What it does
Parts software covers how the dealership stocks, orders and sells parts. That includes inventory planning beyond what the DMS offers, wholesale sales to independent and collision shops, online parts and accessory stores, and delivery management.
The goal is to have the right part on the shelf when a technician needs it without tying up cash in parts that never sell. Obsolescence, lost sales and slow special orders all cost money. Good tools show fill rate, turn and aging by part and recommend what to stock.
Wholesale and online sales can add real volume but bring new work, such as pricing for different buyer types, shipping and returns. Check how the tool handles OEM parts catalogs, return allowances and pricing rules from the manufacturer.
Who in the store uses it
- Parts managers: set stocking rules and review turn and obsolescence.
- Counter staff: look up and sell parts to the shop and retail customers.
- Wholesale staff and drivers: serve outside shops and manage deliveries.
- Service managers: depend on fill rate for shop productivity.
What it connects to
- DMS (parts inventory, pricing and repair orders)
- OEM parts catalogs and ordering systems
- Service communication and MPI tools (quotes)
- Collision shops and estimating systems
- Ecommerce and payment tools
- Accounting
Parts products in the index
See all 44
What to ask vendors
- How do you recommend stocking levels, and how accurate are they?
- Does the tool work with our OEM's catalog and return programs?
- How are wholesale prices set by customer type?
- Can we sell parts and accessories online with live inventory?
- How do you track deliveries and driver routes?
- What reporting shows fill rate, turn and obsolescence?
- Does data write back to our DMS in real time?
- What are the cost and contract term?
Signs it's time to switch
- Technicians wait on parts that should be in stock.
- Obsolete parts keep growing.
- Wholesale customers call to check order status.
- Online parts sales are managed in a separate spreadsheet.
- You can't see turn or fill rate without exporting data.
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