Automotive | PIM and MDM Consultants for Stibo Systems Enterprise Platform (STEP)

The automotive industry continues to undergo a significant transformation, surfing the wave of non-stop advancements in digital technology.

For the industry to remain competitive and meet the evolving demands of end-consumers, dealerships and auto-parts businesses in this sector, it must adapt to the digital age and address the increasing complexity of data.

So, from car makers to aftermarket parts manufacturers, the need for an efficient Master Data Management (MDM) system to address the inherent challenges has become crucial.

The digital transformation being seen in the automotive industry involves not only the integration of new technologies but also a fundamental shift in how data is managed and utilised across various domains.

In this blog, we will explore the critical aspects of this digital adaptation and how MDM tools can streamline internal processes and ensure consistent, up-to-date information sharing, adhering to industry standards like ACES and PIES in the US and TecDoc in Europe.

MDM: A Single Source of Truth

The STEP MDM solution by Stibo Systems is designed to help manage parts, vehicle, and equipment information all in one place, integrating with and updating internal business systems with the latest product content.

By consistently providing high-quality, complete content to all stakeholders in the required data formats, manufacturers can improve their brand value and strengthen relationships with their retailers and distributors by building trust in the information they provide.

And with a single view of the customer, marketing can execute digital activities with targeted, more effective messaging and product offerings.

Multi-Domain Data Management for Deeper Insights

In this digital age, it is a necessity for an organisation to be able to integrate data from across the organisation and its domains - sales, customer feedback, supply chain logistics, and vehicle performance to allow for deeper insights and more informed decision-making.

By relating data across domains, companies can identify patterns and trends, leveraging that information to enhance operational efficiency but also drive innovation and product development to the satisfaction of the end customers.

Defining Vehicle Configurations

Accurate vehicle configuration data is crucial for manufacturers, dealers, and consumers.

Being able to define vehicle configurations involves capturing detailed information about each vehicle model, including specifications, features, and options. This data must then be meticulously maintained and easily accessible to stakeholders to ensure that customers receive accurate information and can make informed purchasing decisions.

A typical vehicle is made up of around 30,000 parts, each with their unique attributes, requiring precise management within a complex supply chain. Plus with the increase in global automobile sales of Electric Vehicles (EVs), expanding model inventories, advancing technology, evolving consumer expectations and data management emerge as focal points that need the help of an MDM solution.

Effective vehicle configuration management also supports inventory control, production planning, and after-sales service, making it a cornerstone of the digital automotive landscape.

The Importance of Fitment Data

One of the biggest pain-points of data management in the automotive industry is the need to maintain and update make, model, and year information for auto parts, also known as application data. This requirement holds true for both the OEM and aftermarket parts manufacturers, distributors, and retailers all of whom are locating / placing replacement parts.

Fitment data, details which parts and accessories are compatible with specific vehicle models. Accurate fitment data ensures that customers purchase the correct parts, reducing returns and enhancing customer satisfaction.

This data must be precisely managed and regularly updated to reflect changes in vehicle models and part specifications.

Accurate Data Creation and Exporting Data

Creating accurate data is only half the battle; the ability to export this data in a usable format that needs to be harmonised and standardised. This is particularly true for the interchange information, which cross-references the part number for an auto part with other part numbers for hundreds of thousands of products/SKUs and vehicle configurations, as well as millions of part-to-vehicle relations and interchange records.

For automotive companies, this means ensuring that all data, from vehicle configurations to fitment details, is not only accurate but also usable in the various applications and systems.

This requires robust data management solutions that can handle large volumes of data and facilitate seamless data exports. Being able to export data is essential if an organisation is going to be able to support reporting, analytics, ensuring compliance and customer communication.

The Stibo Systems' STEP MDM solution provides a unified and single source of truth for all the product data, including make, model, and year information for auto parts. This capability is vital as it allows companies to manage data from different sources, in diverse formats, and of varying quality levels.

Streamlining Processes with MDM Workflow Tools

STEP MDM uses a workflow automation process to streamline data management tasks, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.

By defining workflows within a STEP MDM solution it can help ensure that data is handled consistently and accurately throughout its lifecycle. This structured approach not only enhances data quality but also supports regulatory compliance and operational transparency.

Capturing and Cleansing Migrated Data

When migrating data from legacy systems to new platforms, ensuring data integrity is paramount.

The STEP MDM platform provides robust tools and capabilities for capturing and cleansing data during the migration process. These tools can identify and rectify inconsistencies, duplicate records, and other data quality issues, ensuring that the migrated data is clean, accurate, and ready for use.

This cleansing process is essential for maintaining the reliability of data and supporting the overall digital transformation of the automotive business.

Consistent and Up-to-Date Information Sharing

In a rapidly evolving industry like automotive, sharing consistent and up-to-date information is critical.

STEP MDM facilitates the dissemination of accurate data on parts and products across the organisation and with external partners. This ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest information, supporting efficient operations and informed decision-making.

