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[August 2000]
Web spares system reduces downtime
According to Media Solutions Interactive (Hunsingore, West Yorks, UK), equipment downtime will be reduced through the launch of a new website allowing OEMs, distributors and users to identify and order spare parts over the world wide web.
The company has developed software to allow users to obtain technical information and illustrated parts diagrams over the Internet or on CD.
"The site itself is our best advert," said Chris Williams, the chief executive. "Anyone can now visit JustSpares.com and try the system for themselves. We think you'll be surprised by how easy it makes the process of identifying and ordering the correct spare part for just about any type of machinery. Users can search the database using just a vague description to locate the correct part.
"In this industry, machine downtime is a huge expense and we can reduce this significantly by enabling replacement parts to be identified and ordered without delay. The system can also provide information on stock availability and depot location, so that service engineers can become more effective.
"It may surprise people that we're not in the business of actually selling spares; we act as a service provider to enable manufacturers and distributors to better serve the customer by making parts diagrams and spares ordering available from their website."
According to Media Solutions Interactive, what is likely to be even more surprising is the pricing for the service. Although not yet released, JustSpares.com have pitched their pricing significantly below the level which research with users had predicted, and at less than one-tenth of the current cost using traditional methods. "We are very confident that we can demonstrate real value, so much so that customers will not be asked to sign up for any minimum period," says the company. "Many companies are concerned about being tied to one service provider, but our software is designed around a Microsoft Access database so that customers can update their own information and not be forced to use us."
The company added that JustSpares.com has already started signing up customers and has a waiting list of OEMs wanting to move their supply of spares to this innovative web based system.
ENDS