Core product data is often updated in preparation for specific events or merchandising activities.

For example, the product name, description, category assignment and attribute values may be updated specifically for a sale period. The information often needs to be updated in HQ ahead of time, to support SCM functionality (e.g. procurement, assortment planning, inventory management/distribution). However, it is not possible to control exactly when these changes update on storefront.

I know you have some control over the distribution jobs - however as they are change tracking based, it is an 'all or nothing' approach. (e.g. if we paused the 1040 products job whilst the update activities happen, then you cannot synchronise any changes - such as an emergency description change to correct an error).

We can control the 'content' using the publish groups in site builder, but not the HQ/Core product data.

We need the ability to apply 'activation date' against these changes, so that they only apply when we are ready. In particular this applies to both product category assignment and taxonomy changes to the navigation hierarchies - as this impacts browse experiences and pricing & promotions.