Sending Data to D-Tools
Table of contents
We'll get your product data into D-Tools format using whatever method is most convenient to you. This includes:
- We scrape your site. Just send us a URL, and we'll collect as much information as we can about all of the products we find there
- Send us a price list. Send us a price list that you send to dealers or distributors. We'll use the data fields we can, and add any additional information we find on your site. EZip and other formats accepted
- XML feed. Already set up with a public data feed for dealers? Send us the relevant information, and we'll collect data automatically
- Edit a D-Tools data file. Edit every field of your data using a D-Tools formatted spreadsheet. Offers the maximum of control
- Edit using SecureConnect2. SecureConnect2 is a new MVP portal (currently in Beta), which allows you to log in and edit a few data fields - MSRP, Description, and Discontinued. Changes you make there are published instantly
Scraping
When getting started, or if you just don't have the time, just send us a URL and we'll collect as much product information as we can find. Then, we'll send you a D-Tools data file so you can review/comment on the results in as much detail as you like.
While this works great if your website is well structured and contains all of your current products, this method can lead to missed products and incomplete information. This is particularly true if submodels are hidden in pdf's, are calculated using a formula, or don't appear on your site at all.
Price List
With this method, you send us a price list you are already using for another purpose. We'll map your data fields into ours, and attempt to collect any other needed data from your website.
The most important field in this list is model number. D-Tools requires unique model numbers, so if you are using SKU, Part Number, or other data field to indicate unique products, we will need to find a way to generate unique model numbers from these.
This option allows you to leverage work you have already done; however, it may not always be clear which data to use for what. If your price list already has unique model numbers and data fields that are equivalent to D-Tools (description, MSRP), then option 2 can be very efficient.
XML Feed
If you've already gone to the trouble of creating an XML feed to publish your catalog, just give us the relevant feed information, and we'll collect data from there. Contact mvp@d-tools.com to get this set up and running
D-Tools Data File
In this method, we send you a specially-formatted data file with all of the data currently published. Every available data field is represented as a column.
You make changes to existing products (marking them in red), and add data for new products by adding rows to the spreadsheet (also marking them in red), then send back the marked up file to us for processing.
We'll process your changes, and add product information for any new products.
This method is the most exact, since you have control over every data field. The downside is that it can be difficult/tedious to edit every data field at once using a spreadsheet program like Excel.
SecureConnect2
SecureConnect2 is a web portal that allows you to review and edit products in your catalog, among other things. Any changes you make are immediately published to our users.
At this time, you can only edit these data fields using SC2*. You can not (yet) add new products.
- MSRP
- Description
- Long Description
- Discontinued
SecureConnect2 is currently in beta, and will be released in 2012. Contact us at mvp@d-tools.com if you are interested in participating.
*If you want to change other fields, such as image, category or dimensions, please send us an email with the changes you wish to make. Or, if you have a large number of changes, send us a price list or D-Tools Data File as discussed above
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