How to Choose an Online Parts Catalog
Online access to EPC data has replaced installed dealer software for most independent workshops. But platforms differ. Here is what to weigh up before subscribing.
The criteria that matter
- Brand coverage — does one login cover every marque you service?
- VIN-to-build accuracy — does it resolve the exact factory build, not a family list?
- Live supersessions — are part numbers current?
- Pricing model — flat subscription vs pay-per-search (the latter punishes busy shops)
- Device support — does it work on a tablet at the ramp, not just one PC?
- No installation — browser-based means no IT overhead
Why coverage beats everything
A multi-make workshop loses time and money juggling separate per-brand tools. A single platform covering 47+ catalogs — Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Ford and fast-growing Chinese brands — removes that friction and standardises the workflow across the whole team.