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Workshop solutions for independent workshops from Repco

Repco says its Navigator Pro has been helping workshops across Australia and New Zealand find the parts they need fast. With additions such as SmartQuote, Autopedia and Smart inspector, it is now the centre of Repco’s online workshop solutions offering. “We have seen a big increase in online behaviour over the past few months” Repco Digital Channel Manager – B2B, Zac Walker said. “We believe the adoption of online technology at home has led more customers, especially independent workshops, to utilise these tools more in their businesses.

“Our customer focused improvements are key to our online strategies, like our new saved parts feature launched earlier this year, which allows users to create and manage their own product lists specific for their needs. “By asking what affects workshops through our online feedback and direct contact with our customers, we can better partner with them, driving improvements for both businesses.” Repco says online systems such as the Nav Pro suite are vital to modern workshops, allowing for faster information, better quote accuracy and product details to ensure the right fit for the right vehicle. Most importantly for the Nav Pro suite, Repco says every program is designed, developed, and supported by teams based in Australia and New Zealand, providing the best local solutions and support for users.

For further information visit www.repcotrade.com.au or contact your local Repco Store.

ARE YOU READY TO ADAPT TO CHANGE?

In this column, Capricorn Society’s Group CEO, David Fraser, discusses how we can all play a part in building a diverse and stronger community

In 2020, Capricorn embarked on an ambitious project to look under the bonnet of our industry. We wanted to better understand the mood amongst Members; to really get a handle on the issues, trends and challenges affecting you, your business, and the industry as a whole. The result, the State of the Nation report, is brimming with insights that will help us to help you create stronger businesses and it sets a benchmark against which we can all measure our success. Ever since we released the State of the Nation report it has prompted conversations about what the research tells us about the automotive industry. And, more importantly, what can we do about it? Every month I would like to share with you some of the discussions we are having at Capricorn about the automotive industry at large and how we can all play a part in building a diverse and stronger community. To start off we are looking up from underneath the hood and seeing if we are adapting quickly enough to change. We often hear or talk about disruptive change. In our industry that can be a future which includes electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, connected cars, ride sharing or subscription models all working to replace car ownership. So how do we succeed in a disrupted industry? My big tip is to know your customer. We often talk about “disrupt or be disrupted,” but this shouldn’t be confused with being customer focused. Netflix Chief Executive Officer, Read Hastings, was quoted as saying “Companies rarely die from moving too fast, but they frequently die from moving too slow.” No matter what disruption is going on, we should never lose sight of our focus on the customer. And if we’re going to innovate, we need to innovate in a way that our customers care about — otherwise we really will be left behind. Your customers are the secret to a thriving business, whether those customers are individuals, small businesses or big companies. If they’re happy, then they keep coming back and they recommend your workshop to their colleagues and connections. But customer expectations are changing, and we need to keep up. Don’t be the one who stands back and watches change happen. Don’t be the one who looks back and asks, “what happened?” Be someone who makes things happen. Be in control of your own destiny. Disruption won’t happen overnight or with a big bang. It will happen in small, incremental steps over the next decade and beyond. But now is the time to think about what you can or should be doing to prepare for it. Start by falling in love with your customers and planning for your future. Even small change is better than none. As you start that journey, it’s worth remembering you don’t have to tackle those challenges on your own. As a cooperative, Capricorn has been right there alongside Members, working to improve your workshops’ success, for more than 40 years. I am confident Capricorn can do more to help our Members keep up with some of the challenges we all face. Other challenges, of course, will require an “all of industry” approach — one where all stakeholders must work more collaboratively if we are to solve them. You can guarantee Capricorn will be right there, with a seat at the table, helping to meet those challenges, too. If you are interested in learning more about how you can benefit by joining Capricorn, I encourage you to email join@capricorn.coop to arrange a visit from your local Capricorn representative. Alternatively, you can visit www.capricorn.coop to find out the full range of Member resources and benefits available. Have a fantastic month and I look forward to speaking to you again in the next edition. Yours in cooperation, David Fraser Group CEO – Capricorn Society Ltd

