Extensive order communication via web shop

Choosing smart partner networks

Since the successful market launch of the webshop A+W iQuote, there has been a clear trend in the compo-nent industry toward ordering via the Internet. This trend was once again confirmed at the BAU in Munich, where A+W Cantor demonstrated its expanded A+W iQuote with exciting new functions.

A+W iQuote now also with external configurators
In recent years, A+W Cantor has already successfully integrated external online configurators from toele suppliers into its ERP and dealer software. However, the Aha experience for booth visitors at the BAU was that the online configurators from adeco, OBUK, Rodenberg, ROMA and Wa-rema are now also integrated into A+W iQuote. When a dealer registers a house door online via A+W iQuote, he can directly call up the corresponding configurator and order the desired pa-neel there, which is displayed graphically correctly. Or the shutters for the window.

In addition, it is now possible to integrate A+W iQuote into other window construction programs as well and thus use all the advantages of the A+W web shop in the external software.

Webshop without duplicate database
In the window industry, the use of a web configurator usually requires the creation of a second database and the re-registration of the customer order with the manufacturer. However, this is not necessary with A+W iQuote - the user works directly on the basis of the manufacturer's master data!

Thus, dealers and distributor staff can use A+W iQuote to register both standard components and complex configurations easily and quickly. Once an order is ordered via A+W iQuote, it is visible in real time in the manufacturer's A+W Cantor system and can be scheduled for production - completely without double order entry. The price is calculated and displayed.
Technical limitations are observed - always up to date. This now also speeds up accessory orders and offers more security.

A+W has implemented all that in a refreshingly easy-to-use user interface developed with touchscreens, tablets and mobile devices in mind.

Wolfgang Neutatz, managing director of the sun protection manufacturer, and A+W iQuote user Schlot-terer: "Our customers can no longer make mistakes with A+W iQuote. The entire order goes through a restriction check based on our master data. We receive a complete, technically correct order. Questions and time-consuming explanations on the phone are no longer required. That means greater efficiency in the overall ordering process."

Partner communication on the Internet of Things
Here we experience an aspect of Industry 4.0 that is often still insufficiently taken into account. Because a "Smart Factory" is not only about intelligent production, but just as much about smart communication between market partners.

Internet ordering with linking of external online configurators makes the entire value-added chain dynamic. Order processes that previously required hours or even days of estimation until receipt of order confirmation are completed within minutes - including transfer to production! The complete parts list with all technical details and data for production planning and control is available just in time in production. Orders are produced faster, delivery times are reduced - and the customer is happy!  

Text and image: A+W iQuote