ALLENTOWN, Pa. (April 15, 2014) — Business management software solutions provider MAM Software Inc. later this month will release Autocat+, a cloud-based electronic parts catalog for warehouse distributors, jobbers and service shops.
MAM said the new catalog provides direct access to updates from a wide variety of suppliers, combing cloud technology with industry ACES and PIES standards, allowing updates to be published quickly and eliminating the need for monthly data maintenance.
“Data latency has been a consistent pain point for cataloging in the aftermarket,” said Patrick Maley, president of MAM. “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 U.S. to address this issue.”
According to the firm, Autocat+ features a user-friendly interface with intuitive selection of vehicle information and product types on a single screen. The product is adjustable to fit different types of businesses, with configuration options that allow users to place product categories and sub-categories in logical areas to increase visibility and potential add-on sale opportunities.
In addition, VIN, interchange and buyers guide searched are capable of delivering multiple methods to identify the right part and reduce lost sales, MAM said.
Autocat+ won the 2013 AAPEX Product Showcase Business Tools Award during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week last November.
The product will be available to MAM customers using its Autopart software for automotive aftermarket parts distributors or its OpenWebs B2B eCommerce solution. For those not already using MAM products, the software also will be available as a stand-alone offering.
“The key to developing a great catalog system is making sure our customers have access to accurate data,” Mr. Maley said. “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.”