ARI and Shopatron partner to deliver unified e-commerce solution

ARI Network Services, Inc. announced Dec. 9 that it has partnered with Shopatron to provide manufacturers an e-commerce solution that makes it easy for online shoppers to identify parts; check inventory in real-time; and select from multiple fulfillment options, including ship from store and in-store pickup.

“This partnership allows manufacturers to not only increase the visibility of their products online, enabling customers to identify, price, and order parts and accessories, but also allows customers to receive their orders with unprecedented speed by leveraging the inventory of local dealers,” said Brad Smith, ARI’s VP of product management. “Our combined capabilities help manufacturers explore new, online profit centers and strengthen relationships with their dealers.”

The combined solution offers manufacturers:

* ARI’s illustrated parts lookup application, which easily integrates with a manufacturer’s existing website and ordering system to provide consumers with an easy-to-use, visually driven shopping experience to identify, price, and order parts online.

* Shopatron’s cloud-based distributed order management system, which helps manufacturers seamlessly leverage available inventory across their extended supply chain, including dealers, distribution centers and warehouses when fulfilling orders online.

This powerful e-commerce solution is already driving sales for Honda Engines, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Offering the option to find and buy genuine Honda parts online gives our customers more flexibility, while still connecting them with the support of their local Honda dealers,” said Michael Rickey, senior manager, Honda Engines. “It’s one more way to provide our customers with best-in-class service and support.”

“The combination of ARI’s plug-and-play, consumer-oriented illustrated parts lookup application with our industry-leading order management system will help manufacturers compete and win in the rapidly changing retail landscape,” said Michael Quinn, vice president of alliances, Shopatron. “Top OEM brands such as Honda Engines are leading the charge in transforming how consumers buy products online. Our partnership with ARI provides manufacturers the flexibility and technological innovation that are needed to streamline the ordering process in a way never before possible.”