Aftermarket technology provider Vertical Development Inc. has added a new Fleet Survey service to generate reports from its parts database, ShowMeTheParts. Fleet Surveys combine VIN decoding technology with job information so manufacturers and distributors can ensure that fleet repair centers always have access to the parts they need – either in stock or through Just In Time (JIT) services. Fleet Surveys are available now for ShowMeTheParts customers.

“Fleet Surveys were designed to meet a new demand for management tools as fleets ranging from national rental companies to municipal services shift from OEM parts repair to aftermarket suppliers,” explained Jay Wright, president of Vertical Development Inc. “Given this trend, we stand in a very unique position – having the technology, the data and the experience to deliver a cutting-edge service that can help aftermarket distributors and manufacturers win more of this business today.”

The ShowMeTheParts public parts catalog covers more than 300 aftermarket parts suppliers and manufacturers. With suppliers and retailers constantly updating information, users of the new Fleet Survey service can be assured they are receiving the latest information on their vehicles – no matter where they are in the supply chain, says Vertical Development.

Even fleets of seemingly identical vehicles will have slight variations due to running changes in manufacturing, but this new tool eliminates confusion by easily identifying individual vehicles using VIN information provided to generate the reports. The VIN gives the database all the information it needs to identify the exact parts that will fit on that vehicle, according to Vertical Development.

This new service bridges the gap between fleet service centers and the suppliers that provide their parts. As ordering and stock number information is shared with distributors and manufacturers, Fleet Surveys help to simplify the inventory recommendation process. From there, suppliers can leverage their own distribution channels, as well as local jobbers and WD partnerships, to ensure fleet facilities always have the parts they need available locally to reduce turn-around times for repairs. The survey system is integrated with ShowMeTheParts, so fleets and suppliers can begin requesting this service right away.

Fleet Surveys offer many benefits, including the ability to:

• Develop custom parts lists for clients and prospects
• Leverage ShowMeTheParts technology to build fleet sales
• Provide parts inventory recommendations based on fleet vehicles at a location
• Create new sales opportunities by offering clients Fleet Surveys to make their jobs easier
• Make parts identification and ordering quick and easy by providing parts data for scheduled maintenance procedures