Speaking the Same Language

Exchanging product information about car parts in the automotive supply chain is a crucial yet complex process, given the multitude of different part types and characteristics.

Implementing an MDM solution requires adherence to automotive industry standards such as PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) and ACES (Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard) in the US and TecDoc in Europe.

These standards are used by manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and software providers to ensure that product information is communicated consistently and accurately across the supply chain.

Compliance with ACES/PIES, and TecDoc is crucial for maintaining data integrity and facilitating seamless information exchange between manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers.

An effective MDM solution will incorporate these standards, providing the seamless exchange of high-quality data, simplifying the process of data transfer between manufacturers and traders.

STEP by Stibo Systems fully supports ACES/PIES and TecDoc standards, helping automotive companies across the supply chain leverage these established benchmarks to the benefit of their customers.

Embracing the Digital Future

The automotive industry must embrace digital transformation to remain competitive in the modern marketplace. By adopting advanced data management practices and tools, automotive companies can ensure accurate, up-to-date information, streamline processes, and gain deeper insights across multiple domains.

Master Data Management solutions, in particular, play a crucial role in this transformation, helping automotive companies navigate the complexities of the digital age and meet the demands of an ever-changing industry landscape.

How Unit of Measure Powers the Automotive Industry

Unit of Measure is a trusted partner in the implementation of Stibo Systems' STEP solution. Our team is composed of seasoned professionals with an in-depth understanding of STEP's features and capabilities and we guide businesses in leveraging this powerful tool to meet their specific needs.

Our approach includes a comprehensive analysis of your current data management processes, followed by a customised implementation plan designed to optimise and streamline your operations.

Let us know if you are just starting out on your MDM journey and are interested in Unit of Measure performing a remote audit of your status quo.

Get in touch with us today and let us demonstrate how STEP can take your business to the next level. Together, we can make your data work harder for you.

Book a free consultation call with us today to learn more about how we can help.

Also check out our video series How To Get Started on Your MDM Journey.

Not since the early 1900s, when model T Fords were rolling off the production line has the automotive industry faced such a transformative time with as many new regulations, technologies, and consumer preferences.

The modern automotive industry, although constrained by strict compliance and regulatory requirements has grown into a vast and intricate network of auto manufacturers, aftermarket suppliers, parts distributors, and dealerships. A typical vehicle is made up of around 30,000 parts, each with their unique attributes, requiring precise management within a complex supply chain.

Add to the mix a rise in global automobile sales of Electric Vehicles (EVs), expanding model inventories, advancing technology, evolving consumer expectations and data management emerges as a key area of concern.

To succeed companies must be able to manage and process the growing volumes of operational and product information, and address the increasing complexity of data. So, from car makers to aftermarket parts manufacturers, the need for a robust and efficient Master Data Management (MDM) system has become crucial.

Read more: What is Stibo STEP?

Navigating the Complexities of Maintaining Make, Model, and Year Information in Auto Parts

One of the most challenging aspects of data management in the automotive industry is the need to maintain and update make, model, and year information for auto parts, also known as application data. This requirement holds true for both the OEM and aftermarket parts manufacturers, distributors, and retailers all of whom are locating / placing replacement parts.

The challenge is twofold. Firstly, this information must be accurate and up-to-date to avoid selling incompatible or incorrect parts to customers. A slight discrepancy in this information could lead to significant costs due to the fact that most parts are not resalable once they've been attempted to be installed and are thus deemed unusable.

Secondly, the data comes in various formats and needs to be harmonised and standardised. This is particularly true for the interchange information, which cross-references the part number for an auto part with other part numbers for hundreds of thousands of products/SKUs and vehicle configurations, as well as millions of part-to-vehicle relations and interchange records.

Oftentimes, this data is not in a uniform format, making it challenging to manage and use efficiently. Plus, aftermarket parts manufacturers must determine whether an existing part can be utilised or if they need to produce a new part.

The Stibo Systems' STEP MDM solution elegantly navigates these complexities. The solution provides a unified and single source of truth for all the product data, including make, model, and year information for auto parts. This capability is vital as it allows companies to manage data from different sources, in diverse formats, and of varying quality levels.

The STEP MDM solution also supports the adoption of automotive aftermarket data standards, ensuring that the data meets these requirements.

With Stibo's STEP platform, automotive companies can seamlessly manage and update their product attribute data and digital assets. They can validate, process, and deliver this data into the information supply chain in near real-time. This ensures accurate and timely availability of make, model, and year information for auto parts across all stakeholders.

As a result, the STEP solution not only mitigates the risks of incorrect parts installation and returns, but also boosts efficiency and productivity by ensuring all data is up-to-date, accurate, and compliant with industry standards. Therefore, navigating the complexities of maintaining make, model, and year information becomes much simpler and streamlined with Stibo Systems' STEP MDM solution.

