AI in Spare-Parts-Management

Due to the increasing challenges in after-sales, resilience is becoming increasingly important in mechanical and plant engineering. Intelligent solutions such as Optical Spare-Part Recognition are thus of strategic relevance. 

In an interview with VDMA Baden-Württemberg, Sebastian Stöcklmeier provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of this change.

What is the potential of AI in Spare-Part-Management? 

The use of artificial intelligence creates significant efficiency and growth opportunities for the German mechanical and plant engineering industry and offers a unique opportunity to mitigate the increasingly acute shortage of skilled workers. 

By using AI as an OEM to enable end customers to identify Spare-Parts independently, quickly and correctly, I can direct them to the OEM's sales channels. This increases my own market share and, at the same time, I reduce the workload on my technicians. 

The increased speed and accuracy in the procurement of Spare-Parts increases the machine availability of my end customers and contributes to sustainability through fewer service calls as well as incorrect orders.f

Why is after-sales service so important right now? 

The existing customer base and attractive profit margins in the Spare-Parts business offer considerable sales potential for the machinery and plant engineering sector. While competition in the new machinery business is becoming increasingly competitive, the installed base of machines acts as a solid protective wall to retain customers in the long term in the competitive Spare-Part market. I always use to say, "The first machine is sold through sales,   one through excellent customer service."

How can efficiency be increased and sales of Spare-Parts  boosted through visual Spare-Part-Identification? 

By using visual Spare-Part-Identification, OEMs can help their service technicians and customers quickly identify the appropriate Spare-Part - even if it is already installed, worn or dirty - with >98% reliability. Customers can independently identify the Spare-Part with one click and order it with another click.

How will service change in the future? 

Cost pressures and competition are likely to increase in the future, but the biggest risk in the coming years is undoubtedly the shortage of skilled workers. If we don't find suitable solutions here, this will be the biggest obstacle to growth and competitiveness in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. I am convinced that the decisive factor in meeting this challenge is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Aspects such as the speed and simplicity of maintenance work, upkeep and service will increasingly determine whether or not mechanical engineering will be successful in international competition in the future.