DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has partnered with Vertical Development Inc. (VDI) to consolidate its application and technical data into a single relational database. As a result, MPA’s customers can now access the latest product information linked to technical reference bulletins in a single lookup.
With facilities in California, Singapore and Malaysia, MPA has seen rapid growth since its origin in 1968, today offering more than 2,500 domestic and import SKUs. MPA’s growing list of part numbers and application records were previously organized in Excel spreadsheets.
Using its e-Publisher software, Vertical Development input application records supplied by MPA in various files and formats, consolidating and linking the data to create a single relational database. VDI also linked part numbers and applications with technical bulletins for ease of look-up. E-Publisher enables MPA to manage the data, updating it as needed. The system also features a unique mapping process allowing files to be exported in industry standard formats such as AAIA and Activant Solutions (formerly CCITRIAD) formats.
Several years ago, MPA had worked with VDI to help them export files mapped in AAIA and Activant Solutions formats. “We were so impressed with VDI’s work that when we decided to outsource our database project, they were the only firm we considered for the job,” said MPA Vice President of Marketing John Foster. “When VDI demonstrated what we could do with their e-Publisher system, we made the decision on the spot.”
The project was a huge success, said MPA. “E-Publisher has saved us months of time in database management,” said Foster. “It enables us to input new applications, part numbers and technical bulletins as soon as they become available, keeping customers up-to-date on the latest information.”
Vertical Development also offers e-Catalog and e-Pricing systems that support simultaneous publishing to print, web and CD-ROM formats from a single data source. Their software has streamlined data management for companies nationwide in a variety of industries, including many of the largest manufacturers in the automotive market.
For more information, go to: www.verticaldev
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