In a bid to help busy workshops bypass the hold music on technical hotlines, Schaeffler has officially launched PartFinder, a new, free, AI-assisted online enquiry tool designed to speed up part identification for garages, factors, and distributors.
The tool arrives as a direct response to the increasing volume of technical and product number enquiries hitting the REPXPERT hotline.
While the traditional phone line remains open, PartFinder is designed to offer a digital “fast track” for technicians who need quick clarification without the wait.
How it works
Accessed via the Schaeffler online catalogue or a dedicated portal, PartFinder allows users to submit part identification requests directly.
To ensure nothing falls through the cracks, every submission is assigned a unique ticket reference number and triggers an automatic email confirmation.
This “ticket” system is a major shift from traditional phone enquiries, making it significantly easier for workshop owners to track the status of an enquiry or follow up on previous requests for their records.
Why it Matters
For a workshop mid-service, the digital approach offers several practical benefits:
– Reduced waiting times: Bypass peak-hour phone queues.
– Record keeping: Email confirmations provide a paper trail for specific vehicle applications.
– Precision: Technicians can submit detailed vehicle information and technical specs online, allowing the Schaeffler team to respond more accurately.
– Tracking: The reference number ensures that even if you have to step away from the bench, your request is logged and handled efficiently.
Alistair Mason, Technical Services Manager at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions UK Ltd, noted that the tool is about adapting to the modern workshop’s pace.
“Workshops are busier than ever, so we’re always looking for ways to make our support quicker and easier,” he said. “The new PartFinder system allows garages and motor factors to submit enquiries online and receive a reference number instantly. This means their request is logged, tracked, and handled efficiently by our technical team.”
While the REPXPERT hotline remains the go-to for urgent, complex technical support, Schaeffler is encouraging workshops to use PartFinder for routine part identification and vehicle application queries.
