At AAPEX 2024, PartsTech had the opportunity to connect with suppliers and manufacturers — deepening our understanding of the industry’s shifting priorities. The event underscored the growing importance of connected ecosystems, real-time data integration, and collaborative innovation to serve the automotive repair industry better. Here’s what we learned:

The power of connection 

PartsTech’s theme at AAPEX, “Connecting the World of Repair,” resonated strongly throughout the show. The focus on building more connected ecosystems of manufacturers, suppliers, and auto shops reinforced the need for digital tools that seamlessly bring these parties together into one place. This level of connectivity drives efficiency and improves customer service by streamlining the flow of information and reducing delays across the supply chain. This is a benefit not only felt by shops but by suppliers and manufacturers too. 

Suppliers and manufacturers emphasized the need for tools that help enhance visibility and navigation through the vast number of products available to help repair shops order the right parts at the right time and enable suppliers to manage inventory more effectively for optimal pricing and availability. 

The growing role of data

Many conversations with suppliers and manufacturers centered around the growing need to use data for insights into customer behavior. By using real-time data, suppliers can refine what and where inventory is distributed — ensuring that repair shops have quick access to the right parts. This approach not only streamlines the supply chain but also gives suppliers insights into what levers to pull to drive revenue growth and increase market share.

Data is rapidly becoming the backbone of the aftermarket parts industry. Suppliers and manufacturers are increasingly adopting data-driven tools to improve visibility into purchasing behavior and align supply with demand — delivering a more consistent and reliable experience for repair shops. Better access to data also unlocks opportunities to tackle new challenges, such as having the right part at the right place and providing accurate ETAs for parts delivery. These advancements foster stronger relationships between shops and suppliers, ensuring repairs stay on track and customer satisfaction remains high.

Introducing the fluids and chemicals search

A highlight for PartsTech at AAPEX was the introduction of our new Fluids and Chemicals search. This new search functionality gives PartsTech users a streamlined way to order everything needed for a repair — parts, tires, AND chemicals and fluids in one place. By collaborating with our Catalog Data Team and supplier partners, we’re ensuring a seamless buying experience for shops, with all the information and items they need in one place.

This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation, continuously making it easier for repair shops to access the products they rely on while helping suppliers and manufacturers maintain efficient operations.

Partner Support: Strengthening the ecosystem

AAPEX gave us the chance to make suppliers aware of our newly created Partner Support team. This team is dedicated to fostering stronger relationships with suppliers, improving communications, and ensuring that our platform continues to meet the evolving needs of the industry. This transition will improve overall efficiency in getting our mutual customers connected as well as resolving any questions that may arise from our suppliers.  By enhancing our partner support, we’re not just connecting the world of repair — we’re making those connections more effective.

Looking ahead

AAPEX 2024 reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation within the aftermarket parts industry. At PartsTech, we’re committed to bridging the gaps between repair shops, suppliers, and manufacturers, driving efficiency and empowering every player in the supply chain.

Together, we’re building a connected ecosystem that’s smarter, faster, and better equipped to meet the demands of today’s repair industry.