Parts Catalogs: Understanding the Many Terms and Why They Matter

In the world of aftermarket parts and technical documentation, there’s no shortage of terms used to describe digital parts catalogs. Whether you’ve heard "Interactive Parts Catalogs (IPC)," "Electronic Parts Catalogs (EPC)," or even "Illustrated Parts Catalogues,"  these phrases all refer to solutions that combine structured parts lists with detailed visual representations of assemblies. These tools are designed to enhance parts identification and ordering by allowing users to see components in context, reducing errors and improving parts order accuracy.

Why so many names for what is essentially the same thing? The answer lies in industry-specific terminology, regional preferences, and the evolution of digital solutions.

Regardless of the terminology, the goal remains the same: to ensure distributors, dealers, rentals, and equipment owners have fast, accurate access to the parts and service information they need. In today's digital-driven aftermarket industry, having a well-structured, interactive parts catalog is essential for OEM success.

Breaking Down the Terminology

To understand the nuances, let’s define some commonly used terms in the industry:

• Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC) / Illustrated Parts Catalogues (IPC): Parts catalogs featuring detailed diagrams or exploded views, helping users visually identify and order parts. May or may not include any interactive features.
• Electronic Parts Manuals: The digital evolution of traditional printed manuals, typically in static PDF form without interactive elements.
• Interactive Parts Catalogs (IPC) / Interactive Parts Catalogues (IPC): Fully digital, interactive solutions that allow users to search, filter, and select parts easily.
• Interactive Parts Lists (IPL): A structured, searchable database of part numbers and descriptions, sometimes integrated with procurement or maintenance systems.
• Electronic Parts Catalogs (EPC) / Electronic Parts Catalogues (EPC): Often used interchangeably with IPC, EPCs provide online access to BOMs and associated assembly drawings.
• eCatalogue: A broader term that may refer to any online catalog, not necessarily specific to OEM parts.
• Digital Parts Catalogs / Digital Parts Catalogues: A general term covering any electronic version of a parts catalog, whether interactive or static.

Industry-Specific Variations

Certain industries adopt specific terms. For instance, "EPC for manufacturing" is more prevalent in industrial and construction equipment, while automotive OEMs might favor "Interactive Parts Catalogs." Understanding these distinctions can help OEMs communicate effectively with their audience.

Regional Variances

One of the most visible distinctions is "catalog" vs. "catalogue", with "catalog" being common in the U.S. and "catalogue" preferred in the UK and other English-speaking regions.

How Terms Relate to One Another

While many of these terms are functionally synonymous, some key differences exist:

• Synonymous Terms: "Electronic Parts Catalogs" and "Interactive Parts Catalogs" both refer to digital solutions that allow users to view BOMS and assembly drawings generally online.
• Static vs. Interactive: "Illustrated Parts Catalogs" are often printed or PDF-based, whereas "Interactive Parts Catalogs" feature built-in functionality for searching, filtering, and ordering.
• Basic vs. Advanced Digital Solutions: "Electronic Parts Catalogs" may simply display part numbers and drawings and allow ordering from the BOM, while an "Interactive Parts Catalog" interactively connects BOM (Bill of Materials) with callouts or parts in the assembly diagrams, and often integrates with ordering systems.

Understanding these distinctions helps OEMs select the right solution for their business needs.

Why an Interactive Solution is Key

As OEMs transition from paper-based documentation to fully digital platforms, the need for interactive, real-time solutions has never been greater. Here’s why:

• Reduced Support Costs – Reduce misordered parts and costly returns.
• Seamless Integration with Other Systems – Connects with e-commerce, ERP, and work order management platforms.
• Faster Time-to-Market - Enable quicker updates to catalogs when new parts, models or ECNs are released

Documoto provides a solution that aligns with these needs, offering cloud-based, interactive digital parts catalogs that ensure up-to-date information is always accessible.

The Power of Enriched Content

Interactive parts catalogs go beyond basic part listings. Content enrichment plays a vital role in making these catalogs even more effective:

• Tagging & Augmentation: Adding metadata, comments, images, and attachments enhances usability.
• Relating Content: Connecting related media (e.g., manuals, service bulletins, instructional videos) creates a more complete and unified user experience.
• Database-Driven Efficiency: Interactive catalogs built on a relational database enable content reuse, reducing duplication and streamlining maintenance.

These features take digital parts catalogs beyond simple reference tools and into the realm of comprehensive service and support solutions.

Experience the Future of Parts Catalogs

The right digital parts catalog solution saves time, reduces costs, and enhances the customer experience.

Ready to transform your parts catalog strategy? Request a demo or contact sales@documoto.com to learn how Documoto can provide the interactive solution you need.