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Fueling aftermarket growth: The role of interactive parts manuals

Updated Feb 1, 2024

Picture this: You're a service technician in a rush to secure critical parts for a piece of machinery. In the past, this meant flipping through hefty physical parts catalogs or making time-consuming calls to identify and order the right component. But times are changing, and so are the expectations of customers.

Today, the shift towards digital solutions is undeniable. Customers want the convenience of identifying and ordering parts online without the hassle of outdated, cumbersome catalogs or lengthy communication processes. Enter interactive parts manuals — a must-have digital resource for distributors seeking to excel in aftermarket sales. 

Let's talk about product data. Distributors sit on a goldmine of product information stored within their systems. According to recent studies by industry analysts at McKinsey, 93% of distributors have already integrated or are planning to integrate digital technologies into their processes to improve customer experiences.

This wealth of data, from ERP systems to technical manuals and assembly drawings, holds the key to crafting interactive parts manuals. By leveraging this existing information, businesses can create an intuitive online experience where customers can visually select components, obtain accurate part numbers, and confidently proceed with orders or quotes.

The urgency of the industry demands swift action. Waiting for information on part availability or pricing is simply not an option. In a world where 90% of B2B buyers expect the same level of convenience as when making personal purchases online, digital parts manuals have become indispensable.

These digital resources provide real-time updates on prices and availability. Any changes are instantly reflected, eliminating the need for tedious phone calls or emails. Today's buyers crave immediacy and accuracy, and businesses that offer this edge out competitors.

[RELATED: Aftermarket suppliers speak of benefits of business intelligence and digital tools]

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