One of Durban`s most long-standing and best known independent Volkswagen dealers is reaping major benefits from a Dimension Data-designed and implemented dealer management system that measures every aspect of the business, giving accurate financial reporting, total flexibility and cost savings.
"The benefits have already far outweighed the cost of the system," says Allen Hartley, owner of Weiss Motors.
"Margins in the motor trade are so small that tight control is essential. We can now obtain accurate measures of every aspect of our business, down to the minutest level, ensuring we achieve the savings necessary for a decent bottom line."
Weiss Motors chose Auto-Mate, a leading computerised dealer management system for the global automotive industry developed by Dimension Data, and evaluated the solution for Volkswagen. Following the successful pilot, Auto-Mate has become an approved Volkswagen solution.
The fully integrated solution covers all aspects of dealer management, including marketing, customer retention management (CRM), vehicle sales, parts inventory management, service management and financial management. It improves dealer efficiency and profitability in today`s competitive marketplace.
Weiss Motors has been in business since 1969 and prides itself on its caring relationship with its clients, some of whom have been customers for 40 years. The dealership has a collection of old Volkswagen Beetles, dating back to 1957, and is one of the few dealers that continue to service these vehicles.
For a medium-sized dealership, Weiss Motors is doing the kind of vehicle sales, parts and service turnover business that many larger dealers would be envious of.
"Our previous management system let us down badly," says Hartley. "The take-on of Auto-Mate went extremely smoothly, and everything balanced from day one. Now, if there is a problem, we see it straight away."
The company chose Auto-Mate for its flexibility, cost-effectiveness and outsourced management.
"It offers the level of flexibility essential for a motor dealership business," says Hartley. "We have recently opened more dealerships, and new fitment centres. The system handled the additions with no problems and at no additional cost."
In addition, the system enables a mix of Windows and character-based terminals to be used.
"Our managers can work with the system on their PCs, while others work with their existing terminals," comments Hartley. "We did not have to upgrade our existing IT systems in preparation for the Auto-Mate solution - as other solutions demand - and this saved us enormous costs.
"Another advantage is that the application and data is hosted and managed by the Auto-Mate division of Dimension Data, which performs all necessary maintenance and housekeeping.
Dimension Data is a leading technology services company offering network and multi-channel solutions, which is a definite plus, as are the group`s strong ties with several major automotive bodies," he says.
Today, more than 750 motor dealers and industry-related businesses run Auto-Mate, which has been endorsed by Ford, Toyota, SsangYong, Volkswagen, Delta, Nissan, Daewoo, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Landrover, Hyundai, Iveco, Volvo, Chrysler, Kia, Renault and Daihatsu.
In addition the Auto-Mate DMS is used in other environments including motorcycle, tractor and spares operations, reconditioning centres and auto body repair shops.
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Dimension Data Holdings plc (LSE: DDT), is a leading technology company that represents a new category of systems integrator providing network and multi-channel e- business solutions to global corporations. Founded in 1983 as a specialist supplier of technology and services, Dimension Data`s strategy has evolved with the emergence of the intelligent network as the most important enabler in business today.
Dimension Data`s global presence combined with its expertise and extensive skills base in network infrastructure and e-business solutions environments enables its customers to ascend into the global marketplace through 100% connectivity and integration. With a primary listing in London and also listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Dimension Data operates in over 30 countries on six continents. For more information, please go to www.didata.com
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