EPC going away?

[wwheeler]

I saw this message today when I signed on the EPC....

Dear EPC user,

As previously communicated, the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) will be gradually replaced by the new parts information from July to November 2018 and sundowned.
 Please contact your EPC contact person for the precise point in time of the sundown and information on its successor solution.

Anybody have any idea what this means?

[Pawel66]

Wallace, I will check with my dealer today. I do not get this message when I sign in for Europe.

[Pawel66]

The answer I received from the Boss for the spare parts department in a company who have several dealerships in Poland is:
1. Java based EPC will be shut down
2. The Webparts EPC will be the one that will stay.

By Webparts EPC I mean the "Internet" version of EPC you access from Webparts platform. I am not sure if you have this in the US or you have some other platform to generate and send orders to dealers.

This is the log-in page to Webparts: https://login.i.daimler.com/internet/login?brand=wp&TYPE=33554432&REALMOID=06-0739d869-f05a-1055-a07f-8500d09a0cb3&GUID=&SMAUTHREASON=0&METHOD=GET&SMAGENTNAME=$SM$7pM1AwnwLiE0K1Gni63i5fo1WhFshrsARpdr4VzA%2bVDht%2fZqYhcyWAKSnziY1Q%2f10XZnf6U%2fgr%2bo5OyK078JWP5G2xXbuo%2fR&TARGET=$SM$https%3a%2f%2faftersales%2ei%2edaimler%2ecom%2fmb-webparts

[wwheeler]

The Classic Center in CA said indeed it is changing. They do not use it yet but will start soon. Such as life in the computerized world. As soon as you feel comfortable with something, it becomes obsolete and changes. 

[Benz Dr.]

Things are always a bit more complicated but the bottom line is it's all about money. After all they have to pay Hamilton.

[Pawel66]

Well, I am using this new system from time to time when the regular EPC is down and it is not bad, actually. One issue I have with it is that it does not record full VIN of an old car so when I key in my Pagoda VIN it just remembers 113044. Graphics, descriptions etc. are better.

Also: EPC looked obsolete. especially when you compare it with, e.g. BMW system. Also: EPC had issues with Java editions, was not easy to set up. And the biggest issue for me was transferring parts to Webparts to generate order (but this one may just my issue, it may work differently if you have a shop set up). In the new system you click on the part and click add to basket.

[Pawel66]

I have just come across an issue with this new EPC (still do not know if you, in the US, will have the same). I asked my contact in MB about it. I will write back when I have an answer.

Keep your paper parts lists files!!! 

[Pawel66]

Ok, the issue I have come across on Saturday was that the new EPC did not recognize some optional part numbers.

I had to order right door glass in a tinted format. I could find the number quite easily in the old EPC, but it does not exist in the new one. And the search function was bringing no results. It was a bit upsetting as you can find quite a lot of part numbers through searching in options and I was afraid this will be gone (then I would not be able to find the number for my glass).

I reported it to my contact at MB.

But then on Monday morning the part number was there! Perhaps it was just a question of settings for my account. In any case - this functionality is there. I am just afraid there may be some bumps by the time I get fluent in operating it and I am able to say "I know what I do not know" whne the current system is off.

[wwheeler]

Thanks for the update. Not sure when we will get it and will try to remember to post.

[scoot]

I was told about EPC shutting down when I recently renewed.  (And yes, I renewed anyway).  I don't think a new version that will work is available yet in the US.  Hopefully there will be transition time and the new version will be available to those of us in the states.