New From PartsTech Labs: Voice Ordering and Video Chat

Let’s stop the game of telephone

In the automotive repair space today, nearly 80% of local commercial auto parts orders are still placed via telephone. This creates enormous inefficiency and cost for repair facilities and parts suppliers alike.

“All too often, when a repair shop picks up the phone to order parts, the result is a blind guessing game between the repair shop and the parts counter, “ said PartsTech CEO, Gregory Kirber. “Each side is guessing without seeing the part on the other end of the phone. This game of telephone results in high return rates and lost productive time.”

Connectivity between repair shop and parts counter

PartsTech has built a new system that improves communication and information flow between the repair shop and parts counter. By embedding voice control and chat tools within the commercial ordering system, PartsTech simplifies the transfer of information between trading partners.

“We’re working with a very talented team of engineers from MIT to reshape the way repair shops connect and communicate with the parts counter.  We are currently testing the voice user interface and chat technology in our lab and will introduce this system to select repair shops and parts stores in the coming year,” Kirber said.

Order parts without ever putting down the wrench

Intuitive voice control allows you to search and order parts without touching the keyboard – for that matter, there’s no need for a technician to put down the wrench.  A technician or service writer can simply say, “PartsTech, I need brake pads for a 2002 Camry.” PartsTech does the rest.

The PartsTech platform allows the repair shop to communicate with the parts counter, right from within the ordering system. This allows the parts counter to immediately see the vehicle and parts the garage is searching for.  More efficient communication with fewer errors: that’s the future of parts ordering.

The PartsTech Lab is delivering new technologies to enable next-generation communication and connectivity between repair shops and their local parts stores or distributors. The Lab is our proving ground. Here, we develop and test new technology that will shape the future of e-commerce in the automotive aftermarket.  Technology built and tested here is laying the groundwork for the future of not just parts ordering, but also the Connected Aftermarket. See what we’re working on Here