Savvy distributors know that their customers prefer application data in electronic rather than print format, a fact MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust has seized on with the launch of a new state-of-the-art catalog management system designed by Vertical Development, Inc. The new system is available on CD, and allows customers to export all data from the company's catalog into the Excel program on a computer hard drive. "One CD can be used throughout each customer's company — from their counter personnel to the web design team," says MagnaFlow's Director of Product Services Bob Spano. "This is the first time we've even been able to do that — and VDI built it." The introduction of the CD is the latest innovation from MagnaFlow, a supplier of stainless-steel performance exhaust components, specifically dyno-tuned cat-back exhaust systems, mufflers and related components for gas and diesel light trucks, muscle cars, SUVs and sport compact cars. The MagnaFlow brand is part of Car Sound Exhaust Systems, Inc., a major manufacturer of premium catalytic converter products sold worldwide. A significant part of the company's growth has been with tech-savvy performance shops and the mass retailers who prefer to see data in an electronic format. "Our new CD is ideal for these customers," says Spano, who began working with Vertical Development last year, using their e-Publisher system to consolidate MagnaFlow's product information into a single relational database. "Our customers prefer receiving our information electronically, so our plan is to continue using the system to output all of our data on CD rather than in print." E-Publisher also enables MagnaFlow to map its files in the industry standard AAIA ACES format for delivery to Activant, Wrenchead and other e-Cat companies. Spano expects even more attention for the new CD when it makes its debut during the 2007 SEMA Show. Featured on the CD's label is racing legend Mario Andretti — who will be on hand at MagnaFlow's booth, along with his grandson, Marco. "We're very pleased with the knowledge and expertise that VDI has brought to our company," adds Spano, who will be working with VDI later this year to map MagnaFlow's 2500+ part numbers sold in Europe to TecDoc, the European e-Cat standard. "They've done a fantastic job for us." Vertical Development's e-Publisher program is ideally suited to all types of companies, especially businesses like MagnaFlow. By consolidating part numbers from multiple spreadsheets into a single user interface, they enable companies to map to AAIA standards, generate catalogs in print and on CDs, and offer online lookup systems, easily and economically. Solutions in place range from small 32-page catalogs to 3,000-page mega-catalogs. To find out more about the services Vertical Development, Inc. can provide, visit the company's Web site. |
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