Parts Catalog Management: Everything OEMs Need to Know

Managing parts catalogs efficiently has been a constant challenge for OEMs. When a customer comes in for a part replacement and the required part is not in inventory, it costs OEMs and dealers more than just money and downtime. Ordering a part at the last minute costs OEMs additional fees and extra time.

There are other challenges that, if left unchecked, can cost OEMs significantly more. One such problem is ineffective parts catalog management. Through this blog, let’s understand the mistakes that OEMs often make and the price they pay in the end. We will also discuss the solution to this. This could be a game-changer for OEMs around the world in tackling the most common problems effortlessly.

Common Error Sources in Parts Catalog Management

OEMs and dealers are separated via remote countries and states, limiting accurate and timely communication. Mismanagement of data, announcement of critical information, important updates, and even recalls is common in this environment due to the lack of a proper channel.

1. Keeping Data Updated

Information about parts or updates is incorrect, outdated or missing. Traditionally, information was distributed through documents, PDFs, and printed catalogues. For an ever-evolving industry, keeping up-to-date information through hard copies has become a challenge.

2. Static Data

Data is stored in multiple formats by different vendors and OEMs; This was not efficient and required maintenance. For example, if a technician needed to reference any of the documentation, browsing through thick manuals and scrolling through PDFs was the only option. This was inefficient and cost both time and money.

3. Solid Data Models

The automotive industry is experiencing many changes in terms of updates, efficient parts engineering and rapid transition to electric vehicles. Constant changes and new models being introduced require frequent updates to the catalogs. The traditional update method requires OEMs to physically incorporate these changes into the manuals, print them, and distribute them to all their dealers.

4. Data Distribution

The lifecycle of data from OEMs to dealers needs to go through several changes so that it can be shared with dealers in languages ​​they understand.

5. Inconsistent Updates

Since data is managed manually and in different formats such as Excel and PDF, updating data becomes challenging and time-consuming and often lacks a standard procedure.

3. Poor Management of the Supply Chain

The most common mistakes OEMs make are ordering the wrong part or not ordering enough of the correct part. In both cases, OEMs have to pay extra fees for import and export of goods depending on the country.

Strategies to Reduce Cost Using Parts Catalog Software

1. Minimizes Error

It eliminates the need to print and distribute updated or new pieces of information and reduces the potential for human error.

2. Increases Aftermarket Sales

Streamlined ordering processes, sales forecasts and real-time data on spare parts availability help increase aftermarket sales.

3. Systematic Sales and Service Activity

Effective inventory tracking and real-time inventory management promote better sales and service activities in the aftermarket.

4. Central Information

It allows OEMs to use a single communication channel across all departments. This helps prevent the possibility of errors, duplicate information, and inconsistent information about updates to parts. All stakeholders can access data whenever they need it.

5. Integration with All Systems