ShowMeTheParts may get the most attention due to its position as the largest public parts database in the world, but that doesn’t mean we’ve left our other products behind. Our entire system from paper to e-catalog publishing is constantly being updated and expanded to meet the needs of our customers. We’ve decided to run this new blog series to show you some of the new features we’ve been working on.
Classic Vertical Development Feature
If you’ve worked around parts catalogs, you’re familiar with the Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb.) This relational database is used in ACES to handle vehicle information including the year, make, model, trim and other attributes to correctly identify applications. Since the beginning, our catalog system has been set up to allow our clients to add their own entries, letting them expand the scope of VCdb well past standard vehicles.
How does this help our clients? One feature that separates us from our competitors is our ability to store any application in our database. Most competitors require the application to be in the VCdb. We recently worked with Baldwin Filters on their catalog system using this feature to cover both their on-road applications and another 40,000 off highway applications including small engines, construction equipment and generators. This lets them put all of their parts into a single catalog with interchange information covering all compatible engines and equipment.
Upgrades and New Features
Getting all that information into the system can be a major chore, especially if you need to get up to speed with new software. To make this process easier, we now have a new tool that allows an Excel file containing application information to be imported directly into the Vcat. This simplifies catalog updates and makes it easier for new users to get up to speed with the system. While you might not have catalog experts on staff, you probably have several people in your workforce who are familiar with Microsoft’s ubiquitous office software.
Of course, there’s more to making a catalog than putting together a spreadsheet. That’s why we have industry experts on staff to walk clients through the entire process. These catalog managers and writers are familiar with the ins and outs of the process, helping clients as needed. This lets us offer DIY and DIFM services as well as anything in between from helping your business create a new catalog from scratch to making updates and adding new product lines.
Call us at (847) 609-9540 or email sales@verticaldev.com to get started today!
