MAM announce radical new web-driven parts catalogue

Meeting the demand for faster, more accurate parts identification, MAM Software today announced plans for a radical new version of its electronic catalogue software.

Printable version 24 February 2005

No more waiting for CD updates; access centrally-maintained data directly from the Internet

Meeting the demand for faster, more accurate parts identification, MAM Software today announced plans for a radical new version of its electronic catalogue software. The new Autocat+ application, which will be officially unveiled at the Automotive Trade Show in April, is designed to deliver the performance, precision and reliability necessary to address the growing proliferation of aftermarket part numbers.

In contrast to traditional electronic catalogues, Autocat+ will employ state-of-the-art Web services technology to retrieve information from central database servers hosted on the Internet. As a result, Autocat+ users will no longer have to wait for CD-based updates to gain access to the latest information. Using powerful software developed in-house, MAM will continually process, verify and standardise supplier product data and upload it to the central data servers. This means that the publication of updates and amendments will be achieved in a matter of days, not months.

"The development of Autocat+ is being driven by three key objectives" said Mike Jamieson, Managing Director of MAM Software Ltd. "Our first goal is accuracy. We want to provide our current and future customers with a catalogue that contains precise, up-to-date information. The use of hosted data will be fundamental in helping us achieve this. Secondly, we're aiming for a wide-ranging catalogue that will meet the diverse needs of the entire aftermarket. The continuing support of suppliers will help make Autocat+ one of the most comprehensive databases available. Finally, we want our catalogue to be both quick and simple to use. We've worked at length to develop a user interface that can be used by novices and experts alike".

According to Jamieson, MAM is working extensively with a number of motor factors and distributors to hone the software. "We're currently trialling the software at a number of pilot sites. These have been strategically chosen because of their knowledge and experience of using electronic parts catalogues. The input we are receiving is invaluable. As the end users of our products, having them help mould the software is critical to ensuring that Autocat+ meets the needs of the marketplace," added Jamieson.

In addition to its Web-based database, Autocat+ will also feature a new user interface and enhanced functionality. Highlights of the product will include:

• Comprehensive part number coverage
• Continually maintained online database
• Simplified parts selection and drill-down
• Multiple product and supplier searches
• Product images and comparison
• Reverse search by part number
• Optional integrated VRM lookup
• Sophisticated notes management
• Vehicle and supplier preferences
• Simplified single-screen interface

"As part of our continued commitment to our customers, we're dedicating substantial time and resources to create solutions that are truly designed with the end user in mind," said Jamieson. "Our goal is to develop products and services that users will find highly valuable in the day-to-day running of their business."