The Need for Standardised Exchange of Product Information

Exchanging product information about car parts in the automotive supply chain is a crucial yet complex process, given the diversity in part types and characteristics.

As industry stakeholders, the consumers and businesses continue to evolve their digital behaviour when it comes to purchasing parts and managing business relationships. The implication is that product information needs therefore to seamlessly feed online product pages with product descriptions and images to ensure stakeholders have access to the correct vehicle make, model, and year data.

Therefore, the need for a standardised framework for data exchange is paramount to ensure smooth, efficient, and error-free communication across the entire supply chain. This is where ACES/PIES in the US and TecDoc in Europe come in.

The Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES) and the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) are systems developed by the Auto Care Association in the US. ACES standardises the communication of vehicle applications (which parts fit which vehicles), while PIES standardises the communication of product attributes (sizes, colours, images, descriptions, prices, etc.). These standards are used by manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and software providers to ensure everyone "speaks the same language" when dealing with product data.

On the other hand, TecDoc is a Europe-based system that offers one of the world's most comprehensive and current automotive aftermarket databases. It provides standardised data for identification and ordering of parts, supporting the seamless exchange of high-quality data within the automotive industry. It simplifies the process of data transfer between manufacturers and traders, enhancing business transactions and customer service.

Stibo Systems' STEP solution recognises the critical role of these standards in facilitating efficient data exchange within the automotive supply chain. As such, STEP fully supports ACES/PIES and TecDoc standards, helping automotive companies across the supply chain leverage these established benchmarks.

STEP creates a central repository where data is consolidated, standardised, and maintained in line with ACES/PIES and TecDoc requirements. This ensures that all the product data, including make, model, and year information for auto parts, adheres to these standards.

By leveraging these industry standards, STEP enables automotive companies to improve the accuracy and consistency of their product information, reduce errors, streamline business processes, and enhance overall efficiency across the supply chain.

In this way, Stibo Systems' STEP is playing an integral role in transforming data management in the automotive industry.

A Single Source of Truth

The STEP MDM solution by Stibo Systems is designed to help manage all product, vehicle, and equipment information all in one place, integrating with and updating internal business systems with the latest product content.

This approach ensures the delivery of accurate data, reducing inaccuracies that can lead to negative customer experiences and high product return rates. By consistently providing high-quality, complete content to all receivers in the required data formats, manufacturers can improve their brand value and strengthen relationships with their retailers and distributors by building trust.

And with a single view of the customer based on the data, marketing can execute digital activities with targeted, more effective messaging and product offerings.

Cost Reduction through Efficiency

Stibo's MDM solution allows for a more efficient view of procurement information and facilitates a quicker, more informed response to changes in demand and opportunities to make cost savings.

Centralised data management also decreases costs related to IT and data administration, while leveraging data insights helps collaboration with suppliers, retailers, distributors, and trading partners - enhancing procurement efficiencies, sourcing capabilities, and overall purchasing power.

Key Business Drivers and Benefits

By adhering to industry standards, reducing operational waste and inefficiency, and engaging with customers with accurate, up to date product data, it powers the growing online world and helps provide a better overall experience for customers.

With streamlined workflows and optimised data management, automotive businesses can identify gaps and bring new products to market more quickly.

STEP helps organisations maintain data quality, adhere to data protection regulations, and avoid potential fines or penalties associated with non-compliance.

Key Features

Stibo's MDM STEP solution offers a single, trusted view for the automotive industry for parts and their unique identifiers, enabling efficient data governance, automating data management processes, and reducing manual efforts. It also provides a systematic approach to share that information consistently across all traditional, retail and digital channels.

In conclusion, Stibo's MDM solution presents a comprehensive approach to data management that addresses the complexities and challenges faced by the automotive industry. It leads to improved operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling trusted action based on reliable data, providing the agility and single version of the truth needed to act on customer, product and supply chain information.

What is the maturity level of your data management? Do your own Data Maturity Self-Assessmment test.

How Unit of Measure Empowers Businesses Through Expert STEP Implementation

Our approach includes a comprehensive analysis of your current data management processes, followed by a customised implementation plan designed to optimise and streamline your operations.

Let us know if you are just starting out on your MDM journey and are interested in Unit of Measure performing a remote audit of your status quo.

We also provide continuous support post-implementation to ensure that your team is proficient in utilising the STEP solution, helping your business make the most out of your investment. By working closely with your team, we facilitate a seamless transition towards a more efficient, standardised, and data-driven operation.

Are you ready to harness the power of Stibo Systems' STEP solution and overcome your data management challenges? Let Unit of Measure be your guide on this journey. Our team is ready to support your business with expert implementation services, continuous guidance, and industry-specific insights.

Transform your data management processes, enhance efficiency, and drive growth in the competitive automotive industry landscape.

Get in touch with us today and let us demonstrate how STEP can take your business to the next level. Together, we can make your data work harder for you.