Every day, your service teams and end-users make a simple mistake: they identify the wrong part. And while it might seem minor, the consequences are anything but.
Misidentifying parts creates a ripple effect of delays, frustration, and cost. In some industries, the hidden impact of getting it wrong can account for up to 11% of business running costs. That includes the time and resources spent on processing returns, testing, repackaging, and supporting frustrated customers, not to mention the reputational damage caused by long repair times and unreliable service.
But here’s the good news: this is a fixable problem. The solution starts by transforming how parts are identified in the first place.
The root of the problem
It’s surprising how many manufacturers still rely on outdated systems to help customers and technicians find parts. Excel spreadsheets, static PDFs, and clunky legacy catalogs are everywhere; 4 in 5 OEMs our team talks to are using them to sell parts.
So really, when you look at the fact that only 15% of customers can actually find the right part when they need it, it’s not that surprising.
The process of identifying and ordering a part is slow, confusing, or unreliable, making customers simply look elsewhere.
Why service errors are costing OEMs
Incorrect part orders aren’t just inconvenient, they’re expensive.
Every misorder triggers a chain of extra work: returns, manual fixes, chasing down the right part, and customer support escalation. It’s a waste of time for your team, and a major disruption for your customer.
More importantly, service delays damage your reputation. If a customer’s product is out of action longer than expected, their perception of quality takes a hit. And it’s often the OEM that gets blamed, not the spreadsheet or PDF that led them astray.
Making the step to fix this problem means you’re not just going to save costs, you’re also helping to protect your brand image.
Why the traditional approach falls short
Historically, manufacturers created parts catalogs and relied on aftersales teams to help customers navigate them. But these static documents are hard to use, slow to update, and still put the burden of identification on the customer.
In a world where customers can get same-day delivery from a third-party seller with a slick website, flicking through PDFs or phoning support just isn’t going to cut it.
Even digitized versions of old catalogs (think PDF scans of 2D CAD drawings) don’t help much. They’re just the same clunky content in a new wrapper.
A better way: 3D interactive parts lookup
Thankfully, there’s now a smarter way to solve the problem: interactive 3D parts catalogs.
OEMs like Allett Mowers, Kolpak Walk-ins, and Neander Marine are already ahead of the curve by integrating 3D platforms into their aftersales processes, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction rates.
These exploded 3D parts catalogs allow end-users to:
- View a fully exploded 3D model of a product
- Zoom in on specific components and inspect them in detail
- Instantly see part names, specs, and numbers
- Order the right part directly from their device.
Not only does this eliminate guesswork, but it also gives users confidence that they’re selecting the right part, the first time.
That confidence translates into fewer support calls, faster fixes, and a smoother buying experience.
Better still, because these platforms are digital, updates can be made in real-time. No more out-of-date PDFs or forgotten catalog revisions. Everyone, from engineers to field service teams to customers, sees the latest, most accurate information.
How to get started
Fixing your parts lookup process doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by asking these questions:
- Are we still using spreadsheets, PDFs, or outdated catalogs?
- Is our parts information often incorrect or out of date?
- Do our customers or service teams struggle to find the right parts?
If the answer to any of those is “yes,” it’s time to upgrade.
But don’t worry, this isn’t a months-long digital transformation. With modern platforms like Partful, you can create a 3D parts locator and catalog in just a matter of hours.
By uploading your existing CAD files and Sales Bill of Materials, the system automatically generates an interactive exploded view of your product. Once your 3D digital twin is live, it's easy to maintain and accessible to everyone who needs it, from engineering and aftersales teams to dealers and customers.
You stay in full control, with real-time updates that ensure everyone sees the right information, every time. Take a quick tour.
Don’t let part lookup hold you back
The cost of misidentifying parts isn’t just a few returns; it’s lost time, lost revenue, and lost trust. But with the right technology in place, you can eliminate those errors entirely.
The right interactive 3D parts lookup solution will give your customers the confidence and clarity they’ve been waiting for. It’s time to leave the PDFs behind and show your customers the future.
That’s where Partful comes in.
Partful’s 3D Exploded Electronic Parts Catalog transforms your static parts lists into a dynamic, visual experience. Customers can explore your products in full 3D through zooming, rotating, and exploding views to see exactly where each part sits within the product.
With Partful, it’s easier than ever to identify and order the correct part, every single time.
Want to see how your CAD data would look in a parts catalog? Book a free demo with us.
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