PlusParts 2.0: new features for the intelligent spare
parts system
In version 2.0 a number of interesting features have
been added to our PlusParts spare part identification
and ordering system: apart from the improved display
quality and extended standard functions, the integrated
SVG parser module represents an enormous advance in
that it will save you a huge amount of work when creating
map files. This will immediately pay off due to the
resulting lower personnel costs.
Here is a summary of the most important changes:
SVG Parser Module: automatic mapping in the back
office
This module makes use of the advantages of the XML-based
file format "Scalable Vector Graphics" (SVG).
The PlusParts SVG parser module links up with the
back office and automatically generates map files.
This reduces the time needed for mapping out drawings
and the lengthy and error-prone process of manual
mapping becomes automated using the SVG parser module
and thus faster. The user's role is thereby reduced
to that of 'controller' and he will only have to manually
intervene in the drawing editing process in exceptional
cases.
The SVG parser module is based on an AI-supported
rule generator also capable of handling 'mixed' drawings
on which, for example, individual items should not
to be mapped. In addition to this, the system is capable
of learning by itself, i.e. the more drawings you
work on, the quicker the system becomes. The entire
workflow of the SVG parser module is based on the
zero-error principle, i.e. the system will attempt
to intercept any errors the user may make during workflow
and, failing that, notify the user of any errors thereby
enabling him to rectify these himself in a single
operation. This avoids the subsequent lengthy manual
search for and rectification of possible errors.
Our experience from major projects with over 10,000
drawings has left its mark on the design of our SVG
parser module. When we designed the workflow, emphasis
was put on usability; despite it being potentially
monotonous work, the design of our module enables
you to use it for lengthy periods of time without
becoming too tired. Please remember that the SVG display
module and SVG parser modules can only be used on
spare parts diagrams which exist in a vector-based
file format.
SVG display module: Zoom happy
The display component is now optionally available
as a SVG module. On first appearance the SVG module
differs only slightly from the Java version. Its major
advantage, however, is that drawings in a vector-based
format can also be displayed on the Net as vector
graphics. This means that the quality of the drawings
is greatly improved and you can zoom in on the drawing
without it affecting image quality. This means that
the quality of the original is maintained. The PlusParts
SVG display module can also display GIFS meaning that
you can work in both formats simultaneously, i.e.
you can integrate the SVG display module into existing
PlusParts applications without any problems.
Flash display module:
The Flash display module offers the same advantages
as the SVG display module. However, since the display
component has been realized using Flash, the drawings
must already exist in Flash format. And because the
Macromedia Flash plug-in is more widely used than
the Adobe SVG viewer, it makes sense to use Flash
as the display component. The PlusParts display module
can also, of course, handle a pixel-based drawing
which means that, here too, you can work in both formats
simultaneously.
Handbook module: after-sales service all along the
line
In many cases, PlusParts represents the core of a
web site's after-sales area. Besides selling spare
parts, the central activity of many customer service
departments is sending out user manuals and handbooks.
The handbook module provides PlusParts with the additional
capability of managing and distributing manuals, handbooks
and other technical documentation. This allows you
to manage all manner of technical documentation in
the back office. Once PlusParts has made them available
via the Internet, customers will be able to find them
easily thanks to standardized product classification
and download them as PDF files if needed. To round
off this after-sales service area, the module contains
a simple FAQ system which can also be updated in the
back office.
New functions: microfiche and printed catalogues
Many companies continue to supply their spare parts
drawings on microfiche and in printed catalogues as
well as having CD-ROMs and on-line versions. PlusParts
now helps users create these formats themselves. PlusParts’
standardized drawing administration and additional
improved processes will save you valuable time and
a lot of work when producing microfiches and printed
catalogues.
All work including the creation of files for the
microfiche master is done in the back office and for
you, this means no more paper!!!
The microfiche module automatically selects, puts
together and prepares the drawings. In order to do
this, the application accesses all information stored
in the system such as year of manufacture, product
attributes, etc. Selecting and putting together the
microfiche templates no longer has to be done manually/simultaneously
on paper.
Another advantage is that the microfiche module makes
use of the same data as the online version of PlusParts
which guarantees that information will correspond.
No data is redundant and thus this is no longer a
source of errors. PlusParts’ microfiche module
also ensures that drawings are positioned on the microfiche
in the best possible way. You can still intervene
at any time if you want to change the arrangement,
positioning, etc.
The catalogue module ensures that the medium-independent
information stored in PlusParts can also be output
in printed form. This, plus the Internet, CD Rom and
microfiche ensures that media integration is complete.
The catalogue module offers the same advantages as
the microfiche module yet offers much more flexibility
in terms of layout adaptability. The design of the
microfiche plays a subordinate role contrary to printed
catalogues where design is of utmost importance.
The catalogue layout can be designed in one of two
ways: either in the back office based on pre-defined
style elements or using your preferred DTP program.
The only thing you will need to be able to do is export
the page master and the rest is done in the back office
as before.
Easier to use thanks to new additional back office
functions
The PlusParts back office too has been completely
revamped. All application parameters and all data
and texts can now be configured and updated, respectively
in the back office. The integrated user administration
is now based on a role-based rights concept which
means that users can only view menus and tasks that
they are supposed to. These rights can be assigned
up to function level thereby ensuring that rights
can be controlled very precisely.
For the lengthy task of maintaining mass data, you
now have the possibility of importing and exporting
data such as spare part descriptions, prices and dealer
addresses, etc. via the back office. You can edit
mass data offline in Microsoft Excel and similar programs
and then import them into the system via the back
office. PlusParts even differentiates between countries
and languages as desired. You can still maintain all
data directly in the back office. The standard version
of PlusParts now also includes an often-requested
FAQ management tool.
Further
information including a trial version of the application
can be found on the internet at
http://www.plusparts.de
