On-line Part ID System?

[Martin]

I’m just wondering what criteria needs to be established in order for independent spare parts suppliers to be able to illustrate manufacturers own exploded drawings on their web sites?

I refer directly to the TRADE ONLY systems employed by ( for example)CDSL with their ‘Mediator’ (Java activated plug-in) downloadable system? And Parts Center with their very similar ‘Partsarena’ (Grafixview activated plug-in) system?

(TRADEPLACE of course use these type of systems (with some limited tech info included) and again you need to be a registered trade member to gain benefit.)

See article on Tradeplace: http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/modules.p … e&sid=1929

So on one side you have the manufacturer who supplies spares to the wholesaler who then stocks it and sells it on to the trade. A long established system that has been going like this for 25-30 odd years to my certain knowledge. Then along came the Internet and with it broadband, opening a wealth of constant on-line interaction for businessess to benefit 24/7.

Now it’s not as if this has suddenly happened overnight. It’s been an on going, constantly up-dating procedure that some (Like CDSL) have realised the potential of and incorporated into their business strategy.

But even they are struggling to keep pace with the trade as a whole and the constant frustration of manufacturers either not co-operating fully or adopting some incompatable system impossible to transcribe cohesively?

Bill Gates figured years ago a very workable system that all to use and benefit. His compatability factor provided access for all to enjoy and gain from. Now both manufacturers of whitegoods and their colleagues in arms the spare parts wholesalers saw and adopted that same system to sell their wares. So how come then that they never followed it right down the whole chain to encapsulate all that wish to participate. By having a standardised system of parts ID (be it using Java or PDF or whatever?) for us all to adopt?

Wholesalers spend a fortune in time and money photographing and illustrating spare parts onto their websites, their catalogues and their monthly fliers. If only there were some unified system of part identification for all those that wish to purchase, there would be no need to bother surely? Everyone adopting the exact same part number that the manufacturer stipulates in their diagrams and drawings. So that right from one end of the chain to the other, the system is adopted for all to benefit.

Widget number XYZ1234567 would so easily be found by those that want one. It fits a Whatistname ‘cos I’ve seen a picture and this wholesaler has it in stock…job done!

But perhaps after all said and done there is no problem? No need for a unified system? That my utopian ideals are not commercially viable? That to confuse the customer, restrict the info and let the competitive element rule is the way forward?

Nah!….It’ll never work will it? :rolls:

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