Search engine for B2B ecommerce: search by reference, code and technical specification

A B2B ecommerce search engine has requirements that are radically different from those of a B2C search engine. Whilst in B2C the user searches by name, colour or style, in B2B the buyer searches by exact reference, supplier code, part number or technical specification. A search engine designed for end consumers fails in B2B environments: irrelevant results, the inability to search by technical attributes and the lack of customer-specific catalogue management are the main sources of friction.

EcommFinder addresses these needs with a search engine specially configured for the demands of business-to-business ecommerce. These are precisely the settings that EcommFinder makes available via its dashboard for B2B environments: from dynamic pricing per customer to the option to hide prices until the user logs in.

What distinguishes a B2B ecommerce search engine from a B2C one?

A B2B ecommerce search engine must manage catalogues containing tens of thousands of technical product references, each with sector-specific attributes: dimensions, tolerances, materials, compatibility, standards and certifications.

B2B users know exactly what they are looking for and expect the search engine to find it with the same precision, whether using their company’s internal code or the manufacturer’s code.

Synonym search between supplier codes and internal product codes is a critical feature in B2B that many generic search engines do not offer. EcommFinder includes configurable equivalence tables that allow you to map multiple codes to the same product.

Key features of the B2B ecommerce search engine with EcommFinder

Exact search by reference and code

Exact search is the cornerstone of the B2B ecommerce search engine. EcommFinder implements exact matching for SKUs, manufacturer references, EAN/UPC codes and any custom catalogue fields. When a buyer types in ‘REF-4892-A’, the top result must be that product, without any ambiguity.

Search by technical attributes and filtering by specifications

B2B buyers filter by technical specifications: voltage, maximum pressure, operating temperature, ISO certification and material of manufacture.

EcommFinder allows you to configure technical filters by product category, displaying only those relevant to each type of item. This eliminates the need to browse through PDF catalogues or call a sales representative to find the right product.

Catalogues and prices personalised by customer

In B2B, each customer has different commercial terms. EcommFinder integrates the management of segmented catalogues: each authenticated user sees the products and prices that correspond to their contract. The search function automatically filters the catalogue visible to each buyer, displaying only the items available to that customer at their specific rates.

Recurring orders and search within order history

B2B buyers frequently reorder. EcommFinder allows users to search within the customer’s order history, making it easy to repurchase products they have already bought. This feature drastically reduces purchase time and increases B2B customer loyalty.

Autocomplete for long technical SKUs

Technical SKUs in B2B are long and complex. A good B2B ecommerce search engine must offer autocomplete for these SKUs, reducing the risk of typing errors and speeding up the search process. EcommFinder indexes technical SKU fields with specific autocomplete functionality, distinct from autocomplete for name-based searches.

EcommFinder’s autocomplete feature operates invisibly thanks to its proprietary algorithm. For more details on how the synonym engine that links alternative codes works, see our article on smart synonyms in ecommerce.

Sectors where a B2B ecommerce search engine is critical

The industrial, electronic components, construction materials, automotive spare parts and medical supplies sectors are the areas where the B2B ecommerce search engine has the greatest impact. In these sectors, the catalogue can contain over 100,000 product references, searching by code is the norm and accuracy is non-negotiable.

According to Forrester Research, 74% of B2B buyers say they would switch to another supplier if the search and ordering process were simpler. Ensure effective tracking of technical searches with Search Analytics in ecommerce.

Frequently asked questions about the B2B ecommerce search engine

How does a B2B search engine differ from a B2C one?

The B2B search engine prioritises exact searches by code and technical reference, catalogue management by client, and searches by specialised attributes. The B2C search engine focuses on semantic searches by name, description and categories. A good B2B ecommerce search engine can combine both capabilities, but must have B2B functionalities at its core.

Can EcommFinder manage multiple catalogues per customer?

Yes. EcommFinder supports catalogues segmented by customer or customer group, with differentiated prices and availability. Each authenticated user has access only to the catalogue and terms and conditions that apply to them under their contract.

How are very long technical reference numbers or those containing special characters indexed?

EcommFinder normalises special characters and applies specific tokenisation for technical reference numbers, ensuring that a search for ‘REF-4892/A’ also finds ‘REF4892A’ or ‘REF 4892 A’.

This standardisation can be configured according to the naming conventions of each sector.

Is it possible to import supplier code equivalence tables?

Yes. EcommFinder allows you to import equivalence tables in CSV format or via integration with the company’s ERP system. These equivalences are automatically applied during the search, so that the buyer can search using any alternative supplier’s code and find the correct product in the catalogue.

Related articles

• Smart synonyms: how to eliminate searches with no results
• Zero results rate: what it is and how to reduce it to 0
• Search analytics: how to interpret search data to boost sales