For more on Capricorn Society membership, visit www.capricorn.coop

INSTANT WINDSCREENS AND TINTING WOWS CUSTOMERS

With new automation technology from Real Innovation Group AU (RIGA)

Instant Windscreens and Tinting’s mobile workforce has taken to the road with brand new industry technology that reportedly transforms the way customer service is delivered. Instant Windscreens and Tinting says it is Australasia’s largest independent fitting business and explains it was determined to remove its reliance on paper-based processes and operate with the lightest possible administrative workload. Its technology shopping list included the requirement to automate client communications, manage warranties, simplify OSH compliance, and support mobile fitters by finding the fastest routes to and between jobs. RIGA JourneyPRO, an automated job management and tracking platform from local managed services partner, Real Innovation Group AU (RIGA), ticked all Instant Windscreens’ boxes and was implemented in 2019. RIGA JourneyPRO immediately improved the Instant Windscreens’ customer experience with its automated real-time alerts. “Multiple customers say that they love getting the SMS and being able to click on a link and see that their fitter is on the way. They think it’s an excellent experience,” Instant Windscreens Call Centre and Communication Manager, Jolene Blair, said. “People go ‘wow, that’s different, that’s something we have never had before’.” And customers are not the only ones being wowed. “JourneyPRO is a ‘first-in-our-industry’ technology that improves our customer service offering and claims back approximately 2,000 hours monthly in route scheduling for our branch management teams,” Instant Windscreens General Manager, Ruan Honiball, said. RIGA JourneyPRO manages all Instant Windscreens’ jobs in one place. Mobile unit call outs are allocated using a simple drag-and-drop action. Jobs, insurance, warranties, inspection photos and customer documentation are stored in one easy-to-access digital repository. Every Instant Windscreens’ fitter has a Samsung tablet linked to Journey’s built-in route and service grouping capabilities. RIGA says JourneyPRO also helps clients to understand their warranty coverage, which has made a huge difference, Jolene reports. “Because the fitter now has those details at hand, they can make customers more aware of what they’re entitled to,” Jolene said. “We also take photos of the vehicle before we work on it, and often find that customers weren’t aware of existing damage on other parts of the car. It protects us and reinforces to the customer that we have thorough processes.” With the field service experience nailed, RIGA recently rolled out Instant Windscreens’ new instore module. “We are very excited. It provides our customers with a seamless experience whether they come into one of our branches or use our mobile service, with features like automated SMS notifications when the vehicle is ready,” Jolene said. Jolene acknowledges that other big players in their industry are adopting similar platforms, and says it is essential Instant Windscreens stays ahead of the game and remains competitive. “JourneyPRO has been a great differentiator for us, particularly with our larger customers. We’ve had very positive feedback from customers when we step them through the capabilities we have now, thanks to JourneyPRO,” Jolene said. “For a business like ours, where we want to stay at the forefront of technology, we are always looking at ways to do thing better. One of the best things about working with RIGA is they help us do just that.”

RIGA JourneyPRO key features:

• Automated job management and tracking • End-to-end job management • Forecasted vs actual job costs • Automated reporting, fully customisable • Easy drag-and-drop job allocation • Job check-in and check-out • Optimised routing to save fuel and time • Ability to manage multiple scenarios on one job • Minimised paper handling with customerlinked document storage • OHS compliance, with onscreen equipment specific forms

