While you’re leafing through an actual printed magazine right now, I’m certain many of you spend some amount of time online to complete product research or learn about new tools and equipment available for the shop.
While you can always find the latest tools and equipment in the pages of PTEN, our editorial team is constantly (read: daily) updating new product information in the online product guide.
According to the 2016 PTEN Reader Survey, three out of every five readers (61 percent) indicated they have researched tools and equipment in the PTEN online product guide, at VehicleServicePros.com.
We recently relaunched our website – online product guide, and all – to continue to bring you the latest information in an updated, easy-to-use format. You’re still able to see the latest products at VehicleServicePros.com/directory. And, the layout and organization remains compatible with all types of screens – from your desktop computer, to a tablet or smartphone.
Industry partnership
Speaking of products, we’re about to bring you even more information through a recent partnership with Opticat, a company that develops online catalogs.
Available now, users can look for expanded product features through our Parts, Tools & Equipment Source Powered by Opticat (http://vsp.opticatonline.com). This database houses details on more than 1 million products. Product categories have been reviewed and approved to meet an industry standard set by the Auto Care Association.
The Parts, Tools & Equipment Source is heavily parts-driven currently, but the partnership between Opticat and PTEN will now allow us to share the product information exchange standards for tools and equipment to give you access to the premier product guide for professional automotive products – including parts, tools and equipment.
While you can access all of this product information now, stay tuned in the coming months as we plan to also incorporate this product information in the VehicleServicePros.com online product guide, to also meet these industry standards.
More about the website
In addition to all of the product information you’ve come to expect from PTEN magazine, and the VehicleServicePros.com online product guide, you can also find useful news, how-to articles, tech tips, product videos and more on our recently updated website.
The full website has been restructured into broad channels that house our content: In the Bay, On the Vehicle and Shop Operations.
In the Bay
This website channel features information about any products or work completed in the service bay of the shop. The channel is organized into three sections: Diagnostic and Repair, Maintenance Services, and Tools and Equipment.
On the Vehicle
This website channel breaks down different aspects of the vehicle, pertaining to the parts, tools and equipment necessary for diagnosing, repairing and maintaining the vehicle. The channel is organized by four sections: In Vehicle (including electrical systems, HVAC, vehicle body), Powertrain (including engine and drivetrain, emissions, fuels, oils and filters) and Under Vehicle (including axles, chassis, frames, brakes, suspension and steering, tire and wheel).
Shop Operations
This website channel houses information regarding the general operations necessary to run a shop. The channel is organized into five sections: Data and Telematics, Employees and Hiring, Safety and Health, Management and Training and Resources.
All of this information is available now at VehicleServicePros.com, the official website of PTEN magazine.
