‘The existence of single marque catalogues and dealer management systems are real barriers to efficiency in the parts workshop’, says Andrew Vernon, Managing Director, of Epitomy Solutions, the aftermarket portal and catalogue developer.

‘Our view is that these will be eroded over time driven by a mix of market need and greater liberalisation of part data,’ he explained.  ‘When you spend some time in a parts work shop you realise two things; just how much time is wasted simply searching for the right part and the potential for part order error as mechanics are forced to jump from one catalogue or DMS to another.’

‘With the continued growth of multiple franchise business and with the liberalisation of part data forced by the recent EU block exemption regulation, it will be possible to create customised all makes catalogues,’ according to Andrew.

‘We envision the day when the OE parts selling application combines multi marque OE data, with enquiry and order processing plus customer record management, and all on one platform.  We are already talking to some retailers about doing just this.’