What is TecDoc?
TecDoc is a data and solutions ecosystem from TecAlliance for the Independent Automotive Aftermarket (IAM).
TecDoc standardises product, vehicle and linkage data and makes this information available for vehicle parts search and identification. Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, workshops, e-commerce providers and software companies use TecDoc to describe spare parts consistently and link them to the correct vehicles.
The TecDoc Catalogue is the associated electronic spare parts catalogue. TecDoc data can also be integrated into PIM systems, ERP systems, online shops and other applications through data packages, web services and APIs.
What data does TecDoc contain?
TecDoc combines product information from parts manufacturers with standardised vehicle and reference data.
Typical TecDoc data includes:
- article numbers and product descriptions
- technical attributes and specifications
- vehicle linkages and applications
- OE numbers and reference numbers
- generic articles and product groups
- trade numbers and GTINs
- product images and documents
- packaging and logistics data
- installation positions and application notes
- accessories, replacement parts and bills of materials
The standardised structure makes it possible to collect, compare and publish product data from different manufacturers consistently across digital sales channels.
How does TecDoc work?
Parts manufacturers and suppliers provide their product data according to TecDoc requirements. The article data is structured, linked to the relevant vehicles and reference data, and checked against defined quality rules.
The data can then be used through various TecDoc solutions, including:
- the TecDoc Catalogue
- the TecDoc Web Service
- TecDoc data packages
- the TecDoc IDP APIs
- custom catalogue and e-commerce solutions
Distributors, workshops and platform operators can use the information to search for spare parts, match them to vehicles and display them in their own systems.
How does TecDoc support parts identification?
One of the main purposes of TecDoc is the accurate identification of suitable vehicle parts.
Depending on the solution being used, parts can be searched for using criteria such as:
- vehicle manufacturer and model
- vehicle type and year of manufacture
- engine type and technical vehicle attributes
- article number
- OE number
- reference number
- product group or parts category
- chassis number or VIN
- national vehicle registration identifiers
Vehicle linkages show which vehicles an article is suitable for. OE and reference numbers also make it possible to find corresponding or comparable spare parts.
What are the benefits of TecDoc?
TecDoc provides a common data foundation for many participants in the automotive aftermarket.
Its main benefits include:
- standardised product and vehicle data
- more accurate identification of suitable spare parts
- consistent product presentation across different channels
- fewer incorrect orders and returns
- improved product discoverability
- support for international markets and languages
- easier integration into catalogues and online shops
- more efficient data exchange between business partners
For parts manufacturers, high-quality TecDoc data improves the visibility of their products among distributors, workshops and digital platforms. Data recipients benefit from structured information that can be integrated into search, ordering and sales processes.
What role does a PIM system play in TecDoc?
A Product Information Management system (PIM) serves as a central platform for managing and preparing TecDoc-related product information.
An automotive PIM can manage data such as:
- product master data
- technical attributes
- vehicle linkages
- OE and reference numbers
- translations
- images and documents
- packaging information
- country-specific product ranges
The PIM system helps manufacturers and suppliers structure their data according to TecDoc requirements, check it for completeness and prepare it for transfer.
Product data can then be provided through the traditional TecDoc TAF format or the API-based TecDoc IDP infrastructure.
What is the difference between TecDoc TAF and IDP?
TecDoc TAF and TecDoc IDP are different methods for providing and processing TecDoc data.
With TecDoc TAF, product data is transferred as structured files or data packages. This approach is particularly suitable for established, file-based import and export processes.
TecDoc IDP stands for Instant Data Processing and enables individual data records and changes to be transferred directly via an API. This allows data to be validated and updated more quickly.
For a detailed comparison, see TecDoc TAF and IDP compared.
What is the difference between TecDoc and TecAlliance?
TecAlliance is the company behind TecDoc and provides a range of data and process solutions for the automotive aftermarket.
TecDoc is a TecAlliance product and solution family focused on the standardisation, management, linkage and provision of vehicle and spare parts data.
In addition to TecDoc, the TecAlliance portfolio includes TecCom for digital ordering processes and TecRMI for repair and maintenance information.
For more information, see What is TecAlliance?.
Conclusion
TecDoc is a central data foundation for the standardised description and identification of vehicle parts in the Independent Automotive Aftermarket.
The TecDoc ecosystem combines product data from parts manufacturers with vehicle, reference and linkage data. This enables distributors, workshops and digital platforms to find suitable spare parts more quickly and reliably.
A powerful automotive PIM system helps manufacturers and suppliers centrally manage their product information, prepare it according to TecDoc requirements and provide it through TAF or IDP.