Digitization is leading the way for industries to thrive in a revolutionizing paradigm and embrace a future-centric service structure. Among other business sectors adopting the technology, manufacturing is included as well. Leading OEMs rely on digitized methods to distinguish themselves and their offerings in a competitive market.
In addition to automating warranty claims and other processes, manufacturers also seek to streamline collaboration with stakeholders, enabling them to effortlessly order parts and accessories. Clearly, placing orders using a paper-based catalog is time-consuming and prone to many errors.
On the contrary, manufacturers now offer an electronic system of placing orders where dealers can easily find the right product and place orders online. As we can see, this new method of ordering parts is relatively more convenient and time-efficient. However, spare parts catalog systems are also highly effective in reducing order errors.
This detailed blog focuses on the role of a parts catalog software in obtaining error-proof orders, benefitting both OEMs and dealers in the end.
What is the Use of Digital Parts Catalog Software?
Before we describe the upside potential of an automated spare part ordering system, you need to know how original equipment manufacturers use it to place their operations in a methodical arrangement.
- Maintaining a robust and transparent dealer channel is one of the many benefits that surface as a significant use of the electronic parts catalog software systems. OEMs get to keep a check on their inventory and ensure timely fulfillment as soon as they receive the orders.
- From choosing the exact machine part or component to tracking the status of the sale, the sales workflow becomes simpler and more insightful. In hindsight, there is no collaborative gap between OEMs and dealers.
- These parts catalog systems have everything for everyone involved in the parts sales process. For dealers, the advantage of these tools comes in the form of easy access to a wide range of parts and accessories. Manufacturers can say goodbye to the hustle of managing parts inventory, everyday sales, and quality control.
Simply put, aftermarket buyers don’t need to have an in-depth knowledge of the parts before buying them and they can simply browse through the array of products. All-in-all, these uses sum up as convenient. In the next section, we will explore how digital parts catalog software reduces order errors.
How Does Digital Parts Catalog Software Ensure Error-Free Ordering?
VIN/Model Search
When the buyer is unsure about the type or variant of the part they need, it can lead to an inaccurate order and prompt the buyer to request a return and place another order. OEMs can save dealers from these exact instances after integrating digital parts catalog software into their operations.
These electronic platforms come with a smart search functionality that lets your buyers find parts and components using VIN or the model of the vehicle or machine.
Search Using Illustrations
In many cases, searching for the right component can become difficult when there is no image to identify the product. Therefore, aftermarket buyers often tend to place wrong orders, resulting in selection errors.
User-friendly digital parts catalog systems come with 2d illustrations that dealers refer to while looking for complex machine components. Buyers can zoom in on illustrations to highlight the part they need and add it to the cart.
Part History & Supersession
Technologies evolve and parts are upgraded frequently in manufacturing. Therefore, it is extremely important to let your buyers learn about the history of the product. This way, they will have proper information about what variant they need and they will be able to place an accurate order.
Easy Order Submission
Among order errors, failed submissions of orders can be counted as a setback for OEMs as it vividly affects sales. Retailers and sales executives also require a platform where they can submit the orders they receive instead of waiting for the distributor to do so.
A digital parts catalog system enables your secondary sales network to add orders and prevent any potential order delays or discrepancies.
Here’s What You Should Know When Choosing Digital Parts Catalog Software
Looking to reduce order errors and empower your dealers with a more coherent spare parts catalog system? If so, then you should map out all the major problems your sales network faces. This will be your checklist to compare digital parts catalog software from different aftermarket solutions providers.
Efficient spare parts ordering system encompasses several essential functionalities such as advanced search, complete parts details, quick ‘add to cart’, and parts history. If your chosen software consists of these aspects, you can consider booking a demo and making a final decision.
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