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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



Bokowsky + Laymann GmbH
Marketing in Computer-Mediated-Environments
Mr Markus Laymann
Friedrichstraße 1
D-80801 München, Germany
Telephone: (++49) (0)89-33 00 869-7
laymann@bokowsky.de

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Bokowsky + Laymann GmbH
Markus Laymann
Friedrichstraße 1
D-80801 München
Tel: +49(0)89-33 00 869-7
laymann@bokowsky.de