Internal part numbers

[jimdanforth]

I need a way to create an additional product field that holds an internal product number. Needs to be searchable from customer front-end but not display the part number.
Basically, I have supplier's part numbers and sometimes customers call with that info. If I could search from the front-end it would save time.
Secondly, I need that same number to display on the order edit page, since sometimes I need to order from my supplier by that number.
I looked at the "products extra fields" plug in but I'm not sure that one goes where I need it. 1 field is enough though.

[twitchtoo]

Hi jimdanforth,
Can you post a complete list of each of the pages you'd like the new part number to appear on?

Twitch List Price shows in a variety of places in admin and the cart, Twitch Base Price only shows in admin... I can modify the base code to do what you want and be searchable :)

[jimdanforth]

sounds like the base is the closest to the one I need.
Searchable in front-end
displays in admin edit/create product
displays in admin edit order

[lhungil]

I need a way to create an additional product field that holds an internal product number. Needs to be searchable from customer front-end but not display the part number. ...

Are you saying if the customer does a search online using your internal product number you do NOT want them to be brought to your website? Hmm...

[jimdanforth]

That is incorrect. I want the search to return the correct item, just not display the internal(supplier) number onscreen. At least in clear text.

[lhungil]

Most search engines will not index "hidden" data anymore (or may consider it a blackhat technique), so you would need to actually display the "internal" product number on your product pages if you want customers to be able to search online (not just on your website).

[twitchtoo]

Are you saying if the customer does a search online using your internal product number you do NOT want them to be brought to your website? Hmm...

I believe the intent is similar to this scenario:
Lets say you search for 'car starter' on the following websites and they display these model numbers:

dealershipparts.com - model #0009

coolcarparts.com - model #1234

jimdanforth.com - model #800-010

Technically the product can have all three part numbers together or separately listed in the database, only jimdanforth - model #800-010 shows.

I've done this... it works like magic.

I'll get working on this code later today jimdanforth. How many characters would you like the new field to hold?

[jimdanforth]

I think we're thinking alike :)
So on jimdanforth.com you can search 0009 and it will return 800-010, or search 1234 and still get 800-010
My current longest part number is 9, so let's shoot for 10 digits, alphanumeric.

[jimdanforth]

ihungil,

no too worried about google, etc for this search. Just internal. Helps me audit when a supplier publishes a new catalog too.

[lhungil]

Okay, just wanted to make sure :)