Advanced Catalogue Production at Unipart

Summary

ABSTRACT

An advanced catalogue production system is described which has three elements: creating and structuring a database; assembling or transforming data; and publication. The major points examined are the design of the system so that compilers of information can access and update from various starting points, the use of dictionaries for multiple language publications, the use of publication parameters to allow different devices. Also emphasized is the use of publishing tools which enable subject and marketing experts to maintain direct control over the publication process.

Introduction

This paper deals with a recently completed project to develop a publishing system which provides users with responsive methods for the collection of information, and flexible ways for producing different publications.

It concerns a major supplier of replacement car parts which uses a range of publications to enable dealers and individuals to identify parts to fit cars. While it is obviously a specialised application, it represents an important market sector and also demonstrates a number of issues concerning the structuring of data and passing control directly to the users.

Context

Unipart is the largest supplier in Europe of replacement car parts and accessories for all makes of cars. It has been a leader in the development of systems for the distribution of product information, and has been using computerised publication systems for a number of years. As an indication of scale, it provides 12,000 parts for 3,500 vehicles and produces 135 major publications.