Howdy --
Rather than have a parts locator service as an integral part, just get a login from D-2-D Link/OEConnection. Then once you login to that service, you can minimize that screen and pull it up as needed. On the GM side of things, it now has warehouse/depot stocking information, plus stocking dealers, and possibly pricing information. A "one stop shop" situation. WIth that screen minimized, it's ready all the time. Seems like they even have some parts book information capabilities on OEConnection now (but only for the last model year or so in Chrysler)?
The item about motor oil and such can be problematic. Some vehicles take different viscosities of motor oil for the same engine in different vehicles of different model years, possibly. Plus, that would require an interface between service manual information and parts information, which probably does not exist AND would need to be programmed. The motor oil rating and viscosity information can usually be found on the oil filler cap, in many cases, but the best place to look is in the applicable service information . . . which, on the GM side of things, can be accessed through "Service Information" on the main (what used to be called "DealerWorld") access portal for dealers and dealer employees (with applicable registration and passwords). From this particular website, all service information/manuals can be pulled up, plus TSBs and such, plus many other items.
Again in GM, there were some model years that a transfer case would take Dexron ATF for lube, yet one model year either way could take normal axle lube. Same with manual transmissions of the 1990s, too. This is why it's best to check the applicable service literature and then look for updates/changes in the TSBs. The GM SnapON database now references TSBs for particular parts, but doesn't really elaborate about what or why the TSB existed.
In the SnapON parts database for GM, if a full VIN is typed in the window, it stays there and can be recalled as a drop-down situation from that window. Once it's there, you can re-find and re-click on it.
If you're in the catalog listing, there's a way, via clicks, to go to an illustration with that part in it, for the designated vehicle.
What my associates do is to get into the various websites (tires, OEConnection, local computer system log-ins, etc.) and then minimize those screens when they aren't being used. They'll usually do TWO local computer system log-in, then color the backgrounds differently. One is used for billing functions, with the other being used for inquiry functions. These two screens can be cascaded manually and clicked on as needed. Widescreen monitors are a MUST!
When we had the prior Bell+Howell parts database, with CDs in the server, we could put in parts notes. The current SnapON system has that capability, too, but the format for the parts notes can easily get lost or not be noticed, unlike in prior times. Using a different color for that dialogue might be a good idea.
Being on the back counter, back then, when I'd catch a casting or stamp number on a part, or a tag ID, I'd add "Might be ________ as ________" in the note field. I figured that if I was seeing that during the warranty period, our front counter people would be needing that information in a few years, from our wholesale/outside customers. Capturing that information early, I feel, is beneficial for everybody . . . but not everybody would add notes.
The current SnapON system is supposed to be updated nightly, via the Internet, for new VINs and such of vehicles just produced, rather than getting them in the monthly updates and such.
In the later 1980s, when we were having PROM updates for the ECMs, to address specific driveability issues on the new TBI engines, what was in the parts database was quite behind what "Engineering" was telling our techs to use. Of course, we had no knowledge of those "future numbers", plus when we ordered them, they cancelled as "not yet available". This underscored the lag time between when parts got the items in stock and Engineering ordered them as updated items.
Remember that the more functionality you build into the database, the MORE memory it will take to run it, with faster processors being a definite plus, too. You should see the memory it takes to run the new SnapON system, compared to a normal computer. Even then, there were some functions, like changing from the parts listings to illustrations' full page size.
One thing I miss from the old B+H system is the shorthand model designations that would go directly to a catalog. For example, I could put in "C85BN69" and it would go directly to "Chevrolet Car", 1985, Caprice Classic 4dr . . . and then we'd progress from there. To me, this was NEAT and expedited things nicely. I don't know that the newer SnapON system will do that, as when I've tried it, it asks me what I'm trying to do. It might have had some issues when they changed some of the model designation information to 1 digit from 2, in the 1990s. Furthermore, with the original C85BN69, I could add the GM parts group and it'd go that much farther into the catalog on the first shot.
On the GM side, with the VIN loaded, you can also pull up the build sheet items for the particular vehicle, plus how it all decodes. This can help, too.
It might not apply for Chrysler, but with GM and ACDelco items, we now have "OES" (original equipment service) and what I term "Aftermarket ACDelco". Over the past decade or so, the prior ACDelco part numbers have been consolidated with the GM part numbers. The ACD part number is still there, but so is the GM Parts part number. The "Aftermarket ACDelco" is listed in an adjacent area to the normal listings.
In prior times, GM had a "Standard Parts Catalog", as Chrysler had them as a separate section in their parts catalog. On the GM side of things, some things have been deleted over the years, as other parts have not been updated, like wiring connectors and such. But those items can be found via the ACDelco TechConnect website, in living color. A neat thing is that a majority of the TSB basic information is available via other publications available through the Tech Connect website.
I guess I need to check out y'alls StarParts situation and see what's all there.
Enjoy!
CBODY67
I grumble about Starparts all the time. hahaha. Thanks for reaching out!