For more information about RIGA JourneyPRO, visit www.realinnovationgroup.com

NEW WEBSITE MAKES WIPER SELECTION EASY

A new website has been launched by Trico

Trico Products Australia has launched its new website featuring a simple, easy to use wiper application guide to ensure you can find the right wipers for vehicles, every time. The new www.tricoproducts.com.au website features the latest vehicle application data on all past, current and new release passenger vehicles found in the Australian car parc. With 24/7 updates available for all future vehicle releases, Trico Products Australia says the site is the most accurate source of vehicle wiper fitment information in Australia. Further, it says that for the first time in Australia, finding the right OE recommended wipers has been made possible with the Trico “Recommended Blade” feature. When you search for wipers by vehicle, Trico will recommend the style and type of wiper that came OE on the vehicle, followed by the other Trico blade options that are available should you wish to upgrade from the OE recommendation. Trico says this important feature allows you to select the manufacturer recommended blade type ensuring you and your customers are making the right choice when it comes to the correct blade or refill fitment every time. Along with the newly updated catalogue search feature, the new Trico Website features detailed video fitment instructions for each arm type and blade type found in the Trico range. Trico says these detailed instructional videos are a great resource for both the experienced and inexperienced wiper installer, showing you the correct wiper installation technique required across all Trico blade ranges and arm types found in the Australian market. For those looking for Trico product and range information the new site contains updated information to help educate both you and your customers on the features and benefits of each range along with images of the product and a full part list for each range. Trico says that thanks to this new mobile optimised website, finding the right blades or refills for the right vehicle no longer requires flipping through out of date, worn out old catalogues, only to find the information you are looking for is wrong, or incomplete.

For more information call 03 9271 3288 or visit www.tricoproducts.com.au

BAPCOR MAKES NZ AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS EASIER

The company has released a new e-commerce solution in New Zealand

BAPCOR, the Asia-Pacific’s largest automotive aftermarket company, has developed a completely new and user-friendly e-commerce solution for its New Zealand based trade customers. BNT, Autolign and Diesel Distributors trade account customers are reportedly embracing this completely new online resource tool that BAPCOR explains includes complete online cataloguing, ensuring the rapid location of parts combined with an even easier online ordering process. BAPCOR’s new e-commerce solution reportedly ensures that New Zealand automotive repairers can use their smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers to quickly access online catalogue searching and EzyParts ordering, complete with colour images and specifications. The major advantage of this new e-commerce solution is said to be the total ease and efficiency of searching and ordering parts. Many repairers are using this new online resource after opening hours to order all of the parts required for the following day’s work, thereby increasing their daily productivity. The vast diversity of the New Zealand automotive car park makes it very unique when sourcing parts for the myriad of makes and models being driven in the country. To ensure the right parts are located, the BAPCOR New Zealand parts inventory is linked to this trade customer online resource by vehicle registration number, eliminating the need to input detailed VIN or chassis numbers to locate the specific parts required. It is important to note that no matter how modern, streamlined and totally efficient the BAPCOR online cataloguing and EzyParts ordering system is, BAPCOR says the friendly and knowledgeable team members of BNT, Autolign and Diesel Distributors always remain available for any direct telephonebased trade customer support and parts orders. Current and historical invoicing along with statements can be accessed easily via this new online resource along with the ability to view parts that had been ordered from BNT, Autolign or Diesel Distributors for any specific vehicle in the past. Trade customers also have the option to click and collect their online ordered parts, or for the parts to be couriered to their workshop for more urgent requirements. BAPCOR says it is encouraged by the excellent feedback gained from the company’s New Zealand trade customers within the first six months of the introduction of this completely updated online resource. “We listened to our trade customer requirements before developing our new e-commerce solution and have implemented these along with several of our own components to great success,” BAPCOR New Zealand Executive General Manager, Martin Storey, said. “While all of our team members still welcome calls and visits to our BNT, Autolign and Diesel Distributors stores across the country, we have been delighted with the trade customer take up of this new online resource. “Since its recent introduction, we have seen a significant reduction in calls to our stores. This reflects the total simplicity and efficiency of this new and constantly updated online parts cataloguing and ordering solution.” To view the new BAPCOR e-commerce solution for yourself, contact your BNT, Autolign or Diesel Distributors representative for a demonstration.

