# 🐮 How to merge data from more suppliers into one data feed

**URL:** <https://forum.mergado.com/t/how-to-merge-data-from-more-suppliers-into-one-data-feed/369>\
**Category:** Blending Bull\
**Tags:** article\
**Created:** [March 21, 2022, 7:34pm UTC](https://forum.mergado.com/t/how-to-merge-data-from-more-suppliers-into-one-data-feed/369 "2022-03-21T19:34:18Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![michaljanik](https://forum.mergado.com/user_avatar/forum.mergado.com/michaljanik/32/6_2.png) [@michaljanik](https://forum.mergado.com/u/michaljanik)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2022, 7:34pm UTC](https://forum.mergado.com/t/how-to-merge-data-from-more-suppliers-into-one-data-feed/369/1 "2022-03-21T19:34:19Z")

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_Merging multiple data sources from multiple suppliers into one output file was the requirement which stood at the creation of the Blending Bull application. I will therefore share some information which is good to know._

## Why to merge multiple feeds into one feed

Sometimes a retailer has **multiple suppliers**. It is thus necessary to merge the data into **one file**. For example because you want to process it further in Mergado ([tuning of product pictures](https://store.mergado.com/detail/feedimageeditor/), [pricing](https://store.mergado.com/detail/pricingfox/) etc.). Or it is beneficial for accounting or warehouse software, shopsystem, etc.

## How are data feeds merged by Blending Bull

The principle is as follows:

 ![Blending Bull scheme](https://forum.mergado.com/uploads/default/original/1X/3e8dbeb1e56d0ff5085ce0fdff9f4f2708746f7e.png)

Blending Bull works on the level of **files**. It will “merge” data sources into one file. It will provide necessary functions for it:

- **Merging** an unlimited number of data sources into one file
- **Removing headers** and **footers** of data sources (suitable for feeds in an XML format)
- **Inserting new header** and **footer** to an output file
- **Renaming elements** by the _Find and replace_ rule

These tools should be sufficient for merging common data sources, mainly in a XML format. Technically also CSV and other formats could be merged. But the situation is more difficult. CSV feeds need to have the _same order of columns_.

## Workflow in Blending Bull

From version 3.0, Blending Bull has a **new file creation wizard**. I will therefore not go through the process in detail. Only briefly:

1. Create a **new file**. Fill the file name in the wizard.
2. Create **data sources**. **Multiple** if you wish. Assign them all to this file. In the set up of the individual file, **remove headers** and **footers** (in XML feeds).
3. Using rules, perform any other needed amendments of the data.  
3.1) Insert a **new header** and **footer** of the output file (XML format). In the file, editing rules are available for this.  
3.2) Data can be further edited using rules – **rename elements** , delete elements, delete other content, edit values…

## Notes

- For data import, Blending Bull was design in such a way so that more advanced operations will subsequently be performed in Mergado. But it is not necessary.
- Merging “files” is low level. I was worried that it will cause troubles. It, however, works well actually.
- You can perform all data editing \*_yourselves_. If you do not want to or cannot get involved in it, one of our [Mergado specialists](https://www.mergado.com/mergado-certified-agencies) can help.
- Blending Bull was designed in such a way as not to overload servers providing data sources. If multiple users download the same data source, Blending Bull will download it once and will provide it to everyone separately. It thus **optimizes the load on the server providing data**.
- Blending Bull can **merge data sources “one after the other”**. Thus e.g. more product feeds. It cannot add data from one feed to items from another feed. This can be done by Mergado using data import rule. Both the tools can be used at the same time.
- **Renaming elements** was originally intended to be addressed later in further processing, e.g. in Mergado. In the end the _Find and replace_ function proved good and the names of elements can be united directly in Bull.
- When designing the application, I assumed merging feeds **in the same format** (applies to XML feeds). Thanks to the removal of headers and footers of the individual data sources and the possibility of renaming elements corresponding to `SHOPITEM` (and others), a clever user can merge even **varied** sources. Or the user can potentially use Mergado for conversion before the merge.
- Unification of elements using the _Find and replace_ rule can seem clumsy. Nevertheless, even if the application was designed in a “more clever way”, _mapping of elements to each other would have to be performed_.

Blending Bull works well in practice. It is highly universal and the complete set up is in your own hands – without any interventions needed from application administrators. May it serve you well 😉