SPACER 0815734 - Caterpillar

All Caterpillar ProductsThis article replaces the article in the September 16, 1985 Service Magazine, Page 8, titled, "Keep Product Information System Up-To-Date". Please cross out that article and add a Note referring to this article.
The Caterpillar Inc. Product Information System was introduced to NACD (North American Commercial Division) and to a few COSA dealers almost two years ago. Several other dealers also have access to this system via Telex. This is a computerized system of where products are located, what major modifications they have, and the owner's mailing address. The most important use of the system is that Cat can directly notify owners in NACD about safety-related information as quickly as possible. It can also be used for promotional purposes as explained at the end of this article.
However, as with any records, this system must be kept current to gain its intended advantage. Either the owner or you the dealer is the FIRST to know of a change in product location, a major modification, or owner's address. This article is a plea for ALL NACD dealers to update the Product Information System, and for other dealers to use the Telex method, when any of these changes occur. Caterpillar's experience since the installation of this system shows that many dealers are not updating the system. Some are NOT realizing the intended benefits in time saved and they may NOT receive all the safety-related information or parts.
The Product Information System is used to maintain records on Caterpillar equipment sold or leased worldwide during the past 10 years. (It is planned that delivery dates in this system will be used as the start of warranty.) Dealers and owners must work closely together to keep this system up-to-date. You are URGED to inform owners about this system, when they purchase a machine, so you will always have the latest information to keep the system up-to-date. Let them know you are always interested in their Caterpillar products in this regard so you can see that they receive the best service available.
System Changes That NACD Dealers Should Enter Directly Into The Product Information System
NACD dealers are requested to enter any of the following information on their computer terminals. Refer to the Users Manual, SEBD0631-01. (Other dealers are requested to send a Telex to Caterpillar.)
1. A change in the owner's address. Enter the new address AND the affected PIN's. Put in only the address to which the owner wants important safety and product update information mailed. The section titled "Inquiry Serial Number To Customer Name/Address" in the users manual shows you how to enter this change.2. You or the owner make a major modification such as adding, removing or replacing a major component on a machine. This includes engines, torque converters, rippers, bulldozers, hydraulic systems, winches, etc. Please list both the machine and major component PIN. See Illustration 1. The section titled "Inquiry Serial Number To Prime Mover" in the Users Manual shows how to make this change.
Illustration 1. This screen lists the major components