Year in Review 2021

Let’s take a look at our highlights in 2021!

Flexible updates of TecDoc data in real-time with Instant Data Processing

With Instant Data Processing (IDP), we are revolutionising the handling of product data. This new interface makes it possible to update TecDoc data in real time, thus increasing flexibility and shortening the time to market for data suppliers and receivers.

With IDP, we have developed an API interface that makes the transfer process to the TecDoc database faster and more flexible. Parts manufacturers can update their catalogue data within seconds and at any time. For minor changes, they only need to send the net changes.

The IDP feature is included in the data management tools DMM and CCU. It is also available as a stand-alone API interface for users with third-party PIM systems, eliminating time-consuming and error-prone export and import processes.

Several customers have already tested IDP including ElringKlinger. Learn more about their experiences: https://www.tecalliance.net/elringklinger-is-a-pilot-customer-for-dmm-with-instant-data-processing/

New measure of data quality – We awarded the “Premier Data Supplier”

We are continuously working on improving the data quality in the TecDoc Catalogue. With the introduction of new requirements for our data suppliers in the form of validations and KPIs, we are ensuring that our TecDoc data aligns even better with the information needs at the point of service.

Data suppliers who now fulfill the conditions for the “Certified Data Supplier” designation as well as the new KPIs successively introduced since 2020 will receive the “Premier Data Supplier (PDS)” status, which is higher than the CDS.

In addition to the different weighting, the two statuses differ from each other in that the KPIs on which they are based and which must be fulfilled in order to achieve the respective award are aimed at two different levels.

Read more: https://www.tecalliance.net/tecdoc-dataquality/#dqmcertification

myITG for easy planning, execution, and follow-up of ITG events

Our cloud-based solution myITG allows parts manufacturers to collaboratively plan and manage meetings across different departments and stakeholders. This greatly improves meeting quality and output. The introduction of myITG is a further element of our strategy to connect all market participants in the mobility ecosystem. The cloud-based tool bundles all relevant global ITG information in one place in a standardized format so that users can collaboratively set up and prepare for the events. 

myITG is available in two options: The BASIC version, which is free of charge to all TecAlliance data suppliers, includes all the relevant information to prepare the next big buying group meeting, from details about the global ITG structure to member data. 

The PRO version unleashes the full potential of myITG; parts manufacturers can collaboratively manage meetings at trading group events end-to-end with the whole team. The PRO version also provides a global event calendar and many features that make it easy to schedule, prepare and follow up the meetings.

Interested? Get ready now: https://www.tecalliance.net/tecdoc-myitg/

Streamlining returns process with new TecCom Warranty & Returns 3.0

With the new Warranty & Returns 3.0, our customers enjoy a range of great new features, especially suppliers, manufacturers and any receivers dealing with warranty and returns claims. We made claim deciding more comfortable.

Users can experience the new grid styled user interface which is easy to handle and shows the main information immediately. Now it’s possible for claim receivers, to define, which types of claims (flows) are supported.

For this, we moved the receiver selection onto the first step of the claim creation form.

No more language barriers: Users can decide in which language a printout needs to be created. So, considering a package label or detailed claim information needs to be provided to a recipient in another country, this functionality might solve a lot of misunderstanding. Quality reports on individual demand: We create individual reports for internal or external quality management based on a customer’s 8D framework.

Our subsidiary CARUSO received German Mobility Award for Best Practice

In June, we were proud to announce that CARUSO was one of the ten winners of the German Mobility Award 2021. The data marketplace demonstrates how using, sharing, and refining data can help make mobility even safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

The motto of this year’s competition was “Intelligent on the move: data makes you mobile”. Across Germany, over 300 start-ups, companies, associations, research institutions, and many more have applied for the innovation prize with their projects. A top-class jury of experts chaired by Steffen Bilger, MdB, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, selected the winners of the competition.

Vehicle data is a topic that is becoming more and more popular. But every car manufacturer provides data under different conditions. CARUSO enables third-party providers to use this data through standardization, integrated consent management, and their expertise. Access to connected cars is made easier for customers, which fosters new and innovative solutions.

Discover what Caruso stands for: https://www.caruso-dataplace.com/about/

Brand-new web portal TecRMI online

With TecRMI we offer comprehensive, manufacturer-compliant repair and maintenance data for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Since June 2021, users have got easily and conveniently access to technical data of all common vehicle manufacturers in the areas of repair, mechanics, maintenance, and diagnostics via our relaunched web portal TecRMI Online.

The online portal provides direct access to our comprehensive TecRMI database of repair and maintenance information. You will find all required information in the areas of passenger cars and commercial vehicles thanks to the user-friendly interface and the intuitive functions, which are specially tailored to the workshop needs.

TecRMI Online can be conveniently accessed from any browser without installation. Therefore, no IT effort is necessary. Nevertheless, it is possible to adapt the application to the corporate design of your company or to set up an integration into a dealer management system (DMS), spare parts catalogues or other systems.

Learn more about TecRMI Online: https://www.tecalliance.net/tecrmi-online/

We strengthen our global footprint in South Africa

Following our strategy to set up branches in every country with more than 10 million registered vehicles, we opened a subsidiary in South Africa. We shape the international independent automotive aftermarket together with our customers, shareholders and with local partners to connect all market participants.

Data driven business in South Africa is growing and it is clear that suppliers and retailers need experienced partner like us to speed up their digitization. Both sides benefit from this cooperation. Data suppliers make their article data available and become part of the comprehensive electronic parts catalogue database. In this way they can increase their reach and tap into new markets which contributes to a boost in sales.

