ZF Trading North America will provide its wholesale customers with a central database that combines the European TecDoc with U.S. product standards, effective immediately. Wholesalers can now enter and maintain updated data sets faster and more conveniently than was possible before, according to the company, which adds this makes sales considerably more efficient, because the online catalogs make it possible to determine parts availability and then turn them around within days. The online catalog can be viewed at www.zftna.com. Previously, ZF Trading had relied on a self-developed central catalog database since 2001, which provides the information for both electronic and printed catalog media. The data sets consist of the product data plus the associated vehicle references. Because of the company's European background, the database is based on the prevailing TecDoc standard. In order to substantially improve local customer service, ZF Trading has adapted its CARS catalog maintenance module in such a way that the TecDoc standard can be easily combined with the American AAIA Catalog enhanced standard (ACES) counterpart. Data can also be rapidly exported to the AAIA Legacy format. John Edwards, president of ZF Trading North America, says of the new service, "Having uniform data improves communication and cooperation both within the company and with our business partners. It enables us all to optimize our processes.” | 
