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Understanding the Dots Catalog and How It Works

Learn how the Dots Catalog is built, updated, and how you can request products to keep procurement fast and accurate.

Nicolas Pitsillides avatar
Written by Nicolas Pitsillides
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Overview: What Is the Dots Catalog?

The Dots Catalog is a continuously updated product catalog that helps you standardize and simplify procurement.
Dots does not hold its own inventory. Instead, we work with top global vendors around the world to source products on demand.

The catalog is designed to define what product is needed, while sourcing and fulfillment are handled separately.


How the Dots Catalog Works

The Dots Catalog is universal and vendor-agnostic:

  • Products are not tied to a specific vendor

  • Each item represents a standardized asset definition

  • The catalog focuses on product specifications, not sourcing details

This structure allows the same catalog item to be used consistently across teams, regions, and orders.


MPNs, Specifications, and Product Data

Dots works with data packages to retrieve full specifications and technical details for assets.
When available, providing a Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) helps ensure accuracy.

MPNs help:

  • Identify the correct product or variant

  • Pull complete technical specifications

  • Reduce mismatches or duplicate items

If an MPN is not available, you can also share a link to the product page, which helps us understand the product requirements more clearly.


Requesting New Products in the Catalog

If you can’t find a product in the Dots Catalog, you can request to add it.

How to Request a New Product

  1. Open the Chat

  2. Select “Add to Catalog”

  3. Provide:

    • Product name

    • Brand / manufacturer

    • MPN (if available)

    • Optional: a product link for reference

The catalog is regularly updated, and new products can be added to meet your needs.

How Long Does It Take?

  • New catalog items are typically added within 24 hours

  • In most cases, it takes less than 24 hours

Once added, the product will appear in the catalog for selection.


Customizing Products During the Order Request

The Dots Catalog itself remains standardized and does not include custom configurations.

Customization is handled afterward, during the order request.

If your order requires specific configurations, such as:

  • Power outlet type

  • Keyboard layout

  • Regional variations

You can include these requirements when submitting your order.

Even if there is no exact MPN for the required configuration, you can still proceed. Dots will:

  • Use the specifications and requirements you provide

  • Identify the closest matching product

  • Adjust for regional or layout needs where possible

This ensures you receive the correct setup without being blocked by catalog limitations.

Tip: Clearly mention outlet types, keyboard layouts, or regional needs in your order request to help us match the closest possible product faster.


Keeping the Catalog Up to Date

The Dots Catalog is continuously maintained to support:

  • New products and manufacturers

  • Updated specifications

  • Ongoing customer requests

You can request new products at any time - the catalog evolves with your organization.

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