We are proud to offer an extensive support with a comprehensive database comprising vehicle reference data, IAM catalog data, OE data, and VIO (Vehicle in Operation) database. In 2019, we were able to update the whole South African car parc as well as initiated discussion with domestic spare parts manufacturers on joining TecDoc catalogue as a data supplier. This resulted in getting on board key South African brands incl. GUD, Argus Motoring, Beta, DOE, Rhyno, Auto Cylinders.

We successfully participated at MIMS Moscow

MIMS Automechanika Moscow was the meeting place for all key players of the Russian and Eastern Europe aftermarket industry from August 23-26! We were happy to finally meet our customers, partners and interested parties in person again. Despite the difficult epidemiological situation in the world, manufacturers, and distributors from around 17 countries presented more than 600 brands and their latest developments for the automotive market.

We introduced our all-new branding! We gave the Russian automotive aftermarket community a first glimpse: New logo, new colors, new appearance. Activities within the industry are complex, multi-layered and interlinked. In order to make its provided services transparent and clearer to customers, we have developed a new brand presentation and restructured its existing product range.

Official announcement of strategic cooperation between eBay & TecAlliance China

Our Chinese team landed a big contract with eBay! The strategic cooperation agreement was signed in September in Guangzhou, China. Around 21 parts manufacturers and 37 representatives from eBay sellers joined the event.

We will provide eBay sellers with professional model libraries in the U.S., Europe, and additional markets. On the other hand, we enable them to establish the linkage between various market models and the eBay standard vehicle list (so-called master vehicle list, MVL) to help eBay sellers obtain overseas car VIO and further market information. At the same time, we will provide eBay sellers with OE data research services, linkages of OE data to the corresponding market model libraries and reliable data support for eBay sellers to expand the market and develop new products to improve market competitiveness.

We’ve developed an API that allows that model data can be linked with eBay to meet the needs of eBay sellers for matching products and models in the sales of products in a quick and accurate way. Combined with functions such as the TecAlliance global catalogue database and VIN code search, the OM platform also provides sellers with a complete set of supply chain solutions such as inventory query, order placement, delivery, invoice information and online claims, helping sellers realize digital supply chain management and improve efficient.

We are once again one of the best training companies in Germany

For the fifth time the German business magazine “Capital” has rated us as one of “Germany’s Best Training Companies”. Once again we shine with the top result of five stars in the categories “Training” and “Dual Studies”. We are very proud of this certificate because it proves that we are able to offer excellent qualification even under the changed conditions due to the Corona pandemic.

About 652 companies participated in the study, which was conducted from the beginning of March to the end of May 2021 among companies of all sizes – from big corporations that are part of the German stock index DAX and public authorities to medium-sized companies and craft enterprises.

“As an expert in data management, we are driving digitisation in the automotive aftermarket. We are also moving forward as an employer and training company with innovative working methods. We work in an agile manner with flat hierarchies. And home office has been possible for us not just since Corona,” explains Kerstin Langohr, our Group Manager Vocational Training.

We held the very first virtual Global Data Supplier Meeting

The international TecDoc community came together to discuss what’s next in the digital aftermarket. Around 500 representatives of leading parts manufacturers from around the world followed our invitation to participate in the virtual Global Data Supplier Meeting from 9 to 11 November 2021. On the agenda: the latest trends in data management, innovative data solutions enabling parts manufacturers to position their products for success, and insights into global markets.

During the three-day event, 24 speakers from TecAlliance, representing Europe, Asia-Pacific, India, Russia and the Americas, gave insights into global markets and showed how our international presence supports parts manufacturers in their globalisation strategies. The participants learned more about the transformation of TecDoc that will help parts manufacturers to do their daily work more efficiently, digitally, and with the highest quality. One important element of the meeting was the live demonstration of the brand-new global product management system 1ONE. Demos of the new functionalities of the TecDoc Catalogue showed how they provide data suppliers with more time and energy for higher-value work, meeting the needs of their customers.

Do you want to join our global network as a data supplier? Get more info here: https://www.tecalliance.net/tecdoc-data-supplier/

We stopped by at Automechanika Istanbul

In November, Automechanika Istanbul Plus became the meeting point for all automotive industry professionals after a long break of more than 2 years A total of 60.634 professionals from 121 countries attended the event as a visitor. Istanbul’s location is literally a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and CIS regions.

Our sales team had a lot of interesting talks with our data suppliers, and it was a great opportunity to meet customers and friends face-to-face again. They provided us with a great deal of positive feedback, as well as valuable suggestions.

Final get together of the aftermarket community at Automechanika Dubai in 2021

All roads lead to Dubai in December: The largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket and service industry in the MEA region finally returns! Our team will be on hand to welcome visitors at our booth from 14 to 16 December.

We’ve done much to drive data standardization forward in this region. We are currently working with IAM manufacturers, wholesalers, workshops, e-commerce platforms and mobile apps in the Middle East. More and more aftermarket brands are joining as data suppliers to the TecDoc Catalogue to become more visible in the Middle East and Africa. Our catalogue solutions allow them to easily start their own e-commerce business, where products are integrated with high-quality images, videos, and pricing that they can choose.

Best solution for the market: 26 new Catalogue releases

We are constantly working on improvements and try to make our solution constantly better with every step. In 2021, our TecDoc Catalogue underwent 26 new releases delivering more than 1200+ improvements, bug fixes and new functionalities.

Our Web Service hits 29 billion requests

We did it! Web Service is our comfortable solution to integrate the comprehensive TecDoc Catalogue data into your own shop or catalogue solution using an interface (API). We are proud that our solution reached 29 billion requests in 2021!