We already have an ERP and catalog system. Why do we need you?

Because those systems rarely give WDs, branches, jobbers, and web channels a single consistent view of fitment and availability. We design the backbone that makes them work together.

How long until we see value?

Most automotive aftermarket clients see measurable improvements within 8–12 weeks in catalog quality, availability accuracy, and fewer "do you really have this?" calls.

Do you replace our existing systems?

Typically no. We strengthen your existing ERP, catalog, and tools with a proper integration and data model. If something truly can't support the strategy, we'll flag it.

Can you help with cores, returns, and RMAs?

Yes. We frequently wire in automated flows for cores, returns, and RMAs so financial and inventory impacts are clear and timely.

AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET

Automotive Aftermarket

Parts in the Right Place Without Catalog & Inventory Chaos

DataShip helps automotive aftermarket brands, distributors, and retailers unify catalogs, fitment data, orders, and inventory across jobbers, WDs, web stores, and marketplaces.

Schedule a Strategy Call

12-week QuickStart · Automotive aftermarket supply chain specialists

BEFORE DATASHIP

Multiple catalogs with conflicting fitment and pricing
Jobbers calling to check stock on every special order
Blind spots between WDs, branches, and e-commerce

AFTER DATASHIP

Single source of truth for catalog, fitment, and pricing
Real-time availability by DC, branch, and channel
Automated order, return, and core handling flows

The Reality for Automotive Aftermarket Networks

When catalogs, fitment, and inventory live in different systems, you pay for it in lost sales, returns, and frustrated jobbers and installers.

Conflicting fitment and application data across channels.

Returns and cores handled with manual calls and spreadsheets.

Jobbers and shops unsure if the right part is actually in stock.

Marketplaces and web stores out of sync with ERP and WMS.

No unified view of inventory across DCs, branches, and 3PLs.

Slow new product onboarding and catalog updates across the network.

How DataShip Helps Automotive Aftermarket Teams Win

We connect your ERP, catalogs, e-commerce, and distribution network so the right part, with the right fitment and price, is always visible and orderable.

Unified Catalog & Fitment

Normalize catalog, fitment, and attribute data across systems so jobbers and customers see one consistent story.

Order, Return & Core Automation

Automate orders, RMAs, and core return flows between ERP, portals, and logistics partners.

Marketplace & E-Commerce Sync

Keep aftermarket web stores and marketplaces aligned with current pricing, fitment, and availability.

Real-Time Availability

Expose inventory by DC, branch, and channel so jobbers and web buyers know exactly what's available where.

Branch & DC Visibility

Give sales and operations a shared view of demand, transfers, and stock risk by location.

Ops Dashboards & Alerts

Monitor fill rates, backorders, and catalog coverage with alerts when key SKUs are at risk.

Our 12-Week Automotive Aftermarket Playbook

A 12-week, milestone-based approach to get catalogs, fitment, inventory, and orders working together across your network.

1

Weeks 1–3

Discovery & Network Map

Map WDs, branches, jobbers, web stores, and marketplaces plus core systems and data flows.

2

Weeks 3–6

Data Model & Catalog

Standardize catalog, fitment, and pricing structures. Connect core ERP and catalog systems.

3

Weeks 6–8

Inventory & Availability

Expose inventory by DC, branch, and channel with rules for safety stock and backorders.

4

Weeks 8–11

Orders, Returns & Cores

Automate order, RMA, and core flows with logistics and financial impacts wired in.

5

Weeks 11–12

Dashboards & Go-Live

Deploy dashboards, alerts, and handover materials with hypercare support.

FLAGSHIP CASE STUDY

TorqueLine Distribution · Performance Parts WD

Automotive Aftermarket · Performance & repair parts · WD + jobber + e-commerce

A regional WD specializing in performance and repair parts, struggling to keep catalogs, fitment, and inventory synchronized across jobber calls, branches, and online channels.

The Challenge

Conflicting fitment data between internal catalog, supplier data, and web catalog feeds.
Jobbers calling branches to verify availability on nearly every special order.
Limited visibility into stock by DC/branch, leading to unnecessary transfers and expedites.
Marketplace and web inventory often lagging behind reality, driving cancellations and returns.

The DataShip Solution

Unified catalog and fitment data model across ERP, catalog tools, and e-commerce channels.
Real-time inventory service exposing availability by DC, branch, and channel to portals and web.
Automated order and RMA flows between ERP, jobber/WD portals, and logistics providers.
Dashboards tracking fill rate, backorders, and catalog coverage on key lines and applications.

Outcomes

20–30% reduction in catalog-related returns and wrong-part shipments.
Fewer stock-check calls as jobbers and inside sales could see live availability.
Improved fill rates on key lines with better visibility into DC and branch inventory.
A reusable backbone for onboarding new brands, channels, and branches faster.

"Before DataShip, every new line and catalog update felt like a fire drill. Now our teams and jobbers see the same information, and we're not guessing which part really fits."

– VP Sales & Operations, TorqueLine Distribution

View the full TorqueLine Distribution case study →

Platforms We Work With

We specialize in the platforms that matter most to automotive aftermarket supply chains—ERP, catalog, distribution, and e-commerce.

ERP & Distribution

Dynamics 365 · NetSuite · Fishbowl

E-Commerce & Marketplaces

Web stores · Marketplaces · B2B portals

Catalog & Fitment

Aftermarket catalog tools · Supplier feeds

Integration

API · EDI · SFTP-based patterns

Jobber & WD Portals

Jobber portals · WD ordering platforms

Logistics & Carriers

3PLs · Parcel & LTL carriers

Why Automotive Aftermarket Teams Choose DataShip

Distribution and catalog first, code second. We design around how WDs, branches, and jobbers really work.

Connector mindset. Reusable patterns for ERPs, catalogs, portals, and logistics.

Small senior team. You work directly with the architect and lead developers.

Operational empathy. Built for sales, inside reps, purchasing, and ops teams.

Engagement Options

12-Week Automotive Aftermarket QuickStart

Quickly bring catalogs, fitment, and inventory into one coherent picture with a fixed-scope, milestone-based engagement.

Ongoing Optimization & Support

Proactive monitoring, new brand and channel onboarding, and continuous improvement as your network and data grow.

Talk to a DataShip Architect

We'll review your WDs, branches, catalogs, and channels and outline a practical 12-week plan.

FAQs

Ready to De-Tangle Your Automotive Aftermarket Stack?

If you're juggling multiple catalogs, channels, and distribution points, we'll help you build a backbone that keeps parts, data, and orders flowing to the right place the first time.