If a distributor sold components, its search could accept full references, partial codes and categories. Product pages would show verified specifications and available documents. An enquiry basket would combine references and quantities into one quotation request. Substitutes would require validation, while availability awaiting confirmation would remain distinct from a product physically ready for collection at the supplier's stated location.
An illustrative example to adapt to your business. It does not represent a completed project in this municipality.
Should an old product reference remain searchable?
It can be useful when it clearly leads to the product's current status. Any suggested replacement should be checked and presented as a proposal, without guaranteeing an unverified equivalence.
How can several parts be requested together?
A table can collect product codes and quantities with a notes field. A summary then lets the customer check the complete list before submitting a single enquiry for review.