Opening up access to data
TecRMI’s director of data development, Ralf Pelkmann, has been appointed chairman of the newly created European Independent Automotive Data Publishers Association (ADPA), whose purpose is to ensure fair and open access to data and information for the independent automotive aftermarket.
“The new association has brought together competitors for the benefit of the independent sector and the end user,” explains Shaun Greasley, general manager of TecAlliance UK & Ireland. “The role of chairman therefore naturally requires complete understanding and market expertise when it comes to the capture and communication of automotive data, which because of his key role within TecRMI, one of the leading providers of technical service and repair data to the independent repair sector, Ralf has in abundance.
“As can be seen when looking at the historical development of TecDoc, working with and bringing together companies that are generally competing is very familiar territory for TecAlliance, the umbrella company that includes TecRMI and TecCom alongside TecDoc.
“Being owned by a broad consortium of parts manufacturers, TecDoc was originally set up in order to help further the accurate provision of parts data to the independent sector. Now, under the TecAlliance brand, and in union with TecRMI and TecCom, the organisation retains the ethos of shared ownership and is committed to promote standardised data across markets in the form of technical service and repair information to the installer and accurate parts identification for the wholesaler.
“This business mandate, in conjunction with steerage of the ADPA, allows TecAlliance to open access and therefore reduce costs and the time which factors and garages spend looking for information, significantly improving their business efficiencies.”