Manufacturing and service industries are changing fast; products are more complex, customer expectations are rising, and competition is getting tougher. Likewise, organizations are realizing the value of service as a driver of revenue growth, fueling their need for enterprise solutions that help them deliver best-in-class service.
A crucial element of delivering best-in-class service is an organization’s ability to manage technical service information and documentation, which can be substantial in volume and complexity. Service & Parts Information Management Solutions is a group of software solutions that seek to help companies tackle the increasingly complex world of service documentation, parts, and parts catalog information.
Several categories of software exist in the market, with each category containing its list of products, so how do service leaders choose the right technology stack for their organization? A recent Strategic Market Assessment by Blumberg Advisory Group breaks down each category of software, evaluates a few products within each category, and lays out a comprehensive framework for selecting the right solution.
Why is this important now?
Several factors have pushed the need for better Service & Parts Information Management solutions:
- Changing markets: Products are getting more complicated, customer expectations are rising, and competition is getting tougher.
- Industry shifts: More businesses are realizing that providing excellent service is key to their overall strategy.
- Regulatory pressures: With more data and cybersecurity risks, plus new sustainability reporting requirements, older ways of managing information are showing their limitations.
The challenge of finding the right solution
The challenge faced by decision makers is that each category of solution offers different strengths and weaknesses, with many products in each category.
What to consider when choosing a solution
The challenge faced by decision-makers is that each category of solution offers different strengths and weaknesses, with many products in each category. The first step in selecting the right tool is to list out the functions you absolutely need. For Service & Parts Information Management, the following considerations are advised:
Comprehensive Data Collection
Does the solution link data across the product lifecycle, such as linking As-Designed, As-Built, and As-Maintained data sets?
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Is the solution capable of managing all related BOMs, including including Engineering (eBOM), Manufacturing (mBOM), and Service (sBOM)?
Parts Catalog Inclusion
Does the solution provide visibility and access across the entire service parts supply chain and inventory, ensuring complete inclusion for all parts lists and components
Translation Management
Does the solution support the languages required to meet your enterprise’s global needs?
Enterprise System Integration
What pre-configured integration is available with existing PLM, ERP, and CRM systems?
Software & Vendor Requirements
How easy to use is the product? Does the vendor offer support and training? Will the delivery of the solution scale with the business? How is the product priced? What is its market presence?
Comparing your options
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of must-have features, the next step is to establish a framework to compare different vendors. This can be tricky because different tools offer different functionalities, and each impacts your business in unique ways. For example, how a solution handles work orders could significantly affect your downtime, especially if you rely on a lean spare parts strategy. It’s important to get input from different departments and ensure that the solution works for everyone involved.
You’ll also find that various types of vendors offer solutions in this space. You might look at Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Field Service Management (FSM), Enterprise Content Management (ECM), or IT Service Management (ITSM) vendors. In some cases, the best option could even be a mix of solutions from different vendors, which adds another layer of complexity to the comparison process.
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Expert insights to simplify your decision
Choosing the right solution can feel overwhelming, but PTC recognizes these challenges. To help, they’ve sponsored a market assessment from Blumberg Advisory Group, which can guide you through the process.
This report can help streamline your decision-making by highlighting key features to look for, comparing vendor offerings, and helping you weigh the factors that matter most to your business.
Now is the time to act
As the need for improved Service & Parts Information Management continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to carefully evaluate your options. Each solution offers something different, so by considering factors like functionality, ease of use, scalability, and cost, you can find the best fit for your company.
Don’t miss out on the chance to make an informed decision. Download the report today and start optimizing your Service & Parts Information Management.