Autocat+ v7 enhancements

Autocat+ v7 is the next major release of MAM Software’s popular electronic all-makes parts catalogue. Version 7 sees the introduction of the MAM Software Makes & Models Index (MMI), and includes significant improvements to the main user interface.

The MAM Software Makes & Models Index (MMI) is an extensive, proprietary database that improves the precision of part lookups. Integrated directly into Autocat+ v7, all supplier data that has been referenced to the MMI is highlighted, indicating the most accurate part/fitment match.

Several enhancements to the user interface improve ease of use, display more information and help to increase productivity. Revised colour indicators allow users to see at a glance which parts are a good match, and a shopping basket feature speeds up the process of selling parts.

Improved screen layout

The user interface of Autocat+ v7 has been improved, displaying more information whilst allowing for greater ease of use.

1. New v7 MMI reference.
2. New shopping basket.
3. New v7 compliant data highlight.
4. Enhanced product grid.
5. New menu bar.
6. Enhanced supplier notes.

New ‘v7 compliant’ data

Autocat+ v7 utilises a completely new database built using the MAM Software Makes & Models Index (MMI). MMI is a valuable resource that enables component suppliers to reference their catalogue data against the most comprehensive, accurate database of UK-specific vehicles available. Matching product data to the MMI’s ‘unique identifier’ ID number provides greater precision for vehicle lookups within the Autocat+ parts catalogue, resulting in fewer returns.

This index is updated monthly to reflect new model releases and data amendments, ensuring that MMI is the most definitive database of its kind in the UK.

Product data that is v7 compliant is highlighted in green, indicating the most accurate part/fitment match.

Shopping basket

The new shopping basket allows users to build an order by adding products, and includes shortcut keys to speed up the process. It is now possible to override the selling price of an item within Autocat+, defined by a number of parameters. Once finished, this shopping basket can then be transferred to Autopart’s point-of-sale.

Main parts grid

The parts grid has been enhanced in a number of key ways. The colour indicators have been revised to work alongside the other new features of Autocat+. Green highlighting denotes that the suppliers have mapped their data to the MAM Model Index, ‘close match’ lines (based on fields such as engine code, fuel type, BHP etc.) are highlighted in cyan and red is used to indicate instances when the VRM first registered date is before the supplier’s date range. For a full list of revised colour indicators refer to the legend below.

The ’model details’ field has been expanded to show more information.

Hover tips now display model information for whichever vehicle the mouse icon hovers over.

Main parts grid menu bar

New options are available in the main parts grid menu, including a shortcut to Autopart POS, an option to expand the model details section and buttons to show part and supplier differences.

POS

A shortcut to Autopart’s point of sale, allowing quick access from within Autocat+.

Show matched / show all

Searches can now be filtered to only show matching parts, or to display all.

Remove red dates

Hides date check warnings. Red date cells appear when the VRM ‘first registered’ date is before the supplier’s date range.

Expand model details

The model details column can now be expanded to display more information, where previously this would have been hidden by the next row.

 

Multi select

Select multiple models at once and then compare them in the main parts grid.

Part number differences

In instances where duplicate part numbers are returned in a search, Autocat+ can display any differences between these entries to help the user understand why multiple part numbers exist.

Supplier data differences

In searches where several parts of the same type are returned from the same supplier, Autocat+ can display on a single screen every different value which that supplier’s parts possess.

Latest section data

Autocat+ tracks the date that each supplier section was updated, which can be displayed in a report so that the user is able to quickly see how current specific data is.

Further enhancements

1. The user catalogue contains a new description field.
2. Multi-line selection is now available in the user catalogue.
3. It is now possible to populate the email address list directly from Autopart.
4. A new report has been introduced, allowing vehicles to be shown by year.
5. Buyer’s guides can now be exported to a CSV file.
6. Product group selection is now possible with a single click.
7.  Alternative products are now ordered by stock quantity.
8. Additional VIN decoding for Vauxhalls has been introduced.