Laddawn.com : YMAC for Bags - Stock Match

  YMAC for Bags - Stock Match: Design

Scenario A user searches for 3x5 reclosable zip top bags.	Scenario A user expands 1st stock item to view product details.

Results logic

Introduction

The following is a mapped out series of YMAC (You Might Also Consider) quote results to be used for selections from either Level 1 "Standard Poly Bags" or "Reclosable Bags." After the user has finished entering their bag specifications in Level 2 & 3 we will first generate the "Exact Stock Match(es)" to generate a stock item result and a Made on Demand (MOD) custom quote (when available, since we can't make every stock item, like Static Shielding). After we show the user exactly what was asked (exact stock match(es) and MOD) YMAC will then kick in to show the user credible stock alternatives, not Laddawn's additional MOD capabilities. Here, we want to deliver the message that, we not only readily stock what was asked, but we can further stock the following changes to the product you requested if asked of us. While delivering this message YMAC results will simultaneously strengthen our image and educate our users of the breadth of Laddawn's stock program to boost current and future sales.

Condition – Stock Match

The user has entered all of their item parameters and the search produced at least one exact stock match.

The Results

The following is a basic outline of how and what we will present as credible results for the customer. The first two segments will return exact matches to what the customer requested, while segments 3-9 should be considered to be the YMAC data results.

1. Exact Stock Match(es)
2. MOD
   
   YMAC Using Exact Dimensions, But Different Product Attributes
   
3. MOD Cradle Packed
4. Opposite Pack (Stock Only)
5. Additional Reclosables (For LD Reclosable Requests Only)
6. Different Closure (Same Material)
7. Different Material (Same Closure)
   
   YMAC Using Different Dimensions, But Exact Product Attributes
   
8. Stock Items at Neighboring Mil Thicknesses: 1-Up and 1-Down
9. Layflat or Gusseted Equivalents (Same Mil)
   

The Flow Chart

For "YMAC for Bags - Stock Match" below you will find our flowchart, which maps out our process to use when a user enters a set of dimensions that produces at least one exact match from our stock SKUs. Here we can see that users will first find exact matches to their inquiry, followed by credible YMACs for current and future consideration.

The Details

The following is a detailed review of each search result.

1. Exact Stock Match(es)

This will be the first result in any instance where we are able to pair one or two stock matches to the user's inquiry request. The only instance where we would show two stock matches is if the customer enters a reclosable that we stock in our normal section and under the Minigrip brand (standard, hang hole and white block) (The rational for this is to allow customers see the price difference between our brand and Minigrip; from which we will easily allow them to make their decision). Here, our Exact Stock Match(es) return an bag that meets all the user's requested criteria. The dimensions, Mil thickness, packaging, printing, venting, closure, material and additives entered by the user all match that of a stock SKU, which we will present first to the user. Here there is no exception or deviation from the user's bag specifications and the attributes of the stock match we will present. Again, if we are unable to find an exact match to the user's criteria we would then undertake the YMAC for Bags - No Stock Match search procedure.

2. MOD

Once we populate the stock match we would then proceed to quote this job if it were MOD, if we are able (since we can't make every stock item, like Static Shielding bags). This is, again, considered to be exactly what the customer was looking for, without alteration, but as an inexpensive alternative to the stock result.

We now begin the YMAC data.

3. MOD Cradle Packed

The first YMAC result is geared towards "down selling," providing the most inexpensive alternative with minimal change to a customer's request. This will be the only other time we will show the user a MOD alternative. It should be noted that not all items can be cradle packed. For example products that we cant custom make or those cannot be sold on a roll, such as our current reclosable bag selection, cannot be cradle packed. Also, if an inquiry does not have a width that is greater or equal to 14" then this item cannot be cradle packed (This holds true even if a gusseted item has a combined width and depth of 14" or greater).

4. Opposite Pack (Stock Only)

This query exists to highlight various packaging methods available (Level 3: Cases vs. Rolls Boxed), which will result in another pricing option that the user may have been unaware of. This search is not altering any aspect of the product itself but rather looking for other packing alternatives. Here we are looking at stock products only, regardless of whether or not we can MOD the opposite configuration.

5. Additional Reclosables (For LD Reclosable Requests Only)

This is the only conditional check under YMAC for Bags - Stock Match. This section's purpose is to increase the user's exposure and awareness of our reclosable offering, since we have already shown them an exact match to their need. This query is only active if a customer is already requesting a LD reclosable bag. This is an appropriate time to logically pitch one of our highest grossing sales category within YMAC. Here we will "showcase" our reclosable solutions: zip and slide closures, those that come with white block, a hang hole, part, bubble, bio-hazard, chemotherapy bags and Minigrip. Here the YMAC result(s) would return an exact dimension and mil match, to the entered LD reclosable bag request, but we will deviate by what type of reclosable bag we are showing them (PAS and Static Shielding is covered in Area 7). The only area where Mil thickness is ignored is when showing a reclosable bubble bag. Here will also generate this as a match, if the dimensions alone match, since bubble bags are not measured by Mil thickness.

