Two years ago, Diesel Laptops launched a free online database of more than 1.5 million parts called Truck Parts Cross to helps distributors, service providers and fleets find what they need to quickly complete repairs with exploded parts views. The South-Carolina-based company found that within this vast ocean of parts data there existed 15 million verified indirect crosses, or unrelated parts that share a common link. The company said they found 30 million total.
Due to the popularity of the tool and power of their proprietary software, Diesel Laptops decided to release a subscription-based service called Truck Parts Premium, which was announced at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week. The solution allows for inventory analysis, cross referencing, comparing manufacturers, and use vehicle maintenance reporting standards (VRMS) for leaner, smarter stocking.
“[Customers] told us [they] want to increase margins, save money and ultimately operate more efficiently…and Truck Parts Premium is a culmination of that effort” said founder and CEO Tyler Robertson. “We were able to use our massive parts database and talented in-house experts to make these tools that will benefit thousands of customers and the industry as a whole.”
The service includes:
- Mass cross: Quickly cross reference thousands of part numbers to find cost effective solutions.
- Inventory analysis: Upload inventory files to identify frozen capital, duplicate parts, and opportunities for increased margins.
- Manufacturer compare: Run searches to find which parts from various OEMs match and which don’t.
- Mass VRMS: Use historical service work data to spot trends, stock popular parts, and produce better reports while eliminating human error in service writing.
In one beta case with a small Midwestern dealership, the solution revealed 2% of overlapping inventory, equating to $13,000 in savings. It also identified areas to increase margins for nearly $14,000 in additional earnings.
The tool is available now and a subscription costs $299 a month for basic service. There is a $149.99 charge for each additional user and/or locations. Enterprise pricing is available for 20+ users.
Along with highly skilled software coders adding data “hourly,” Robertson said there is a call center with people ready to answer questions. The department of 35 has 13 former diesel technicians who could no longer meet the physical demands at the shop to provide their expertise.
The main premise of the new offering is also to provide more longevity for smaller companies serving the heavy-duty aftermarket as their world changes due to the e-commerce revolution, Robertson said.
“Eventually Amazon comes after them, the bigger companies combine with the smaller guys,” he said. “It’s a continuous race for zero margins. Everyone’s fighting for price availability.”
While only in its “infancy,” Robertson hopes Trucks Parts Premium, and the savings it unlocks can give independents a fighting chance.
