How Data-Driven Analyses Drive Up Productivity and Lower Parts Costs

Diesel, gasoline, CNG, LNG, electricity, and hydrogen fuel cells may power trucks — but what truly powers trucking operations is data. It drives transportation management and business systems that are used to facilitate, streamline, and manage operations, drivers, and maintenance.

Data is also essential for effectively managing parts inventories. Today, with supply chain and production challenges impacting parts availability, it’s more critical than ever. The aftermarket parts shortage is real, leading to long wait times in some cases for replacement components needed for maintenance or repairs. Along with impacting customer service, waiting for parts is costly. According to industry estimates, each day of downtime costs a fleet $800 or more in lost revenue.

It’s more important than ever to manage parts inventories—and that’s where data can play a vital role. Here are some of the ways:

• Use VMRS (Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards) to track parts data based on service activity. VMRS Codes normalize data by establishing standardized part numbers regardless of the distributor, fleet, or service operation that uses them to procure parts, or even the make and model of the vehicle.
• Record all data related to maintenance and repairs in one place so you can see the parts you have, their cost, usage levels, and orders. Include, along with parts details, information on the vehicle and mileage, as well as warranty coverage on parts that were used.
• Use data to predict repair trends and forecast service facility and technician needs, along with inventory requirements. In a time of parts shortages, information about supply issues can be a variable in your analyses that helps inform decisions about whether to stockpile parts, find alternative brands for certain items, or explore additional sources outside of your standard vendor list.

Understanding what service data reveals about parts performance allows fleets to make smarter decisions about replacement intervals and supplier quality. Over time, these insights help reduce unexpected downtime and improve overall asset reliability.

Parts distributors with information technology can help

Parts distributors with advanced information technology can be a valuable asset, especially those leveraging e-commerce systems to improve visibility across the supply chain. Platforms designed around integrated fleet and supplier systems enable real-time communication between fleets, vendors, and manufacturers—leading to better sourcing accuracy and faster order fulfillment.

E-commerce-based distributors make it easier for suppliers to share information about parts availability across manufacturing and distribution networks. That leads to more effective sourcing, especially when it can be done in real time.

Fleets are also becoming more flexible in how they source components. Many are now exploring nontraditional channels for parts sourcing as they adapt to tighter supply conditions, shifting delivery expectations, and the increasing reliability of digital marketplaces.

Information from across an entire parts supply chain is critical for making inventory decisions, especially when it comes to mission-critical items and parts that are not routinely carried in stock.

“E-commerce parts platforms are a means of adapting to changing parts purchasing practices, and they offer continuity in products and pricing through a better buying experience.”

- David Seewak, CEO & founder, FindItParts

Forward-thinking operations are also using digital commerce solutions as a competitive edge—streamlining procurement, improving price visibility, and maintaining steady access to essential parts across multiple supply sources.

For those still struggling with inconsistent stock levels, understanding the signs of poor inventory management can be a game-changer. Identifying issues early prevents excess spending and keeps the right parts available when they’re needed most.

E-commerce parts specialists with a focus on data connectivity can serve fleets and repair facilities of all types with a higher level of service. They assist in identifying and sourcing both hard-to-find and routine parts through a digital repository of information interconnected with the entire supply chain—regardless of the manufacturer or parts source. The result is access to availability and enhanced delivery, saving time, reducing downtime, and keeping operations moving efficiently.

FinditParts is the largest single-source Internet distributor of heavy duty OEM and aftermarket parts. FinditParts is your partner in keeping your heavy duty truck on the road.