TECDOC GROUP BUYS UP AUDACON

Acquisition Completes The Cycle

Europe’s leading parts information data provider TecDoc, has acquired AuDaCon AG as part of the group’s expansion into all aspects of data handling for the aftermarket. The addition of AuDaCon repair and maintenance data will mean that technical service data will be available for the entire European replacement parts industry, which will ultimately benefit suppliers, distributors and their workshop customers.

The development also means that with the three elements, TecDoc, TecCom and AuDaCon all part of the same group, it can offer a total information solution from the fault code on the vehicle in for repair, through the identification of the correct replacement part, to real-time stock interrogation and a paper free order process.

“TecDoc users value the unrivalled level of accuracy that the system delivers across a suite of functions, whether it be parts identification, cross-referencing information or service related information such as OE pricing or repair times,” said commercial director for TecDoc UK and Ireland, Shaun Greasley. “However, with the acquisition of AuDaCon, TecDoc users will discover a new level of information provision, which is sure to bring benefits to users and their customers.”

“As the independent sector is aware, having access to relevant information is a key component to running a successful business and when competing with the franchised sector, relevant information becomes vital for the independent repairer. Without service and maintenance data, independents would find it almost impossible to find manufacturer-based service and recall bulletins, because despite BER legislation this information usually remains heavily guarded within the franchise.

“With this information at their figure tips however, workshops are able to be far more proactive and provide a higher level of customer service, which changes the perception and the reputation of the establishment to their customers.

“With AuDaCon, workshops with a database of their customers can use it to target owners of specific vehicles with the appropriate recall message, which could well include safety critical information. If, on the other hand, they operate without a customer database, the system can still be interrogated to search for relevant recalls on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis when it comes in for service or repair.

“In the same way the service bulletin element allows the workshop to remain fully up-to-date with any new developments to an existing service schedule or with a particular amendment that needs to be made due to an unforeseen component reliability issue.

“Each function provides the user with a service action, which states the fault symptom, the cause and the remedy. It also lists the parts that are required to complete the job, along with their part numbers and any special tools that are needed. A description of the repair process and the recommended labour times and torque requirements round off the comprehensive details that equip the workshop to carry out the work.

“With AuDaCon now within the TecDoc group, we will be able to provide crucial information that will help workshops increase their business efficiency, profitability and level of customer service, which is also good news for suppliers and distributors as it will stimulate the demand for quality parts through the distribution chain.”

For more information about TecDoc, please contact Shaun Greasley on:01829 752888 or email: shaun.greasley@tecdoc.net

ENDS

Notes for editors

TecDoc CATALOG, the trading name of its electronic parts catalogue information, provides a multi-brand parts solution to the vehicle service industry and at present, more than 400 replacement parts brands are represented on the TecDoc data system. Available online and via DVD, the catalogue lists over three million part numbers in 28 languages and provides more than 1.9 million supporting illustrations. This covers more than 49,000 car and in excess of 41,000 CV applications and TecDoc is compatible with all computer systems and software.

For further information relating to this press material, please contact Steve Coombes on: 01753 785957 or e-mail: steve@chicanemarketing.co.uk

Chicane is an established PR agency with a particular specialism in the automotive aftermarket and the motorsport industry.
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