Summary
There is a range of computer-based parts programs on the market, the layout may vary, but they will contain similar information. The objective of this procedure is to show you how to use a computer or CD-ROM to locate parts information.
Part 1. Preparation and safety
Objective
- Use a computer or CD-ROM to locate parts information.
Personal safety
Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:
- Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
- Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
- Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
- Hand protection - such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
- Respiratory equipment - such as face masks and valved respirators
If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.
Safety check
- Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.
Points to note
- Manufacturers may produce a CD-ROM that lists their parts and how to order them.
- Many workshops either have some parts in stock or use a local parts house.
- Some parts houses supply their own computer to look up parts and print an invoice at their desk.
Part 2: Step-by-step instruction
- Start the system
There is a range of computer-based parts programs on the market, the layout may vary, but they will contain similar information. First, you should understand how to operate the computer. In the PC world, starting-up is often known as “booting” the computer, which means, “Turn the computer on and log in, if you are required to”. This step will depend on the type of PC that you are using and whether it is ”stand alone”, on a local network or needs to be connected to the internet to operate the software. The way that you do this depends on your work situation, so it’s a good idea to get a fellow worker to show you how to log on in your particular workplace environment.
- Understand the software application
Read the information on the software package, or if you’re on the internet the information about the software application or website. Most of the programs have “Help” sections, which provide details of how to access the various components within the software itself. The details on the package will also tell you how to install or access the data. Once you have become familiar with the operating functions of the software you are ready to start accessing data
- Access the parts software application
We need to find the correct front brake pads for a particular vehicle, and, we want to obtain the pad’s part number so that they can be ordered. Start by ensuring that the software package you are going to use is correctly loaded onto the PC. Use the Computer to call up the Spare Parts database.
- Provide input information
Once the Spare Parts screen appears, it will prompt you to enter the specific data that you are seeking. In this instance, select ‘Genuine Parts’. And then the correct vehicle make and year of manufacture.This leads us to a page with a list of categories. Select ‘Brakes’.
- Narrow the search
This leads us to a page with a list of vehicle models. Select the correct vehicle model. This leads us to a page with a list of brake parts for the model we selected. The list is sorted by year of manufacture and has columns for part number, part description and price. Choose the appropriate part. Find brake pads, front and note the part number. Select this item.
- Access the required parts data
This page shows an image of the Pads, with part number, name, description and price, and also indicates which models the pads fit. The brake pads can now be ordered through the shop’s parts supplier using the part number found. Or you have the possibility of ordering the pads directly from the website.
- Prepare the parts order
If you choose to buy on-line, you will need to fill-in the form and confirm your order. If this option was not available to you, you could still fill-in the on-line purchase form. Then select print and fax it to the supplier after your supervisor has authorized this purchase. It is good practice to print out this order form and attach it to the repair order for the vehicle’s service records.
