Introduction

Ford eCat is an Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) that shows prices and stock information on parts, menus and labour items.

When an item is selected in Ford eCat, a request is sent to Autoline to retrieve price and stock information. The item, identified by either parts number or menu code or Labour Operation Number (LON), is searched for within the Autoline system and sent back to Ford eCat. Multiple items in Ford eCat can be added to a shopping list, which can then be sent to Autoline. These items are searched for within the Autoline system then placed on the currently active WIP.

The interface between Ford eCat and the Autoline system uses XML over HTTP (SOAP). All requests are launched from Ford eCat. If the request is a 'Transfer order' message, the items within the message are placed on the active Work-in-Progress (WIP).

Set-up

Before you proceed, you must ensure that the Autoline system is set up correctly. This is normally performed by, or on advice from, a consultant.