Epicor introduced two cloud-based versions of its digital cataloging tool– Epicor Catalog for Automotive– at the 2023 AAPEX Show that will be available for parts distributors and service/’repair dealers in the US and Canada come February.

The new, standalone catalogs include Epicor-validated, ACES-compliant data and a new “Intelligent Search” feature that enables users to quickly find the right parts for virtually any vehicle repair, the company said. In addition, all part and application content in the catalog for its Mexico customers is in Spanish, enabling users to save time and eliminate lookup errors.

“This next-generation catalog uses everything that you have counted on from Epicor in the marketplace for the last 40 years– the best content and 3D imaging, 360 views, and the particular notes around a part to make sure that you don’t put the wrong part on a vehicle,” said Tim Hardin, Epicor senior vice president of global automotive, data, and extend services, during the 2023 AAPEX Show as he explained the new product. “We’re a trusted source in the marketplace for that content and now we have an improved user experience.”

Hardin added that the Epicor Catalog for Automotive is a modern, ACES-based catalogs that can help users increase sales, efficiency and customer loyalty. By utilizing its aftermarket product content engine, Epicor said the new versions of the Epicor Catalog have more than 1.6 billion catalog applications and 12 million part numbers from more than 4,000 industry suppliers. Included in the parts listings are manufacturer product descriptions, technical insights, images and other enhanced information designed to guide part identification and installation.

Epicor said other key features of the cloud-based catalogs include:

• Intelligent Search – Quickly find information based on any of three text inputs: Vehicle and Part, License Plate and Part or VIN and Part;
• Multiple lookup tabs – Conduct up to five simultaneous lookups;
• Previous lookup history – Save time by returning to previous and/or archived lookups;
• North American VIN decoder – Includes US, Canada and Mexico vehicles;
• License plate decoder (U.S. only);
• Aftermarket-to-aftermarket/OE-to-aftermarket interchange;
• Buyer’s Guide – Identify other vehicle applications for a specific part, leading to additional sales
  opportunities;
• Quote builder – Easily assemble and print quotes based on lookups;
• Vehicle attribute filters – Filter lookups by part type, manufacturer, part position or line code.
• App-free mobile interface – Responsive technology automatically optimizes the user interface for
  mobile devices.

“Speed and accuracy are the common themes across each of these new or enhanced features as well as our modern, highly scalable new cloud architecture,” Hardin said. “Every user now has streamlined access to more part and application intelligence, enabling them to increase sales and deliver a great customer experience.”

Hardin added that about 80 to 90 percent of aftermarket parts moving in the aftermarket go through the Epicor Parts Network, making the company “a central database for quality part information.”

Future Plans

With the launch of its new digital catalog and automotive B2B e-commerce platform, Epicor Commerce for Automotive (ECA), Epicor has big plans for the future. Hardin said for the last few years, the company has been focused on product development, as the market demanded advanced technologies as a result of the pandemic.

“All of a sudden, you couldn’t get parts, and there were hundreds of ships docked off the West coast that couldn’t get anybody to unload them, and then it put a premium on understanding where these parts are coming from and how we get them,” Hardin said reflecting on the last three years. “It really created this environment for technology companies like us of trying to solve these issues and eliminate disruption in the supply chain. And I think for Epicor, not just for automotive, but for the other segments we serve, whether it’s hardware, distribution, manufacturing, we put a focus and a premium on eliminating the disruption of the supply chain.”

Looking to 2024, Hardin said the company is looking to scale its new products in the marketplace and keep its eye out to to acquire companies that can help push the Epicor’s technological expertise further.

“I think from an M&A perspective, you’ll see us continue to expand our workflows,” he said. “Epicor has a great deal of strength right now. We’re just doing really well as an organization, and that gives us some latitude to go out and pull some assets into the Epicor family. I think you’ll find us focusing on, not just being the parts ordering engine, but really looking at how do we partner with organizations that will help us understand how to deliver the part and how to make sure that it gets to the end point, so that we can really give you an end-to-end view of the supply chain.”