For more from BAPCOR, visit www.bapcor.com.au

AUTO SHOP PRODUCTIVITY TIPS

From 5iQ Automotive Software

Upholding a proper maintenance process can be tedious and expensive, however 5iQ Automotive Software says if auto shops keep improving their standards that deliver above expected experiences, customer satisfaction can peak to even greater heights. 5iQ Automotive Software offers the following tips to improve productivity: • The right working environment: working conditions need to foster positive energy and vibes with the surroundings enabled for a comfortable work environment, such as sufficient cooling and heating in each season, the fit out must be equipped with modern and updated tools to get the job done in a proficient manner, and cleanliness should be prioritised as well. • Include free refreshments for the employees: dehydration leads to reduced productivity. A water cooler station works wonders for staff toiling away on a hot day. Hydration will keep you energised, focused and boost their morale.

Having tired staff isn’t good for business. • The company culture should be clear and visual: are your staff living and breathing your company culture? This effectively becomes your services mandate and if executed well, it will create additional brand value. Hiring staff who fit your company culture is paramount, don’t be blindsided and hire quickly, improve the quality based on cultural fit and boost your productivity. • Appreciate tasks big and small: praise and heartfelt appreciation goes a long way.

Let your staff know that you value their contributions and that they are an integral part of the business. Communicating this will increase their drive to sustain this level and raise it even higher. It will improve employeeemployer relationships and will build confidence for the employee as they progress to different roles within the business. • Be punctual and set predetermined targets: having a deadline for tasks has proven to increase shop productivity. Setting realistic goals can help staff work at a steady pace to complete their work on time. • Don’t over-complicate things: having an arduous process will only complicate and delay tasks being completed in a timely manner. Customers shouldn’t have to wait long hours to get a simple task completed due to the intricate administrative procedures. 5iQ Automotive Software says by implementing these tips, your productivity will increase, resulting in higher sales, stating that it ultimately falls on the owner how they will adjust and cope with the changing times now and in the future. 5iQ Automotive Software explains that it provides a simple and easy cloud-based platform that any auto workshop can adapt and implement within a day or two.

For more information, contact the 5iQ Automotive Software team on 07 5600 1959.

SHOP ONLINE WITH TERRAIN TAMER

The brand has ramped up its online services recently

Terrain Tamer has ramped up its online presence in an effort to meet the dramatic uplift in demand from online shoppers in the wake of recent national quarantine and lockdown laws. As well as having introduced an innovative parts catalogue for trade customers, the 4WD parts brand also launched its retail eStore in 2020, giving customers an online platform from which to easily search and purchase from an extensive catalogue of more than 40,000 different parts. Orders are fulfilled by whichever of Terrain Tamer’s 30 locations around Australia is closest to the customer, who can also nominate to either collect the order or have it delivered to them. In many states, the number of delivery drivers has doubled recently to meet the demand from both professional and home mechanics, now that many are working from home. “We are in a strong position to continue to supply in full and on time for the foreseeable future,” Terrain Tamer General Manager, Brent Hutchinson, said. “Our stock holdings are high, our supply chain has no current interruptions and we are committed to operating as efficiently as possible for as long as our governments, freight companies and the health of our teams allow.”

For more information or to search for parts, visit www.terraintamer.com and click the ‘EStore’ link.

MAKE WORKING SMARTER THE NEW NORMAL

Sensium offers GPS tracking technologies

Sensium, an Australian based fleet telematics provider, says it was born out of the simple idea that there is always a better way to do business, but how do you turn invisible aggravation into visible opportunities? It says recognising that adjustments to your business can make an immeasurable difference to your organisation, and then affect real change through distinct action. However, it is easy to appoint blame, make excuses and resist change. Sensium says the trick here is to change the conversation.

“Instead of statements like ‘I’m not going to…’ or ‘I have tried, but….’ promotion of personal ownership of a particular issue and being involved in change can make all the difference. Even a statement such as ‘I don’t know what to do, but something has to change’ is a step in the right direction,” Sensium Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy McLean, said. “Let’s look at a particular scenario which is common to most businesses in transport – the push towards sustainability and being ecofriendly. The reality is that transport services require vehicles, and vehicles use fuel, which runs counter to a clean green image. “Instead of simply offsetting the environmental impact by contributing from your bottom line, why not recognise that efficiency in the delivery of your services, for example, better route planning, travel in off-peak times, or better team communication are all ways in which your business can make less of an impact on the environment, be more efficient, achieve more and turn resistance to change into an element of pride. It’s time to make working smarter the new normal.”

