Sept/Oct 2003

An international electronic standard for exchanging information about car parts came into force in the summer. The Common Aftermarket Protocol (CAP) is intended to allow the various parties in the industry to communicate with each other in a similar manner, no matter where the business partners are located.

The standard aims to simplify and unify the means of transmitting orders and similar information. It is based on ebXML technology, which allows messages to be sent easily over the Internet. A test server has been set up to allow potential users to trial the system.

The standard is supported by 33 aftermarket manufacturers such as Bosal, Robert Bosch, Delphi, Exide, Philips, SKF, TRW and Varta, plus four international buying groups. Its implementation is being handled by OMS International, a Dutch IT company specialised in electronic business-to-business communications.

Depending on company structure and size, CAP maintains that use of the system can bring a cost reduction of between 1.5 and 2 per cent of turnover. For order entry alone a 70 per cent cost saving is possible, it says.

• Bosch has just implemented Manugistics' collaborative Sales and Operations Planning solution to help optimise internal forecasting in its aftermarket division.