale. The buyer handles relations with vendors or suppliers and negotiates to obtain the products with favorable terms for such things as delivery and payment options. The buyer may set prices. Inventory is managed by the buyer in order to determine the quantities to buy and ensure that stock is properly replenished.
  • B2C
  • WebSphere Commerce Enterprise B2B direct