Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems (Bendix) announced it has partnered with OptiCat to distribute digital product data and photographs securely to its channel partners for use on e-commerce platforms.
This information — accessible by individual part numbers — is now available upon request using the OptiCat OnDemand customer portal. The tool is free of charge to all Bendix-authorized channel partners, Bendix says.
Once registered via the self-enrolling online access, Bendix channel partners are provided with data that conforms to industry standards, including unique high-resolution product photos; Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards (VMRS) codes; product relationships (service new, reman, spare kits); as well as weights and dimensions, among other information.
The initial data set, in excess of 26,000 parts, spans the full Bendix product portfolio. As Bendix continues to enrich its digital data and release new parts to the market, notifications will automatically be sent to each channel partner so they can schedule updates to their e-commerce sites, the company says.
“Our channel partners can have confidence in the data because it is coming straight from Bendix,” says Marylou Hornung, Bendix director of sales operations. “We’re pleased to partner with OptiCat. Their one-stop shop tool provides our channel partners with exactly the right information, ensuring end users are getting what they need. Ready access to this information aids business growth by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of counter professionals, salespeople and the entire distributor/dealer operation.”
OptiCat provides a network of product data validation, distribution and assessment programs designed to optimize suppliers’ data and its distribution to the marketplace. These programs help suppliers improve trading partner relationships, eliminate catalog errors, reduce information processing costs and speed cataloging information to global markets in near real time, according to the announcement.
“For Bendix, this is another step in our long-term e-commerce strategy and a significant stride for our channel partners,” Hornung says. “We are committed to serving the needs of our valued distributor/dealer network — and the broader aftermarket industry — by helping them build their business through parts coverage, convenience, training and support. With all of our partners in the aftermarket, we are shaping tomorrow’s transportation together.”
The company advises its channel partners to contact their Bendix account manager to learn more.
