5 Benefits of AI-Powered Image Search for Your Aftermarket Business

New Technology Can Help Manufacturers Differentiate on Customer Experience in Their Aftermarket Business

The aftermarket business landscape is constantly evolving, presenting unique challenges for manufacturers trying to digitize their processes and win the aftermarket. On average, the aftermarket business for manufacturers is about 2.5 times more profitable than new product sales. While many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have not always focused on the aftermarket, they are realizing that tech advancements can help build relationships with customers and provide a profitable revenue stream.

Technology can serve as a powerful differentiator for OEMs seeking to grow their aftermarket business. By leveraging technology like Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in aftermarket services (as we have demonstrated previously in this blog series), OEMs can implement technology to improve their operations and build stronger relationships with customers through personalized buying that mimics the B2C experience.

One of the largest challenges in transforming the aftermarket is the part search part of the process. Identifying, searching, and buying the right spare parts can be a complex and time-consuming process for customers and service reps. Traditional methods such as browsing part catalogs, portals, and web shops have proven to be inefficient and frustrating for customers while increasing costs for manufacturers. Solving the part search process by giving end users an easy and accurate way to identify, find, and buy spare parts gives you a truly digital experience that builds trust with customers and captures valuable revenue.

Any part search solution, whether traditional catalogs, software, or homegrown solutions, should provide standard search solutions like searching by serial number, bill of materials (BOM), exploded views, or digital parts catalogs. While most are better than nothing, they can still be difficult and time-consuming for the end user because they require users to have some in-depth understanding of the product and its components. AI-powered image search offers a revolutionary solution to these challenges by giving anyone the benefit of finding the exact part they are looking for by using a picture of the spare part they need.

What is AI-Powered Image Search?

Image search is a technology that allows users to find images based on visual content. Instead of relying on text-based keywords, image search uses computer vision algorithms to analyze the visual features of an image, such as color, shape, texture, logos, and other contexts to allow users to quickly find the product they need without knowing the exact details. Google and Amazon have pioneered the technology in the B2C world by enabling consumers to easily find products by simply taking a photo or uploading an image. In the enterprise B2B manufacturing space, AI-powered image search can be equally transformative.

AI-powered image search for OEMs aftermarket business offers a game-changing solution that will transform the buying experience and build a strong digital relationship with customers and partners.

AI image search enables anyone to identify and buy spare parts by snapping a picture. 

Here are five key benefits of AI-powered image search for your aftermarket business:

1.) Fast and Easy Part Search for Everyone: Regardless of their technical expertise, users can quickly and easily find the parts they need by uploading a picture of the part they need, significantly reducing search time and improving the customer experience.

2.) Leverages Existing Product Data: AI models are built specifically to utilize your existing product data, CAD assets, order history, BOMs, and other sales and engineering product content, no matter the initial quality of your data. If your product data needs work, AI can assist by speeding up data optimization.

3.) Works Across All Devices: From smartphones to desktops, AI-powered image search can be accessed on any device, ensuring a consistent user experience.

4.) Easy Integration with E-commerce Solutions: Leading solutions with AI-powered image search will integrate with your existing e-commerce platform to provide a unified and convenient shopping experience for your customers. Enable anyone to search, find, and buy spare parts through an ecommerce transaction.

5.) Enterprise-Grade Solution: Designed for the demands of manufacturing environments, AI-powered image search solutions are scalable, reliable, and secure. The level of security and control empowers you to confidently share your data with internal and external stakeholders while maintaining a high level of trust that your intellectual property is protected.

CDS Partable is Leading the Way for OEMs Implementing an AI-Powered Aftermarket Business Search Solution

CDS Partable is a leading AI-powered visual search solution that can help your manufacturing business elevate its aftermarket business services. By providing fast, accurate, and convenient part search capabilities, CDS Partable can improve customer satisfaction, reduce operational costs, and drive business growth. If you’re looking to modernize your aftermarket operations with AI-powered image search, get in touch with us!