Canada’s Handiest Automotive Data Source Goes to CD

The Automotive Service Data Book, known as the handiest source for automotive service data, has been converted to a CD format while retaining all the features and content of the printed version.
"It increases the usability and functionality of the ASDB," says Alex Papanou, vice-president of publishing at the Business Information Group which produces the ASDB. "Our customers are moving in this direction and they have told us that they want it in an electronic format," he continued, adding that the ability to search for specifications has been vastly improved.
"We know that the independent service provider has come to trust the ASDB as a quick reference source," says Andrew Ross, editor and publisher of Jobber News Magazine who has been spearheading the project, "but our research showed that they wanted it on a CD format.
"The great thing about the CD format," he continued, "is that we can add so much more than just the specifications, like tech tips and even training videos."
Ross continued that the format chosen for the CD does not require advanced computer hardware capabilities, monthly fees, or proprietary software.
The ASDB has been published for more than 15 years, with sections on engine data, piston ring, pin data, valve servicing timing, bearing data, fuel injection, brakes steering & alignment, fluid capacities and cooling system, torque values, computer trouble codes, OBD II diagnostic trouble codes. The data is continually updated and expanded, with data for domestic and import models from 1983 to 2002.
Ross says that the new format also allows private branding customers to use the product as much more than just a branding exercise.
"Every major distribution organization has used the ASDB in the past, but now, because it gives us the capability to add something like 800 megabites of information, these private brand ASDB customers can add much more information about their company’s services and programs." For example, he says, complete information on a banner program can be incorporated onto the CD.
"One of the additional things to realize, though, is that a technician can still print out pages so that he can have a reference by his side as he performs the repair."
Orders for the ASDB on CD are currently being taken, with delivery scheduled for December 2003. Single copy price is $34.95, with a discounted price of $25.00 for on-line orders. Bulk order discounts are available. For more information, or to order, contact Maria Carlesimo via e-mail at mcarlesimo@businessinformationgroup.ca.