Interactive spare parts catalog

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Interactive spare parts catalogs (also called electronic spare parts catalogs) are electronically generated spare parts catalogs distributed via data carriers ( CD , DVD , USB stick ) or communication networks (intranet, Internet). They contain all the data relevant for spare parts identification and ordering in linked form. Pictorial representations ( exploded views , images, 3D models) are linked to the corresponding information in the parts lists via sensitive areas on item numbers, on alphanumeric order numbers or on graphic components . When you click on certain parts in the drawing / graphic, the associated parts list information is displayed immediately. The required assemblies or parts are identified using various search functions or by navigating the spare parts catalog. Navigation in the catalog takes place either using a structure tree that reflects the hierarchical structure of the catalog - divided into products, assemblies and parts - or using the graphic display that allows navigation - starting from the overview of the product - to the individual assemblies and to the required component allowed at the click of a mouse. Most of the interactive spare parts catalogs have an order function (shopping cart).

On the one hand, standard software products are available for the creation of spare parts catalogs, which, depending on the provider, have very different functional ranges and different adaptation options. On the other hand, solutions are used that are developed customer-specifically by appropriate service providers and partly operated for their customers.

Depending on the software used and as required, the data can be transferred to the catalog system automatically via interfaces (e.g. from the ERP, DMS, PDM, CAD system, etc.) or / and by manual data entry. The data preparation, which is more or less automated depending on the software, takes place in an editing system that offers different configuration options depending on the provider.

Electronic catalogs can be made available via CD, DVD, Intranet and Internet. Appropriate viewers or browsers are supported for the data used in the catalog for display and interaction in the catalogs. Modern catalog systems support the display of 3D models with interaction.

User groups

Electronic spare parts catalogs are usually used by the following user groups:

  • Users of a machine, a device or a system
  • Service technicians, customer service representatives, service organizations
  • Dealers
  • Sales organizations
  • Documentation service providers

Essential components of an electronic spare parts catalog

The essential components of an electronic spare parts catalog are:

  • Pictorial representation (pixel-based and / or vector-based 2D representations and / or axonometric 3D representations or 3D models)
  • Associated parts lists with links to the visual representation, documentation parts lists
  • Hyperlinks between the individual information
  • Different navigation structures / search functions
  • Coupling to an inquiry / order system

Standard functionality

  • Stepless zooming
  • Integration of picture / parts list
  • Different sorting
  • Integration of documents
  • shopping cart
  • Price and availability display
  • Variant and version management
  • Search in the entire catalog (parts lists)
  • Full text search in the documentation (integrated descriptive documents such as repair instructions, assembly instructions, etc.)

Image formats

  • 2D raster formats: GIF , JPG , PNG or TIF
  • 2D vector formats: SVG , HP-GL / 2 Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language, (web) CGM
  • 3D vector formats: XVL , JT , VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language), SMG (CATIA Composer), IsoDraw file format

Advantages for the manufacturers of spare parts catalogs

Electronic spare parts catalogs optimize the processes for catalog creation and updating. The time and cost compared to the conventional process is reduced by up to 60%. The savings are mainly based on the following factors:

  • Central data organization in the catalog database with connection to the data sources (ERP etc.)
  • Automation of the data import (when updates are made, data changes in the leading system - usually ERP - flow directly into the database and thus into the catalogs)
  • Automation of data preparation / catalog creation
  • A single database for all media
  • Flexible multiple use of the data material

Advantages for users of electronic spare parts catalogs

  • All spare parts information is combined and linked in one system
  • There is no need to search through extensive paper catalogs
  • Shorter search times
  • Better accuracy in identifying required parts
  • Simplification of ordering spare parts

Criteria for assessing spare parts catalog systems

  • Functionality - What functionality does the viewer offer (image formats, antialiasing , interaction, search, sorting, ...)
  • Technology - what technology is the software based on (open source technologies, Java, Microsoft .NET, ...)
  • Multilingualism with support of the Unicode standard
  • Integration ability - How and to what extent are existing business systems integrated, especially interfaces computer-aided design (CAD) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
  • Variant parts lists - In what form can variants and versions be shown?
  • Administration ability - How easy and flexible can the system be designed / administered?
  • Future security - How future-proof are the investments that go far beyond the software acquisition?
  • Profitability - How expensive is the solution in terms of total cost of ownership?
  • Medium - which medium should the data be used with (CD-ROM, Intranet, Internet, ...)?

Historical

One of the first electronic spare parts catalog systems was the DICSY (Digital Catalog System) system, which was developed by a Viennese software house in 1986, initially under MS-DOS and later under Windows. Today there are numerous CD and Internet-based systems that have comparable or further developed functionality. The latest trend is the integration of 3D representations with animations and circuit diagrams (electrical documentation, hydraulic plans, etc.) in the spare parts catalog.

Web links