SOUTH JORDAN, Utah – OptiCat LLC reports that its programs used by data suppliers and receivers to supply and access supplier catalog data have received important enhancements that will provide increased flexibility and value. These enhancements are provided at no cost to data receivers, according to OptiCat.
 
“These new OptiCat programs add significant value to both suppliers and data receivers such that products will reach the market faster with fewer catalog errors related to data translation problems,” said Charley Johnson, OptiCat CEO. “More profitable operations will result for suppliers and receivers.”
 
Enhancements announced today include:
 
OptiCat can now receive supplier product attribute data in flat file form via its OnBoard program and export it in PIES format to data receivers via its OnDemand program. This will assist non-PIES compliant suppliers and their data receivers to communicate more effectively.
 
Data receivers using OptiCat’s OnDemand program will be able to specify custom PIES data output formats, in XML or flat file structures, based on the PIES data standard. According to OptiCat, this capability integrates with the OnBoard data import capability described above. Therefore, if the data receiver’s systems require specific portions of the PIES data that are resident in the OptiCat data repository, these can be custom-specified by the receivers or by suppliers acting on the receiver’s behalf.
 
OptiCat has added the new “OnMail” option of data delivery for suppliers and receivers that use a secure email delivery program. Many data receivers prefer to receive supplier data from the OptiCat data repository via the OnDemand FTP delivery program after they have been automatically informed by OptiCat that supplier data is available. However, some receivers prefer to get the data immediately upon its release by the supplier via email. OptiCat OnMail immediately delivers the data to the receiver. This eliminates the separate action of the supplier having to deliver the data to each potential receiver desiring the email data delivery approach, thereby saving significant effort, OptiCat says. Under OnMail, the data receiver is not required to request the information from OptiCat’s data repository; rather, the suppliers and receivers will specify to OptiCat which receivers are to use the method of delivery so that proper security protocols can be maintained. This is expected to appeal to many data receivers that are accustomed to receiving data via email.
 
OptiCat also now provides BrandAAIAID support for supplier data that require it, such as Amazon.