Parts Optimization Services
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IHS Intermat Solutions offers a broad range of cataloging services that help clients standardize, enrich and maintain their MRO parts databases. These services range from identifying potentially duplicative inventory to verifying and enriching data on an Item-by-Item basis. Although we custom design a project for each client, IHS Intermat Solutions' parts optimization services are classified and managed in three Phases.
Phase I: First Pass
Phase I of our parts optimization service offering is based upon the use of AutoCon™, our proprietary and automated data conversion software tool, to electronically create SMD-based descriptions from unstructured, free-form text. This "first pass" at classifying the data is then followed by a low degree of manual interpretation and review of AutoCon's results by IHS Intermat Solutions Material Analysts.
Phase I can also be utilized as the first step of a "Do It Yourself" solution - the goal of which is to provide a limited cost option for our clients who have the resources and time necessary to further standardize and "scrub" their own data and have licensed the SMD™ and Struxure®. In these engagements, Intermat Solutions will license the client SMD and Struxure and train employees to maintain, update and add items to their parts databases.
Phase II: Data Standardization
Data Standardization, also referred to as "data scrubbing," involves a higher level of service and builds upon the services offered in Phase I. Parts data, having been first processed with AutoCon, is reviewed, validated and standardized by Intermat Solutions Materials Analysts with respect to spelling, punctuation and presentation. Quality assurance ("QA") and standardization follow, including statistical sampling and specific Item-by-Item review to ensure consistency and accuracy. In addition, Potential Duplicate Reports (see 'Duplicate Identification' below) are created to identify duplicate or redundant inventory. These services are performed using the SMD, Struxure, and a variety of internal proprietary software tools. Note that new data is not collected during this process. Data Standardization services are generally required by larger companies with parts inventories that average between 10,000 and 75,000 stock keeping units (SKUs).
Phase III: Data Enrichment
Phase III of IHS Intermat Solutions' parts optimization service offering is an all-encompassing service that enriches the customer's MRO parts data through completing the SMD description. Research is done in our offices, by IHS Intermat Solutions Materials Analysts, using references such as our internal library of manufacturer/vendor catalogs, Internet sources, and our MRO.Master™ database. This work is performed in order to collect additional Characteristic Value data supported by the SMD but not available from the client's source data. Intermat Solutions also provides its own experienced staff of Materials Analysts to perform On-site Support - physical inspection of the materials in our customers' warehouses and storerooms. This is done to collect additional materials and equipment data not available through hard-copy and/or on-line references. IHS Intermat Solutions Materials Analysts utilize ValuForms and Electronic Data Acquisition tools to assist in data collection and facilitate the implementation of data into the item descriptions.
Duplicate Identification
Throughout the catalog services process, IHS Intermat Solutions provides its customers with listings of potential duplicate MRO catalog items. These Duplicate Identification Reports allow the client to identify and eliminate functionally duplicative and equivalent inventory. IHS Intermat Solutions provides two reporting formats, Type I and Type II Reports. Type I Reports are based on a delimiter dependent, fuzzy match comparison of catalog item reference numbers (i.e., part numbers, model numbers, catalog numbers, etc.), allowing the customer to identify similar part numbers. Type II Reports are based upon a comparison of the completed SMD-based item descriptions. This process will identify substitutable and interchangeable items, as well as duplicate items, through matching of Noun/Modifier and Characteristic Values. IHS Intermat Solutions' customers can then verify which items are true duplicate/substitutable items within their operations and be linked via cross-references delivered after their review of the report. Note that the process of identifying potential duplicates for Type II Reports can only be run following an IHS Intermat Solutions standardization project that reformats the part description using the SMD.
Catalog Training
IHS Intermat Solutions offers a full range of tailored training and support solutions to each client. Hands-on training and associated learning materials are provided for use with all Intermat Solutions software tools in individual and group settings. Training is also provided for the SMD, cataloging methodology, field data acquisition and ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the electronic catalog. Experienced Intermat Solutions instructors teach training courses at Intermat Solutions' training facility and/or customer locations.
Ongoing Catalog Management
Intermat Solutions can also provide services and resources to maintain customers' catalogs on a real-time, outsourced basis, either on-site or in Houston, based upon a customer's schedule and system requirements. Because clients have varying requirements, business processes, internal workflows and ERP/EAM/MDM system configurations, IHS Intermat provides flexible and customizable catalog maintenance outsourcing services that include:
- Review and Quality Assurance of new item requests and item changes
- Research and enhancement of current catalog descriptions, including use of our in-house reference data sources
- Review and reporting of potential duplicate items
- Checks for generic equivalents of OEM procured parts
- Documentation and analysis of the catalog workflow