What is an Electronic Parts Catalog and How Can it Future-Proof Your Operation?

Your company relies on machines for essential daily operations, and you keep your plant maintained to the highest standards. But no matter how well prepared you are, a part will eventually fail and need to be replaced—and you need to get that machine back up and running as quickly as possible.

In the days of paper parts catalogs, finding the replacement part could take precious hours of researching and calling suppliers. And even more frustrating (and costly!), sometimes you’d get the wrong part and have to start all over again, losing days or weeks of time in the process.

Now there’s a better way. Electronic Parts Catalogs, or EPCs, provide quick and accurate tools for identifying and procuring the part you need. Check out our expert guide to learn more about EPCs and which one is right for your business.

What is an Electronic Parts Catalog?

Traditionally, manufacturers relied on paper systems, manually tracking any updates to component parts of their machinery. As machinery continues to increase in complexity and component parts, the process of tracking replacement parts and suppliers on paper has become too difficult, time-consuming and prone to error.

• EPCs aim to solve this problem with

web-based or software solutions

that track parts and incorporate changes in components. These digital platforms replace the traditional system with scalable, responsive packages that manage spare parts catalogs for you.

Benefits of Using an Electronic Parts Catalog

EPCs provide many benefits to a busy machine shop. These automated systems can free your engineers and managers to focus on more important tasks, leaving tedious searches to the computer. The Electronic Parts Catalog can be as complex or simple as you need it to be, responding to the level of service you need.

The right Electronic Parts Catalog can help you:

Save time

Stop wasting time manually tracking all the component parts you might need! With changes to parts, manufacturers and suppliers, this is a time-consuming task that is best suited for an automated system.

Get the right parts

An EPC provides extra information, giving you peace of mind that you’re ordering the right part. Because a good EPC connects to the original bill of materials–more on that in a minute–you’ll always order the correct part, no matter what changes have occurred in the components.

Streamline inventory

Manual inventory tracking is not only tedious, it’s also open to human error and forgetfulness. A good electronic catalog will also keep track of your spare parts inventory so you don’t have to.

Keep track of updates

• You need to know when suppliers change and component parts evolve. An EPC can automatically update your parts catalog with current information on manufacturers and parts. Systems like

Tweddle Group’s powerful EPC

connects the entire catalog to the bill of materials, allowing it to track changes throughout the product lifecycle. If suppliers or part designs change over the course of production, your EPC automatically updates accordingly.

Features to Look for in an EPC

Depending on your shop or industry, some functions of an EPC may be more important for you, but not all EPCs are the same. Take a moment to think about the features you need for your catalog.
• • Materials tracking – Find the materials you need and keep your inventory up to date with the click of a button.
  • Barcode scanner – Quickly add or remove inventory with a tap of your phone! A barcode scanner is a great time-saving feature offered by many electronic parts catalogs.
  • Videos – Support and product information is a click away with helpful videos in your EPC.
  • Easy searching – Search by VIN, serial number or part name to find the component and how to get it delivered quickly.
  • 3-D modeling – If you’re not sure of the part name or number, zoom in on the exact location of the component you need and see it from any angle. The top-rated EPCs have models of your machines and each part, giving you the ability to identify and order exactly what you need.
  • Multiple device access – View your EPC from a computer, mobile phone or tablet. EPCs are accessible and supported across nearly any platform you use, fitting into the way your shop works.

Choose the Right EPC for Your Business

• Whether you’re an original equipment manufacturer or rely on machines to produce your merchandise, there is an

Electronic Parts Catalog for you

. When you’re shopping for the right EPC for your business, consider the following questions and features.

What is your price point?

The price of an EPC will vary depending on whether it’s web-based or a software application, and the more tools and features you need, the more you’ll pay for it. While an EPC is worth every penny, make sure you aren’t paying for features you don’t want.

Do you need software or a web-based application?

Software-based EPCs may be more powerful and offer tools and features, but you’ll have to install and update them across any device you use. If your shop runs lean without a dedicated IT person, a web-based EPC may be easier to use.

Do you need automated returns?

OEMs will particularly benefit from an Electronic Parts Catalog that tracks and updates inventory for automated returns.

What file formats do you need?

If you need data sheets or design drawings in pdf format or writable forms, you’ll want to make sure your EPC solution can provide the appropriate outputs.

Does your EPC need to integrate with other systems?

Compatibility is a major concern. Make sure your EPC integrates with other systems you need, including CAD and any other software it might have to communicate with.

Future-proof your operation with an EPC

Manufacturing experiences rapid changes. Old-fashioned cataloging just doesn’t work in a fast-paced industry. When a machine fails, you need to get it back up and running fast. Getting the wrong replacement part can cause costly delays in production or, worse yet, serious damage to your machinery.

An Electronic Parts Catalog can help you keep your plant up-and-running—and keep you ready for the next change that’s coming around the corner.