Daimler AG recently switched from its Electronic Parts Catalog EPCnet to a new system, ISPPI (Independent Service Provider Parts Information). This new system contains exactly the same parts information available to Mercedes-Benz dealers worldwide.

After nearly 15 years, EPCnet was showing its age. While several years of optimization had EPCnet running smooth and fast, the core Java technology has nearly reached the limits of what is needed to support modern vehicles. Hosted in Europe by Daimler, ISPPI uses the latest web page standard, HTML5, doing away with the constant Java compatibility issues that plagued EPCnet, and offering several new advantages.

The biggest advantage is a live connection to a database of vehicle data cards of every nearly vehicle built since the mid-1980s. The advantage here is that changes to the vehicle’s configuration – a different engine installed, retrofitted option codes, and so on – are all managed in real time, instead of being stored in a static file set. This offers greater accuracy when looking up parts.  Daimler will add the data cards for older vehicles in stages over the coming year, ensuring support for the classics.

The new user interface offers several possibilities for customization, changing the way the system looks and feels according to each user’s preferences. An extensive user guide is available for download to help with understanding all the possibilities.

The workflow to find a part is somewhat improved, but still uses the familiar group and sub-group system known from as far back as the parts microfiche era. As with EPCnet, start with the VIN to ensure the vehicle-specific filters are enabled, then pick the group and subgroup.  Finally, pick the part(s) you need by clicking the parts on the illustration. 

As before, ISPPI also has separate catalogs for paints and operating fluids as well as for Mercedes-Benz special workshop tools. Also as before, a parts search can be started with either the model designation (Baumuster), or using the pull-down menu of all vehicles and models to pick what you need. Of course, without a VIN the parts filters are unavailable.

All EPCnet subscribers in the United States were migrated to ISPPI in mid-December, 2018.  New subscribers can visit the website https://epc.startekinfo.com to subscribe. Select the “Subscribe” link, complete the simple three-step process, and a User ID and temporary password will be assigned within a few days – unlike EPCnet, subscriptions are not processed instantly. A subscription includes not only passenger cars, but (subject to change) all Daimler vehicles worldwide such as buses, trucks, and the Unimog, as well as Sprinter vans and Smart models. A subscription costs $75 per year, the same as EPCnet.

StarTuned plans to cover ISPPI in greater detail in the next issue, so stay tuned!

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