Release Notes: SpareParts365 24.3

Key new features in version 24.3
News SpareParts365

Features for catalogue users

“Breadcrumb” in the catalogue selection

In a multi-level catalogue selection, the navigation path is displayed as a ‘breadcrumb’, just as it is within a catalogue.

Hide empty start groups

Start groups that do not contain any catalogues are hidden. This also applies if catalogues are present but cannot be displayed due to permission restrictions.

Start groups that do not contain any catalogues are hidden. This also applies if catalogues are present but cannot be displayed due to permission restrictions.

Configuration Catalogue

Configuration Jobs – further information

If there are errors in the import files, more information is displayed; recurring errors are only logged a few times.

Offline catalogue (licence option)

The offline catalogue offers a ‘self-service portal’ for service technicians. This allows them to temporarily download catalogue data to their Windows laptop for service calls where a stable internet connection cannot be guaranteed.

Catalogue viewer

A dedicated Windows application called “Catalog Viewer” is available for viewing offline catalogues. Users of online catalogues can download this software component to their (mobile) device and install it there. Windows 10 or 11 is required.

The functionality and user experience are virtually identical to the online version. The only exceptions are features that require internet access (submitting an order or enquiry, accessing documents via a URL).

Catalogue packages

Users of online catalogues can select one or more catalogues from the current catalogue project and combine them into a catalogue package.

Once downloaded, the catalogue package can be imported into the catalogue viewer. The catalogues it contains can now be viewed along with all associated data (parts lists, 2D and 3D drawings, supplementary documents) and used for spare parts identification.

Import files

Validation check

Excel or CSV files that, based on their filenames, may be potential import files will only be imported if the column headers contain the fields required for the data type. Otherwise, they will be ignored and listed in the log under ‘Jobs’.

Data formats for 3D files – Beta

In addition to the “iv3d” (FinalMesh) data format currently supported, the standard “Graphics Language Transmission Format” (glTF/glb) will also be supported in future. At present, 3D files in the “glb” format can be imported and displayed; however, linking them to the bill of materials is not yet possible.

OCRHotspot

Integration

The software for generating hotspots in 2D files, OCRHotspot, can now be downloaded directly from the portal under ‘Configuration Catalogue’.
OCRHotspot is licensed via queries to the SpareParts365 portal, eliminating the need to create and update licence files.

Documentation

SpareParts365 Cookbook

The ‘SparePart365 Cookbook’ has been expanded to include several new chapters:

  • Configurable material
  • Integration of general service documents
  • Using offline catalogues

Plug-in engine

New entry points

The list of possible integration points for plug-ins has been expanded to improve integration with and communication between other solutions.

Access via QR code

By scanning a relevant QR code, you can open a spare parts catalogue in SpareParts365 and jump directly to a specific section. This functionality can be implemented via a plug-in.

Other improvements

Based on user experience and feedback, performance optimisations have been implemented in various areas.
Bugs reported since the last release have been fixed, and improvements have been made to the user interface.