Identifying and Eliminating Duplicate Product Listings

Requirements Clarification & Assessment

1. Objective:

   • Identify and remove duplicate product listings on an online retail platform.
   • Ensure unique product entries while maintaining accurate product information.

2. Challenges:

   • Products may have multiple names (e.g., "iPhone X" vs. "Apple iPhone 10").
   • Different sellers might list the same product with slight variations in description or specifications.
   • Lack of universal identifiers like UPC or SKU for some products.

3. Data Sources:

   • Product names and descriptions.
   • Seller information.
   • Product specifications (e.g., model, version, color).

4. Constraints:

   • Maintain data integrity and avoid incorrect deduplication.
   • Handle a large volume of data efficiently.
   • Minimize impact on user experience during deduplication.

5. Success Metrics:

   • Reduction in duplicate listings.
   • Improved search accuracy and product discovery for users.
   • Enhanced seller and customer satisfaction.

6. Stakeholders:

   • Product management team.
   • Data engineering and data science teams.
   • Sellers and customers on the platform.

7. Assumptions:

   • Access to a comprehensive product database.
   • Ability to modify the product listing process if needed.