AVM Industrial Parts, based in Moordrecht in the Netherlands, keeps the world’s heaviest machinery running. Mobile cranes, straddle carriers, port vehicles: when an axle, brake or gearbox fails, the part is available here in stock. New, used or reconditioned in their own workshop, from a catalogue of thousands of items that are shipped worldwide.
The challenge
In technical wholesale, the ERP is the single source of truth. Product numbers, stock levels, customer-specific pricing agreements, volume discounts, invoices: it is all stored in AFAS. An online store that manually copies this data will always lag behind and sooner or later display conflicting information.
On top of that, there is the way these customers search. Some enter a product code, others an axle number, a position number from a parts drawing or simply the brand of a machine. For them, a traditional product catalogue organised into categories is too slow.
The challenge was therefore to build an online store that relies entirely on AFAS and guides technicians to the right part using any information they have at hand.
The solution
an advanced search function
One search function that simultaneously searches thirteen different fields in AFAS.
Visitors do not need to know what type of number they have at hand. Product code, description, layout description, supplier code, product group, axle number, axle type, Kessler position, machine type, brake type, mounting position or machine brand: the search query is matched against all these fields to display the corresponding parts.
Individual part or complete axle
The result adapts to the search query. If the search returns a single part, the detail page opens directly. If the item is associated with an axle number, an overview of the corresponding items is displayed.
Order directly from the list
Each part in the table has an order button next to it. When overhauling an axle that requires seven parts, they can easily be added one after another.
A second entry point for Google
Alongside the search engine, there is a traditional section with categories and subcategories, featuring search-engine-friendly URLs and a unique description for each category.
Related parts and alternatives
Each detail page displays related parts and alternative versions.
Individual pricing for every customer
In technical wholesale, there is no single price per item. There are base prices, price lists, discount groups, volume discounts and temporary promotions, all defined in AFAS.
The online store fully incorporates this pricing hierarchy.
Visitors who are not logged in
see the standard sales prices as defined in AFAS, without customer-specific pricing agreements.
Customers who are logged in
are linked to the appropriate discount group and price list. The online store immediately displays their own prices, including volume discounts and current promotional prices.
Stock displayed in colours or numbers
Visitors who are not logged in see a green or red indicator. Logged-in customers see the exact quantity.
Out-of-stock items become quote requests
Items that are out of stock cannot be added to the shopping cart, but they can be added to a quote request.
Two carts side by side
Not every visitor is ready to place an order. That is why two options run in parallel:
a shopping cart for those who want to buy immediately, and a quote request cart for those who want to receive a price first.
The shopping cart
Adjust quantities, remove items, add a comment about the machine the part is intended for, choose a different delivery address or select pickup.
The quote request cart
Also available without an account and suitable for items that are out of stock. The request is sent directly to AFAS, where it can be converted into a quotation within minutes.
The favourites list
Logged-in customers can create a permanent list of the parts they regularly need. From this list, they can proceed to the ordering process with a single click.
Online payment or payment by invoice
Online payments are processed via Mollie, with the option to set a surcharge percentage for each payment method.
The customer portal
The customer account offers much more than just an address book. The portal provides access to information that customers would otherwise still have to request by phone.
Order history, online and offline
From this history, customers can place a repeat order in a single step.
Order status in three steps
Customers who want to know the status of their order no longer need to call.
Invoices and returns
Invoices can be viewed and downloaded as PDF files. A previous order can be marked for return, either in full or in part, after which AVM automatically receives a notification.
Registration with approval
New visitors request an account, which AVM can approve or reject in the CMS.
Subaccounts with an approval workflow
A main account can create subaccounts for its employees. They prepare orders and submit them to the main account, which can modify, approve or delete them before they are placed.
Changes sent to AFAS after approval
When a customer updates their details or delivery addresses, the changes are only sent to the ERP after approval. This keeps the customer database clean and reliable.
Orders in real time
An order placed on the website is immediately recorded in AFAS. Stock control, order processing and invoicing therefore continue seamlessly within the existing system.
Quote requests in real time
Quote requests are also submitted immediately. If it concerns a new customer, the customer registration must first be approved in the CMS before the request is forwarded.
The core of the project
The online store does not maintain a separate administration. AFAS remains the single source of truth.
All product information, customer data, prices and stock levels are retrieved through the AFAS API. Orders and quote requests are sent back through the same integration. When an item is set to visible in AFAS, it is automatically published online as well.
More under the hood
Technical documentation by axle number
A separate download section links each axle number to its PDF file. If visitors cannot find their number, they can submit a request with the machine, axle and serial number, and attach a photo of the nameplate.
Automatic watermark
Every PDF document and image uploaded automatically receives the logo as a diagonal watermark across the page. This ensures that technical drawings do not circulate without a clear indication of their source.
Four languages
Dutch as the primary language, with English, German and Spanish versions. The customer’s language preference is automatically retrieved from AFAS.
Three separate layouts
Desktop, tablet and smartphone layouts are each designed separately, with particular attention to button size, navigation, and the display of tables and drop-down menus.
News section with categories
Promotions and announcements are managed in the CMS, organised into custom categories and, if desired, displayed on the homepage.
Built with ASP.NET and SQL Server
The online store runs on IDcreation’s own platform, with a Microsoft SQL database and a CMS in which AVM manages its own pages, sections and documents.
The result
For AVM’s customers:
- Find the right part using any information they have at hand
- View their own prices and discounts without having to call
- Check invoices, order status and order history themselves
- Have orders approved internally via subaccounts
And for AVM:
- No duplicate administration: everything remains in AFAS
- Orders are immediately recorded in the ERP
- Fewer calls about prices, stock levels and order status
- A steady flow of quote requests from visitors who are not yet customers
Interested in a custom-built online store?
Would you, like AVM Industrial Parts, like a website that integrates seamlessly with the software you already use today?
IDcreation works with you from concept to integration.
