DataMac Truck—U.S., Canada

DataMac is a subscription service that monitors current and projected replacement demand for more than 360 individual parts and components. For example, in the suspension and undercarriage market, DataMac tracks demand for 85 components including wheels and wheel hubs, brake parts, compressors, brake valves, front and rear springs, trailer springs, tandem parts such as walking beam bushings, torque rods and cross tubes, shock absorbers and air bags or springs. In the Electrical market DataMac tracks 19 components including starters and alternators.

Demand is further segregated by vehicle weight class (Class 6, 7, 8, trucks, tractors, school buses and trailers).

For the current year, demand is profiled by vehicle usage, for example, replacement demand for trucks used in construction service (dump, ready mix concrete or related trucks) compared to over-the-road for-hire carriers or owner/operators. The information for each component is provided in summary form and in detail. The detailed information is available electronically.

Additionally, DataMac tracks service patterns, where parts are removed and replaced and the type of replacement. In many instances, the end user or fleet has the option of replacing the worn or damaged part with a new, local rebuilt, factory remanufactured or used part. In select cases, such as springs, he may elect to make a partial replacement; only replacing one or two leaves.

Finally, DataMac examines the channels of distribution from basic manufacturer or marketer to the end user. In the process, we look at inventory levels, prices and margins, shifts in customer base and a series of related issues.

The basic subscription service includes two reports. The first, released in early spring, focuses on distribution issues and the second report, published in the fall, profiles replacement demand in depth.

DataMac, however, is much more than two reports a year.

• Monthly, subscribers receive a two-page newsletter via fax or email. The newsletter—DataPulse Plus—tracks and reports short-term developments. Interviews are conducted with major fleets, truck dealers and independent parts distributors which provide subscribers with current market data.
• Bimonthly, subscribers receive an expanded newsletter (four to six pages) which focuses on a specific topic. This might be vehicle population, vehicle utilization or long-term demand forecast among other topics.
• Biennial Workshop. Every third year, subscribers are invited to a three-day workshop at which we explore a range of issues impacting the aftermarket. Throughout the three-day workshop, attendees gather firsthand information from panelists who are in the industry. Economic and Industry forecasts are always a highlight. On the off-years, MacKay & Company goes on the road and visits each client and conducts a one-day presentation including industry updates, economic forecasts, industry forecasts with plenty of question and answer time.
• On-going Communications. DataMac is structured to be an interactive service. The fall report contains in excess of a million information cells. With the depth of information, it is seldom that individual subscribers don't have questions. Our professional staff is available to address those questions as they arise.

Where does all this information come from? MacKay & Company maintains a database of more than 200,000 owners and maintainers of commercial trucks in the United States and Canada. The basic premise is: Ask the man who owns and maintains one; he knows best how often he replaces a wheel, spring or walking beam bushing.

Currently, over 20 of our clients participate in DataMac for the United States and/or Canada. This service is modular. Subscribers can select the U.S. and/or Canadian service. Furthermore, they can select any combination of product groupings—Power Generation which covers engine and engine related components; Power Transmission which includes clutches, transmissions, differential carriers and wheel seals and bearings; Undercarriage which covers brakes, steering and suspension components; and Electrical.

For more information on the products and to obtain pricing, please contact us at 630.916.6110 or email mackay@mackayco.com.