Plugin for Bespoke Datasheets

[Dan@FreightFirst]

Morning all,

I'm doing some work with a construction product manufacturer and one of the ideas that we would like to investigate is the ability to let customers assemble their own datasheets by selecting the modules of data that they would like including.

For example: an architect may only wish to see an image of the product along with its dimensions and fire rating.

My question is, do any of you know of any Wordpress plugins that would allow for this sort of process? Obviously, we can make all of the data sets I just cannot think of a way to automate the process.

Hope this is clear, if not fire away with any questions.

Thanks,
D

 

[Schnell Solutions]

Hi Dan,

When you say you would like to automate the process....what do you mean?

Are we talking about providing an ability to provide an 'online catalog' (with images, and other supporting information) of all the modules/products which users can choose from and then download a datasheet or you want them to submit/Email/Store this info back to yourself/store in a database for future retrial.

It will help if you can share more details about the process along with some examples of modules and data set you mentioned above.

 

[Dan@FreightFirst]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I'll try and address your above points.

You are correct in your first statement. I'd like a list of data sets that a customer can select to add to their datasheet i.e. images, dimensions, acoustic properties, thermal properties, cost etc.

I would like for the customer to be able to select the information they need using a tick box of something similar and then instantly generate a datasheet containing this information.

I'm hoping this can be automated so essentially I have to design all of the individual modules that can then be pulled together into a datasheet rather than create all the permutations of the datasheets myself.

 

[Schnell Solutions]

Ok. In my mind what you have described is very similar to a site like 'Amazon/eBay' (not as complex) where you list the modules/products and their attributes (images, dimensions, etc) and the users select/add it to their cart.

If you can share an online example of what you are trying to achieve, it will help us to understand it better.

From our experience in developing such systems, the devil is often in the detail and I am sure you will find lots of plugins on WordPress that allow you to do something like this but according to me, you may face challenges on how these plugins allow the 'user' to download the selected modules/products....most likely the format will be restricted. Not to mention any feature you may need to provide to the users to find/search the module/product quickly and have the ability to maintain these lists in the back office.

If you don't get any joy from the WordPress side of things, depending upon how many users/products/budget etc. you can explore developing a simple bespoke software solution. Needless to say this won't be as economical as WordPress plugin but may shorten/automate the entire process as it will be developed to your exact needs. If you decide to explore this route, please do not hesitate to contact us and this is what we do.