In our last post, we explained how the TecDoc ktype works and we saw that it gives us much less detail than applications based on configuration vehicle properties, like the ones used by OE and OEM manufacturers or the American aftermarket, would.
But since in Europe we have no choice but to deal with the TecDoc ktype, let’s analyse the level of precision it provides us when searching for a part with a license plate, chassis number or specific application.
We have analysed 10 of the main OE and IAM part manufacturers in Europe to see how many reference numbers are linked to each specific application, and we have obtained very interesting results that vary quite a bit depending on the type of part analysed.
Here we have the analysis for 6 product families:
How should we interpret the table’s results?
If we look, for example, at the alternator column, we see that for 35.57% of applications, we’ll find 1 single alternator reference number, which is perfect for knowing the correct reference number. In 31.59% of applications, we’ll find 2 different reference numbers and in 16.37% we’ll find 3 different reference numbers. In the worst cases, in 3.56% we’ll find more than 5 reference numbers, a really big problem if we want to know which one is right.
What conclusions can we draw from this analysis?
Depending on the type of part we’re looking for, having the application doesn’t guarantee we’ll find the exact reference number we need.
Out of the 6 part families analysed, Turbochargers are, by far, the parts we can find the most precisely if we have the application. For 96.86% of applications, we’ll find just 1 turbocharger reference number.
However, for starter motors, A/C Compressors, Clutch kits, Brake discs, and especially Alternators, the level of precision is not so high.
Let’s see an example about searching for an alternator with a specific application:
As we can see, for the main alternator brands, when we search for this specific AUDI application, we get: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and up to 8 different reference numbers.
Why? If we analyse ELSTOCK for example, it gives us as many as 6 different reference numbers, 3 alternator with no clucth pulleys of 140, 150 and 180 amps and 3 alternators with clutch pulleys of 140 or 150 amps (the latter could be VALEO or BOSCH technology).
Searching for a part by license plate, chassis number or application sounds very nice, but in many cases this information won’t suffice to precisely determine the part our customer needs.
The use of more specialised catalogues will help us improve our customer call service, allowing us to be more efficient and sell more.
