Epicor Software Corp. announced that the time required to publish updated manufacturer part files in the Epicor PartExpert automotive aftermarket electronic catalog is now less than 10 days on average, as a result of the company’s “Net Adds” data publishing capability. Net Adds enables Epicor to publish new part numbers and other time-sensitive file changes without re-validating the manufacturer’s entire data set.
“We continue to make progress toward our goal of near real-time data updates for new part numbers and other file changes,” said Scott Thompson, vice president, automotive, analytics and content, Epicor Americas. “Our Net Adds capability has enabled us to dramatically reduce turnaround time for these files while, most importantly, maintaining the quality standards that have made the Epicor PartExpert catalog a preferred business tool for suppliers, wholesalers, e-tailers and repair shop professionals.”
In addition to the time savings achieved through the Net Adds capability, Epicor continues to compress the publishing cycle for new manufacturer files, with a near-term goal of achieving average turnaround of 30 days. Epicor says this continuing improvement has been accomplished in parallel with the company’s existing quality control processes, through which each file must pass a rigorous assessment to ensure data is both accurate and presented in a way that helps speed the ultimate transaction at the parts counter, in the service bay or via the Internet. “Timely data has little value to the end-user unless it is complete, accurate and easy to consume,” Thompson said. “Our users tell us that Epicor is the gold standard for each of these characteristics.”
The Epicor PartExpert database includes more than 10 million parts and approximately 7,800 product lines from more than 900 manufacturers and covers virtually every vehicle make and model marketed within North America over the past 40 years, according to Epicor. The PartExpert catalog is published in several separate formats each month to address the requirements of virtually every popular aftermarket computer platform. In addition to the replacement parts database, the PartExpert data set includes the Epicor Cover-to-Cover graphical eCatalog module, featuring millions of part images, bulletins and other value-added files; Epicor BuyerAssist electronic buyer’s guide; InterChange OE and competitive aftermarket interchange module; OE Carry-Forward, which automatically updates coverage to the next model year, when appropriate; ItemExpert catalog of universal and non-application products; Powersports applications; and manufacturer pricing files. Third-party data available through the PartExpert data set includes VIN Lookup; OE product lookup and selling tools; OE service intervals; and a flat-rate labor guide.
To learn more about the Epicor PartExpert eCatalog and the company’s other data solutions, contact your Epicor representative, call Epicor toll-free at 888-463-4700 or [email protected].
