Demand for an online parts website

rockyridgefarm · May 17, 2004

Both JDParts and Chrysler's are browser based. They are plenty fast.

The real issue is that they are always up to date and are tied directly into inventory and ordering systems. Not only can I look up a part, but I can price it and check inventory. Local based systems rely on media updates that are always delayed and costly to maintain.

The real time systems have had another advantage. The manufacturer can alert the users on particular pats application issues. We had a situation that a part for a new vehicle was specified, but the real problem was elsewhere. The system warned that the other condition should be resolved before ordering this part. This was on a brand new model, and there is no way that local based system would have been updated quick enough to catch this.

The cost savings are so great that the manufacturers cannot ignore the web based parts systems.

GregJ · May 17, 2004

Whoaa..... Thanks Rockyridge... I guess maybe I had better take the time to view their tutorial on "How to use JDparts". I thought I was smart enough to figure it out on my own...... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Greg

CMunger · May 17, 2004

If buying parts are so easy, why was there ever a need for a partsman. Go to a libary, look the part up, go and get your part, just like you would buy grocerys, simple.
I know this is a trend(on line parts buying) and it does have it's merrits, and may be fine for key switchs, gauges, etc., but I do not think they have developed a computer that can answer a question. Alot of shopping is done on the internet, but how many people (raise your hands), finally end up calling the company they wish to purchase the part from.
Chuck M.

rockyridgefarm · May 17, 2004

Smart? What in the world does that have to do with it?!!!

You need a login. Once you log in, click on the Parts Manual on the left. Then click on the Model Search. I do best by Sectional searches, but sometimes alphabetic does better.

Neil, if you haven't already checked out JDParts, you should. I know that Deere is only a HugeMarketingMonster, but before you do a tonna work, jut to be mothballed, you better see what the orange and Blue guys are gonna be doing soon.

uhmgawa · May 17, 2004

( Selling general parts on-line may not be the best option. Non-professional ( sorry guys ) users often have an idea of what they need, but usually like the one-on-one conversation at the counter to gain knowledge and advice.)

Perhaps in an ideal world. However the 'clerks' at my local dealer can't
do more than order a part based upon the manufacturer's PN. Ask them if
it is a JIC or SAE fitting and you get a blank stare. The most effective
measure here is an educated owner (professional or otherwise).

rockyridgefarm · May 17, 2004

I live 60 minutes from any parts counter. I can look up parts at my place, and then check inventories, before I head out. The part may be in stock at a dealer to the south, but I would have to order it if I go west.

MikePA · May 17, 2004

Selling general parts on-line may not be the best option. 
IMHO, the point isn't whether or not a manufacturer ends up selling parts online or not. The manufacturers need to develop computer systems that tie parts, to inventory, to sales, to accounts receivable, to accounts payable, etc. Too many manufacturers have simply gone to electronic versions of a parts catalog, e.g., sending a new CD to the dealers every month or are using a CD instead of microfiche. While this does reduce mailing costs, it does little else. Many a time I've gone to my dealer to order a part, and the guy behind the counter has brought their application with a picture and said, "You mean that part?" as they pointed to the screen.

Such interactions between customers and dealers could be eliminated which would free the dealer up for the more consultative interactions and/or other revenue generating activities.

A properly designed software product would allow the dealer to specify which portions of this application are made available to the customers via the web. One way for dealers to increase profit without raising prices is to transfer the work from the person behind the counter to the customer. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

MessickFarmEqu · May 17, 2004

I have used JDParts before, infact we use it here to order parts when we fix their tractors. Its a slick system, but it defentialy takes their cash flow to put that kinda thing together. That kinda system is fine for online access for customers, but like I said, its way to slow for parts counter use. We would have to hire extra people if we had the response times that JD parts has (we have 8 now). The media based systems still recieve the same kind of updates that the web based ones do. We have connections (frame relay and DSL) to the manufacturers where we get the kind of updates you where talking about.

If I persue this I think i will stay away from anything that requires catalog type access. Like everyone is saying, its not a substitute for a parts counter. Consumable parts probably have a market but I don't see much beyond that being very cost effective.

I used to work for an IBM business partner doing these web based applications. They are great for giving public access. The drawback is that they are crazy slow and huge resource hogs on your servers. And yes... now I sell tractors

How is that for a carear change.

rockyridgefarm · May 17, 2004

Thats too bad, Chrysers is far faster than the Bell+Howell system we replaced. We ran them side by side. The older systems didn't have up to date supercedences... We get the correct part much faster, now. JDParts is just a fast as far as I can see...

yellowsocks93 · May 17, 2004

The only time at work I see JD parts being slow is due to our way outdated parts computers. They don't even have CD ROMs installed and they are old. If we had a decent internet connection and the latest John Deere Information Systems software it would be good. I too like the inventory checker at home it is really nice they have that so then I know if I will have to wait a day or 2 for my part. Some of the parts we get come from my area here in Minnesota. Bloomington to be exact.