Dorman Products announced the releases of its real-time inventory tool that allows users to instantly see what auto parts stores near them have the products in stock, when they find products they need on DormanProducts.com.

To use the new functionality, visitors to DormanProducts.com can search for a product using either vehicle year, make and model, keywords, VIN, OE number, or visual hardware drill-down. When they find what they need, they scroll down on that product description’s page to the updated “Where To Buy” section. There they can see on a map what stores near you have that part available, as well as get directions and click to call.

“We are always looking for ways to make it easier for repair shops and DIYers to finish a job.  With this new capability, it’s now incredibly easy to find our full range of products,” said Steve Gisondi, Dorman’s vice president of marketing. “You can quickly search our tens of thousands of parts and components on a computer or smartphone, and find where they’re available near you, without the hassle of having to call around to multiple locations.”

This industry-first capability, says Dorman, is made possible through a strategic relationship between Dorman and Epicor, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software. By leveraging Epicor channel connectivity among leading parts distribution businesses across North America, the Dorman website now connects directly with store inventory systems at a variety of retailers and distributors to let users know if parts are in stock at specific locations.

“Dorman is one of the automotive aftermarket’s most innovative suppliers, so it’s no surprise they are on the leading edge of solutions that bring increased access and convenience to the industry’s end-users,” said Tim Hardin, senior vice president and general manager of Automotive at Epicor. “We are very proud to have played a role in enabling this important new solution for Dorman and the many parts distribution businesses that offer Dorman’s products.”