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What is an Eidos?

Concept: The complete conceptual definition that captures purpose, usage, and structure.

What It Is​

An Eidos is the genetic blueprint that defines what a product fundamentally is:

  • Purpose — Why this product exists (structural support, electrical connection, fastening)
  • Usage — How this product is used (construction framing, wiring installations, assembly)
  • Attributes — Core characteristics (material, dimensions, specifications)
  • Relationships — How this product relates to others (complements, alternatives, components)

The Eidos is conceptual, not operational. It defines the "what" and "why" of a product, independent of inventory, pricing, fulfillment, or transactional data.

Eidos vs Repository Data​

Eidos:

  • Conceptual definition
  • Purpose and usage
  • Global attributes
  • Relationship patterns

Repository Data:

  • Contextual instance
  • Local variations
  • Filtered product options
  • Context-specific attributes

Example:

Eidos: "90×45 Structural Pine Timber is a construction material used for framing, with standard dimensions and grade specifications."

Repository (Store 5): "We offer this in 3.6m and 4.8m lengths (not 6m), standard grade only (not fire-rated), meets AU/NZ building codes."

Purpose and Usage​

Purpose: Why It Exists​

Defines the fundamental reason for the product:

  • Structural timber → Purpose: Load-bearing construction
  • Electrical cable → Purpose: Power transmission
  • Fastener → Purpose: Joining materials

Usage: How It's Applied​

Defines the contexts where the product is used:

  • Structural timber → Usage: Wall framing, roof trusses, floor joists
  • Electrical cable → Usage: Building wiring, industrial installations
  • Fastener → Usage: Wood joinery, metal assembly

This contextual information helps systems:

  • Recommend complementary products
  • Validate configurations
  • Apply appropriate pricing rules
  • Guide customers to correct products

Attributes and Structure​

DNA defines the core attributes that describe the product:

Fixed Attributes​

Unchanging characteristics:

  • Material type
  • Standard dimensions
  • Grade or specification
  • Regulatory certifications

Variable Attributes​

Context-dependent characteristics:

  • Available lengths (in different repositories)
  • Color options (in different markets)
  • Packaging variations (bulk vs retail)

Relationships​

DNA defines how products relate to each other:

Complementary Products​

Products used together:

  • Structural timber → Complemented by: Nails, brackets, moisture barrier
  • Electrical cable → Complemented by: Conduit, junction boxes, terminals

Alternative Products​

Substitutable products:

  • 90×45 Structural Pine → Alternative: 90×45 Treated Pine (outdoor use)
  • Standard cable → Alternative: Armored cable (high-risk environments)

Component Relationships​

Products that are part of larger assemblies:

  • Door frame → Components: Timber lengths, hinges, screws
  • Electrical panel → Components: Breakers, bus bars, enclosure

How Eidos Propagates​

When the Eidos updates, changes flow through the repository hierarchy:

Update Eidos: Add new attribute "Fire Rating"
  ↓
Supplier repository inherits change
  ↓
Distributor repositories inherit change
  ↓
Regional repositories inherit change
  ↓
Store repositories inherit change

Repositories can override if needed (e.g., Store 3 doesn't sell fire-rated products, so it filters that variation).

Learn More​

Eidos: The conceptual blueprint of what a product is.