Matching Engine: How Products Are Linked
The Matching Engine is the system that connects Amazon products and Shopify variants to create unified products inside EVA.
It determines which products belong together and enables cross-channel product management.
The Big Picture
EVA does not assume products are the same across channels. The Matching Engine evaluates relationships between products and creates connections only when a match is confirmed.
What the Matching Engine Does
The Matching Engine is responsible for:
- Identifying potential matches between products
- Suggesting matches based on similarity signals
- Allowing manual matching when needed
- Creating unified products after confirmation
It acts as the decision layer between raw catalog data and unified product structure.
The Matching Process
Matching follows a structured flow:
- Products from Amazon and Shopify exist independently
- EVA evaluates similarities between them
- Suggestions may be generated
- A match is confirmed by the user
- A unified product is created
This ensures that all connections are intentional and traceable.
Matching Methods
Smart Matching (suggestion-based)
EVA automatically generates match suggestions using similarity signals.
These suggestions are shown:
- in the Match Suggestion popup
- within the matching interface
Each suggestion includes a match score and supporting signals.
Manual Matching
Users can manually connect products when no suggestion is available or when adjustments are needed.
This is done by:
- dragging and dropping products
- confirming the match
Manual matching gives full control over product connections.
Match Score Logic
Each suggested match includes a score between 0 and 100 percent.
The score is calculated using signals such as:
- title similarity
- price similarity
- SKU similarity
These signals are combined to estimate how likely two products represent the same item.
Match Outcome
When a match is confirmed:
- a unified product is created
- the Amazon and Shopify items are linked
- both products move into the unified view
This connection becomes the reference point for future operations.
Match Independence
Matching does not modify the original product data.
- Amazon products remain unchanged
- Shopify products remain unchanged
The Matching Engine only creates a relationship between them.
Why This Matters
Without a matching system:
- products remain disconnected across channels
- performance data is fragmented
- actions cannot be applied consistently
With the Matching Engine:
- products are unified across systems
- data becomes consistent and actionable
- workflows become more efficient
Key Value Pillars
Controlled product linking
Matches are created intentionally and can be reviewed or changed.
Transparent decision logic
Match scores and signals explain why products are suggested.
Flexible workflows
Supports both automated suggestions and manual control.
Pro Insight
High match scores often rely more on SKU and price alignment than title similarity.
This allows EVA to correctly identify products even when naming conventions differ across channels.