AUSTIN, TEXAS — Activant Solutions is adding an advanced Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding and look-up technology to its full offering of electronic catalogs for automotive aftermarket distributors, jobbers and service dealers. This new capability, already being tested by selected replacement parts distributors, provides parts professionals and repair shop service writers instant access to accurate part information for virtually any passenger vehicle manufactured since 1966.
The new VIN look-up technology, currently offered at no additional charge to Activant electronic catalog customers, enables the service writer and parts counterperson to enhance the speed and accuracy of parts identification by eliminating the dozens of variables that can complicate product selection. Virtually all of these vehicle-specific characteristics — including make, model, year, engine, body style and drivetrain, among several others — are captured within the VIN, eliminating the guesswork and extra time involved in traditional, application-style look-ups.
Activant is integrating this new tool into its PartExpert, ePartExpert, ShopCat and LaserCat catalogs for aftermarket businesses.
“Activant is committed to providing electronic catalog technologies that make every counterperson and service writer a more efficient and valuable part of our customers’ businesses,” said Steve Bieszczat, vice president of information services for Activant. “Our widely respected aftermarket eCatalog suite and new Cover-to-Cover eCat module become even more powerful competitive tools with the addition of VIN look-up technology.”
The new capability also benefits other supply chain business partners, including the distributor and manufacturer, according to Bieszczat. “The availability of better product data at the parts counter and repair shop eliminates one of the leading causes of product returns,” he said. “By reducing the likelihood of errors in selecting and ordering parts, this new capability – combined with product images and technical service bulletins presented through our Cover-to-Cover technology – can help minimize the wasted time and unnecessary inventory caused by product returns.”
The introduction of VIN look-up technology is the latest in several significant enhancements to Activant’s eCatalog and data services offering. In early 2005, Activant introduced its Cover-to-Cover module, which enables parts professionals and service writers to access additional manufacturer information — such as images, technical specifications and TSBs — directly from their Activant eCatalog. In May, the company announced it is offering mid-month online catalog updates that will provide new-parts data two to four weeks earlier than it is now available through DVD-based updates. This new service, Active Updates, is already being used by a number of leading aftermarket distributors.
For more information about Activant, go to: www.activant.com.
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