Future ready software
Digital transformation
Uniform standards for data and processes have accelerated the digital transformation of the after-market in automotive parts and materials in recent years. As a supplier of automotive materials & tools that serves wholesalers, garage owners, agricultural and transport companies, as well as local and national government agencies, it was high time for Novatech to capitalize on new opportunities in this digital supply chain by launching a modern web app. The new software platform gives Novatech the flexibility to define its implementation of the digital transformation and automation of supply processes on their own initiative and at their own pace.
Integrated digital interface
One of the recent improvements is an interface with the external Brightmotive automotive parts catalogue, fully integrated into the web app. In the ordering process Novatech is able to compare the price of items from multiple suppliers and is able to constantly offer customers a competitive price without losing sight of its own margins. The purchasing process is faster, and the accompanying master files require much less effort to maintain. This example shows the added value of Novulo’s 20 years of experience in the automotive market.
Customized ERP
In Novulo’s new generation of automotive solutions, based on minimum inventory, orders are automatically converted into purchase orders after an inventory check. Bulk orders can be sent to various suppliers completely automatically, based on the purchase orders. Packing slips and invoices can also be entered into the system automatically. Above all, the software supports all Novatech employees, from desk sales and field reps to sales staff who use digital marketing to showcase a new range of training options. Software plays a crucial role in the change that this automotive powerhouse is experiencing. In addition, Novulo offers a platform that enables companies to adapt constantly and for the long term to the changing market.
More than just fast delivery
Novatech decided to lead the way as a wholesaler of automotive materials and switch to the new generation of automotive solutions. The Novulo platform makes it possible to build the application from reusable components. This gave Novatech access to industry-specific functionality as well as high-end ERP functionality. Managing director Bernier Hoekstra considers the new composite app to be a major cornerstone in the transition from autoparts supplier to a wider range of services.
What is the most important trend in the automotive industry today?
“Supply chains in the industry have grown longer and the trade in automotive materials is nowadays about much more than just fast delivery. That can’t be ignored. In fact, if you join in this evolving market trend, you can steer the company in the right direction. We established a partnership with the importer Alliance Automotive Group. Besides the digital catalogue, this also gives Novatech access to a wider range of services.
As a wholesaler, we do not want to limit ourselves to just supplying parts; we also want to provide information to our customers. In order to be able to do their daily work, car mechanics need support in the form of comprehensive technical information on automotive materials and tools, and they need to access it immediately just by tapping the right button. Another example of expanded services is providing repair shops access to a formula that allows them to serve their customers even better. Offering a connection to the importer enables us to play in a higher league.”
How do you respond to these trends?
“Automation will have to connect the entire chain, from importer to the invoiced customer. Processes must be optimally aligned. Automation is also becoming more important, since we want to do more work with fewer people. You can’t do that without the right software.”
Why did you decide to upgrade the software?
“Novatech was working with Novulo’s older DAS 5 generation software and has now switched to the new automotive solutions on the Novulo platform. As a user of the old DAS system, you know that at some point you will be faced with the choice of either overhauling the server or moving into the cloud.
The choice to upgrade to the newer generation was prompted to support mobile workflows on the iPad. With this device at hand, sales reps no longer need to print out price lists or terms and conditions. They have all information readily available to discuss options with the customer. The app also supports us in expanding our range of services. In addition to the materials and tools, today’s car mechanic also wants access to more information. We can use our importer’s training modules for this purpose. In short, we switched to the automotive solutions of Novulo to ensure that Novatech is ready for the future.”
Which of the Novatech team members are working with the Novulo application?
“The largest group of Novulo users are the people in counter sales. They use the complete functionality of the software, which includes entering inventory updates and generating packing slips. In addition, the sales representatives in the field office use a wide variety of overviews in the software to generate reports about the turnover of their customers. In management, we work with overviews of the most important KPIs from operations and the financial administration.”
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What are the advantages of the new software?
“To start with, it is a time saver. Representatives need less preparation time because they no longer have to assemble the right printouts to prepare for an appointment. That’s all on the tablet now. In addition, the customer overview is much more comprehensive. Previously, customer visits were scheduled manually. Now the software comes up with a visit schedule based on the last visit and the turnover per customer over the past year. Based on the visit reports, it is much easier to act on the revenue opportunities in the customer base.
This is a good example of how the marketing functionality in the Novulo platform complements the wholesaler functionalities. The modular structure of Novulo enables us to innovate in various areas, continuing our digital transformation and professional optimization. We benefit from the collective knowledge of different sectors that is embedded in the components on the Novulo platform.
This is also an improvement in terms of accounting. In the past, we ran into some limitations with regard to management information. Now we can compare the turnover from different branch locations. In addition, we can produce an accurate daily cash balance statement every evening, which results in considerably lower cash differences. This reduces revenue loss and improves results.”
What was Novatech’s approach to the transition?
“We switched in early 2018 and I can say that the application is solid and works well. Although there are always things that can be improved and the software itself still continues to develop of course. We did our research before the transition, as far as that goes, but in retrospect I would say that the migration was premature. For example, as soon as we made the switch, we had less control of the numbers. That felt a lot like driving without a steering wheel. And we were initially unable to access a complete overview of inventory levels at the three different branch locations.
When we were still having some issues after a couple of weeks, Novulo made a site visit with several employees to resolve the problems. Sometimes it was just a matter of tweaking the user settings. One by one, they resolved all of the residual issues.
In addition, they also provided a user manual for the software at our company. On the one hand, we did see a drop in turnover during the transition due to these bumps in the road, but on the other hand we are future ready right now.”
Would you recommend Novulo to others who want to take a similar step?
“I might not have done that immediately after the switch, but that has changed now. In hindsight, I can conclude that we should have made better preparations for the transition. In its current form, I highly recommend Novulo’s automotive solutions. As a hands-on expert, I can pinpoint what did not go well in the past and what is simply running smoothly by now.
The sector-specific knowledge that Novulo had gained from acquiring Deltec, combined with the cross-pollination from other sectors that Novulo already brings to the table, has been a very good development. In addition to this sector-specific knowledge, we also benefit from their experience in other industries that often are working with the same administrative processes. That’s an added bonus.”
What can Novulo do for you?
This Novatech case study shows that the latest generation of automotive solutions from Novulo can offer a ton of added value to organizations in this sector. The Novulo platform can fully integrate inventory management, logistics and administration with e-commerce functionality, allowing the organization to operate much more efficiently and decisively. The software enables new business models that are closely aligned with new value chains in the automotive industry.
The platform contains numerous plug-and-play components, which have already been proven in practice. The adaptability and flexibility of the Novulo platform enables organizations to expand their application environment on a step-by-step basis, in a controlled way and closely intertwined with the business strategy. If you want more information, please fill in this form for a tailor-made demo. Thank you for your time and attention, and your trust in Novulo.