Mulligan Data wanted to provide their customers with an
online catalog of their complete line of more than 45,000 different products. One
important objective was a quick response time with current information. They preferred a
conservative looking Web site without too many graphics, which makes it faster to search
for catalog items.In addition to the usual search methods for their online catalog, we
went the extra mile. We provided a feature that gives users the option to set up their own
personal catalog. This gives them the ability to add items they use on a regular basis to
their personal catalog. Optionally, when a user has an item in their personal catalog,
they can be automatically sent an email message informing them of changes in price or
specifications.
Another feature provides their customers with budget assistance. It allows their
customers to build a list of products and related information (description, price, etc.)
that the customer could download to be imported into a spreadsheet. This feature is
available to any registered user.
The value of the data in the catalog is directly related to current pricing
information. Mulligan Data receives several hundred updates for its catalog each day from
its distributors. To insure that this information is available to their customers on a
timely basis, Mulligan Data has arranged with its distributors to be able to
electronically receive the pricing updates and update the catalog automatically. This
process is completely automated; it sends regular email messages to Mulligan Data
informing them that an update has occurred along with a summary of the update.
