FTE Internet catalog goes online

Munich - Ebern, 2004-06-18

FTE automotive GmbH & Co. KG, world-wide market leader in the field of hydraulic clutch actuation and motorcycle ABS systems and specialist for hydraulic brake systems, continues to rely on service and software provided by CPTec for producing spare parts catalogs for cars and trucks. As of May 2004, spare parts catalogs by FTE are also available on the Internet.

The application developed by CPTec for this purpose uses the same database as the one that is used for production of printed FTE catalogs. For this purpose, a specially developed software imports data from TecDoc, the information system used by the automotive supply industry. Control tables are used to adapt this information to the terminology and the structures used by FTE for the automotive aftermarket.

At the moment, catalog queries for cars and trucks are possible in 7 languages for a total of 128 countries. Spare parts can be searched by selecting the vehicle type in a number of selection menus (vehicle type, manufacturer, model, type and product group) or by entering a KBA number. Alternatively, an FTE number or a number of comparison can be entered directly.

When designing the user interface, special attention was paid to ensure intuitive and easy operation. The data output in Web browsers closely resembles the structure and layout of printed FTE catalogs that users are accustomed to. In compliance with the guidelines given by FTE, only free software has been used for implementing this project. MySQL has been chosen for the database server. PHP is used for dynamic generation of the HTML output. In combination with Linux as an operating system and Apache as a Web server, the entire application is based on open source software. There is no need to pay software royalties of any kind.

With their online appearance, FTE open up another sales channel for their spare parts supply. A spare parts inquiry can be performed easier and faster via the Internet than by using printed catalogs. FTE customers also benefit from the fact that the data base of the online version is always up-to-date. Any changes in the parts supply will be adopted to the online version immediately. Printed versions of the catalogs, on the other hand, can only be issued from time to time because of their huge extent, normally exceeding one thousand pages per catalog.

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Tegernseer Landstr. 62
D-81541 München
Germany

Tel. +49-89-614542-10
Fax +49-89-614542-29
Email info@cptec.org