Example: If the user had asked for a 12x15x004 LD ZT we would show them, in Area 1, stock matches of 3790A & 3790 (Minigrip), and under YMAC Area 5 we would now show them 4240A  – 12x15x004 LD ZT w/ hang hole, 4025A - 12x15x004 LD ZT with White Block, and 4058 - 12x15x004 LD ZT Chemotherapy.

6. Different Closure (Same Material)

Here is where we will designate the three primary bag closures that we offer: Open, Reclosables and Resealables. We will first narrow the search choice to those found within the specified material and then we will seek stock alternates for up to two different closure styles. So if the user initially entered a PAS Reclosable Bag we would look for an exact duplicate of this item, except as an Open or Resealable stock bag.

Example: A customer enters 9x12x002 LD reclosable, which we would initially show a stock match to item 3765A in Area 1. Under Area 6 we would also show YMACs of stock item 440 – 6x9x002 LD Open & 13650 – 9x12x002 LD.

7. Different Material (Same Closure)

Under this YMAC query we will showcase the breath of our selection by primarily highlighting our material substitutions. Here we will show our user material (including additives and colors) capabilities by presenting stock items that meet the exact dimension, Mil* and closure initially requested, but under alternative materials, additives or colors. The initial item entered will often need to possess a specific Mil thickness to even be considered for a particular material to begin with (such as our stock polypropylene only being offered under 1.5 Mil).

*However, our Static Control products will be exempt from matched Mil thickness. We have decided to allow for "two steps away" in regards to Static Control products, since they service similar purposes (the two steps away comes from the difference in materials and Mil thicknesses). So if a customer initially requested item 4025 - 3x5x004 ZT PAS we would also show this customer, under Area 7, item 4150 - 3x5x003 ZT Static Shielding.

We will also make color substitutions. If a customer initially requested item 8730 - 38x65x006 Clear LD Drum Liners we would show the user, in Area 7, the stock black color alternative, item 8733 - 38x65x006 Black LD Drum Liners.

Example: A customer enters a 4x6x0015 LD Open, we would initially show a stock match of item 55. Under this section we would populate item 13010: 4x6x0015 polypropylene open.

8. Stock Items at Neighboring Mil Thicknesses: 1-Up and 1-Down

Here we are looking for a stock match to the entered dimensions, but outside of the entered Mil thickness. Here, we will take the Mil that was entered and look above, to the next stock Mil thickness up, and below, to the next stock Mil thickness down in an effort to "re-quote" the stock item(s) found in Area 1. Customers have been commonly found re-quoting the same request across different Mils, making it slightly thicker or thinner than what they initially requested. The reason for this is that they are "playing" around with the price. Area 8 will save customer time, since these variations will be shown to them, and will highlight how reviewing the YMACs will be useful use of their limited time.

Example: Say a customer entered a 20x18x36x002 LD bag, which we would initially show a stock match of item 1638. Here would show two stock items: 1764 – 20x18x36x003 and 1508 – 20x18x36x0015.

9. Layflat or Gusseted Equivalents (Same Mil)

Here we will look to alter the width and/or depth dimensions, entered by the user, to provide layflat or gusseted stock equivalents of their inquiry. This means that we are taking the dimensions of a entered layflat bag and altering them in hopes of finding a stock gusseted equivalent, or vice versa. However, for a bag to even be applicable for this query its layflat bag width must be greater than or equal to 6" and may not be a reclosable bag. If the customer entered a gusseted bag we would add the width and depth dimensions together to create a layflat equivalent and search for a stock match at this dimension. If the customer enters a layflat bag we would take the entered width and repeatedly break it between every possible width & depth combination in effort to find a matching stock SKU in this category's stock program.

Layflat -> Gusseted = Possibility for multiple results

Gusseted -> Layflat = Only one possible result

Example: If a customer were to enter a 10x15x002 LD Open (which we would initially show a stock match of 511) here we would be looking for any stock SKUs at 9x1x15x002, 8x2x15x002, 7x3x15x002, 6x4x15x002 and 5x5x15x002.We would find that one stock SKU exists within this list and we would show the user item 1430: 6x4x15x002 LD Open in Area 9.

Sample Entries

The following A, B & C are sample inquiries, that could be submitted by the user, to demonstrate what the YMAC results would look like for these entries. Under List Displayed to End User this area shows the basic results and sequence YMAC will present to the user. Under How List Was Determined the results are paired to their numbered section so we can easily follow from which query each result came from.

A) 3x5x002 LD Open (Case)

5 Results, w/ 4 YMACs

B) 3x5x002 LD Reclosable (Case)

7 Results, w/ 4 YMACs

C) 3x5x002 PAS Open (Case)

5 Results, w/ 4 YMACs