MAM Software, will release its Autocat+ electronic catalog for warehouse distributors, jobbers and service dealers later this month.
Autocat+ provides direct access to updates from a wide variety of suppliers, combining cloud technology with the industry ACES and PIES standards to publish updates quickly and eliminate monthly data maintenance. Customers will enjoy a user-friendly interface with intuitive selection of vehicle information and product types on a single screen.
Flexible configuration options allow the product to cater to each business; users can place product category and sub-categories in logical areas to increase visibility and potential add-on sale opportunities. VIN, Interchange and Buyers Guide searches deliver multiple methods to identify the right part and reduce lost sales.
Other key features include:
• Driven by cloud technology
• Simplified searches that aid product identification
• Complete product details including images, attributes, and interchanges
• Published updates are immediately available to all users
• No monthly maintenance required to update product information.
The ability to access real-time supplier data is crucial. Although electronic catalogs have standardized searches and information, the distribution of updates has lagged behind technology and the swift pace of business transactions.
“Data latency has been a consistent pain point for cataloging in the aftermarket,” said Patrick Maley, President of MAM Software. “Starting with the layout and production efforts of printed catalogs and continuing through electronic catalogs that rely on media and monthly mail distribution, the industry has been hampered by the delay in getting catalog information into the hands of those making purchasing decisions. MAM is bringing the proven success of its cloud based catalog solution to the US to address this issue.”
Autocat+ has already earned recognition for its achievements, winning the AAPEX Product Showcase Business Tools Award at Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, November 2013.
“The key to developing a great catalog system is making sure our customers have access to accurate data,” continued Maley. “With technology advancing so rapidly, we’re able to not only continuously update the catalog with new products and suppliers, but also serve that information to customers in a short timeframe. We’re confident that Autocat+ will improve speed to market, resulting in more sales opportunities and happier customers.”
Autocat+ will be available to MAM customers using its Autopart software for automotive aftermarket parts distributors or its OpenWebs B2B eCommerce solution. For those businesses not already using MAM products, the software will also be available as a stand-alone solution. For more information about Autocat+ and its suppliers, visit the MAM Software website.
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