Missing Data for common SKU ... - D-Tools Forum

12-06-2006, 04:15 AM

Hello,

I keep running into an issue where a manufacturer partner database is missing some basic items. For example, ELAN's library has the System12 controller but not the System6 controller. ELAN's library also seems to be missing the Ole' keypad.

I'm not on a subscription service, but for ELAN and many others I don't need to be (or at least that was my understanding). I guess I expected the library to be more complete than it is. If key items are missing, how do I go about requesting that they be added, or creating them myself. As for creating them myself, it's easy enough to create them for working in text mode since I largely enter pricing, install time, dimensions, accessories, etc. but I don't really know how to create these for Visio so that I get proper elevation views, I see the proper image in line diagrams, etc.

Point me in the right direction please.

Thanks,
Phil

Bob Pothier · 12-06-2006, 01:40 PM

Phil,

Data for our MVP partners should be updated each time the manufacturer releases new eqipment. Each time we do an update for a manufacturer they have to approve it as complete and accurate before we will publish it. Obviously some companies do a better job than others at looking at the data and some companies are so busy they don't get around to letting us know when new items need to be added. We currently have over 100 manufacturer partners and it is not possible for us to be out there making sure they are up to date. This is probably the case with Elan. When anyone finds things like this you should send an email to data@d-tools.com and just let us know. Again, we can't know when every manufacturer releases something new so we have to rely on the manufacturer and our users to help us in that regard.

avzone · 12-07-2006, 03:35 AM

Bob,

Wouldn't it be easy to send out a quarterly reminder or request for an update to the MVP D-Tools contact? With all of the intelligence that Adam has added to the D-Tools Empire, I would think this routine would be fairly simple to manage, especially with the use of NetSuite's various tools and automation. Maybe?

Bob Pothier · 12-07-2006, 01:20 PM

Actually we do! However some companies find it easier to ignore us (and then complain when we want them to renew) than to just tell us the new models. We don't really require them to do much other than give us the list of models and where on their website we can get the details or if it is not on the web to send us PDFs and JPGs and a sheet with the details. We have some MVPs that are all over it and send us updates all the time and others that are either too busy or what have you and don't bother. So we do in fact send out quarterly requests (and after each major show) asking if they need to update their offering to D-Tools users.

12-07-2006, 02:19 PM

The best thing would be for ALL D-Tools dealers to contact each manufacturer and let them know we will not use their products unless they can keep the data current. Until the vendors feel some pain and then realize the positive impact of up-to-date data, very little will change. If good product data is important, let them know.

BlakeV · 12-12-2006, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by CrystalHacker

The best thing would be for ALL D-Tools dealers to contact each manufacturer and let them know we will not use their products unless they can keep the data current. Until the vendors feel some pain and then realize the positive impact of up-to-date data, very little will change. If good product data is important, let them know.

VIVA The HACKER!

In other word, don't shoot the messenger. Few issues regarding D-Tools @#$%^ me off more than the MVP data.

First they have to pay us to be in the program 2k to 5K.

Then they have the option to update pretty much when ever they like BUT DONT.

Please shoot the manufacture............an email and let them know how important good data is to you.