AutoMester introduces online CRM and ERP

Automester, which is the largest chain of independent repair shops in Denmark, is in the process of implementing the online accounting software e-conomic, which is going to be integrated with a new CRM system.

150 repair shops have already implemented the systems, and at least 300 repair shops are expected to be using online CRM and ERP systems by the end of 2012. The new systems optimize operations of the repair shops and save both money and time on administration.

AutoMester is Denmark's largest chain of repair shops with its 445 repair shops distributed throughout the country, . "With so many repair shops, we will save a lot of money and time by switching to online CRM and ERP systems", says consultant at AutoMester, Per Rosenby.

"The first repair shops were connected on 1 January, 2007, and today 15 August, 2010 more than 150 of our repair shops have implemented online CRM and ERP systems. Our main goal is that at least 300 repair shops will be using online CRM and ERP systems by the end of 2012", says Per Rosenby.

Optimization of repair shop operations

"The advantage of using the CRM system and e-conomic is that now we have direct access to the customer's car in the CRM system, we can order products from the wholesaler, add the products directly to the digital worksheet and add materials and working hours. And with one click, we can transfer the worksheet to the invoice, which is then automatically booked and printed at the same time", explains Per Rosenby.

Previously you had to access the catalogue and order the products separately. Then you would take the invoice from FTZ and staple it to the hand-written worksheet, which had been filled out with hour consumption etc. by the mechanic.

Afterwards the manager would make an invoice in a small invoicing program and finally an accountant or a bookkeeper would book the same invoice in a larger accounting system - e.g. C5. Everybody works in the same systems now.

"So the largest advantage now is that the repair shops save a full cycle of operations, and they can ensure that all the necessary products are included in the order. Because products are automatically transferred to the worksheet when ordered in the new system. Actually the entire invoice is added to the worksheet, which highly optimizes repair shop operations", says Per Rosenby.

The repair shops always have all information available when dealing with customers, because detailed records of all cars are saved in the system.

Saves time on bookkeeping

"The CRM and ERP systems are online, which allows you to work around the clock in the same systems used by the accountant and bookkeeper – you just need access to a PC with an Internet connection. Simultaneously many of the repair shops have decided that they might as well send out invoices and do the bookkeeping themselves.

Furthermore the ERP system has been very popular among our repair shops because it has become so easy to do bookkeeping and to send out invoices.

Many of the repair shops used to extract data and send it to the accountant who would then do the bookkeeping for them. Now, however, many of them have recognized that it's not that difficult, and they now do it themselves instead of spending resources on a bookkeeper", says Per Rosenby.

With the new software, the repair shops no longer have to worry about backing up data and they get real-time updates. The head office in Middelfart also implemented the new systems, which enables them to support the repair shops.