What is a CDF?

Answer

The Category Definition File (CDF) is used to map the Category IDs sent in the tags to a category hierarchy to be displayed in the reports. The CDF is a comma separated values file and contains four columns: (1) the IBM Digital Analytics client ID; (2) Category ID; (3) Category Name; and (4) Parent Category ID.

Every Category ID sent through the tags should have a corresponding line within the CDF that defines its Category Display Name and Parent Category ID. Every Parent Category ID should also have a line in the CDF file that will map it to its Display Name and Parent Category ID. For top level categories, the Parent Category ID will be left empty. IBM Digital Analytics can then recreate the appropriate category hierarchy tree by following the Parent Category ID references up to the top level categories.

The CDF allows update of the existing category hierarchy without modification of the tag implementation site code. Updated or rearranged category organization can be created in the reporting through modification of the CDF. This simplifies management of the reporting hierarchy.

The CDF should be uploaded to IBM Digital Analytics through the Import tool, which can be found by navigating in the left navigation panel to Analytics > Build > Import. This tool allows direct uploads of CDFs through the GUI.? CDF updates are effective in reporting from the date of upload forward; historical categorization is not affected by upload of an updated CDF.

The frequency of CDF generation and upload should be based on the frequency of changes to your content and merchandising hierarchies. IBM Digital Analytics recommends creating an automated script generating the CDF and uploading at the desired frequency, up to once per day, using your Default Import SFTP account.