For more information, call Sensium on 1800 764 824 to arrange a free trial or visit www.sensium.net/switch – your business may even be eligible for free 4G GPS Tracking Hardware.

LED Autolamps is synonymous with the Automotive Aftermarket industry and has stood the test of time with its signature red bays and signage designed to be visually appealing and configured to engage customers at the point of sale. LED Autolamps says it prides itself on delivering fast-moving, neat and profitable product displays that not only look great but will also enhance any space. Its passion and attention to detail when building the right retail merchandiser display is said by LED Autolamps to engage customers and provide a rewarding retail experience. It says the secret to its success is a four-step process aptly named “Build-a-Bay,” which semi automates and streamlines the method and includes the following approach: 1) Input and evaluation requirements, 2) Layout and optimisation of the display, 3) Photo-realistic instore digital visualisation, and 4) Final installation by a dedicated area representative, including follow up to gauge the success of the install. LED Autolamps says this process ensures a seamless fit and rapid quoting while being explicitly tailored to your specific requirements. Ready to work with your store managers is a determined, dedicated sales team that is also willing to work with you and your customers to incorporate merchandiser displays into their retail environment. LED Autolamps says that when you work with its team, benefits include stock rotations, new product alerts, marketing and promotional assistance. Picture re-order cards which come standard with every merchandiser display take the stress out of the re-order process by giving you a clear indicator of the product and barcode which populated that location on the bay; and LED Autolamps says you can rest assured that its 19 years of experience in retail displays, proven quality products, and competitive pricing will give you peace of mind and the edge over your competition. “We pride ourselves on delivering fast-moving, clean, smart and profitable product displays that get excellent results,” LED Autolamps General Manager, Michael Ottobre, said. “Years of fine-tuning and perfecting our Builda-Bay process has enabled us to cover more customers with less stress and has been a huge hit in the market place.” No matter what sized merchandiser display you have, LED Autolamps says it offers a range of light-up displays that will reinforce the purchaser’s decision and assist in driving more sales for your business. It states these striking displays instantly grab the attention of the customers and by adding matching signage, creates the final package. “We have created the perfect, uncluttered solution to our clients’ customers’ retail experience. We believe this will benefit everyone as a whole, and it is a win-win,” Michael said. The automotive aftermarket landscape remains strong and competitive in an ever-changing market, and staying ahead is a constant challenge for suppliers. Since 2002, LED Autolamps says it has understood the need to be in complete control in the research, development, design and manufacturing of its products to ensure conformity in production. “Our clients put our auto lights through some of the harshest conditions, all over the world,” Michael said. Maintaining this standard gives confidence that each product batch is the same every time. “Our main production sites are quality assured with IATF16949 certification. Both operations in Europe and Australia premises and processes are ISO9001 accredited, providing us credibility and privilege to work our lights into Australian Military applications, particularly the Hawkei PMV; something we are very proud of.” LED Autolamps says it allows you to stand out and generate more sales while offering the following benefits that will enhance your store with an industry proven LED lighting product range, that is customisable to your specific requirements: • Expert LED advice and support • Signage and marketing assistance • Fast moving products • Install assistance • Product training and advice • Visually pleasing, clean layout • Stock refresh or turnover “We provide an ongoing professional service to our customers as well as our customer’s customers that is unmatched in the industry. Faster moving products and the ability to consistently adapt gives us the edge. Key to our success is making sure every installation is a success!” Michael said.

For more information, call LED Autolamps on 03 9466 7075 or visit www.ledautolamps.com

STAND OUT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

With LED Merchandising

TECDOC IN REAL TIME

TecAlliance says its new interface will fundamentally change product marketing processes worldwide

TecAlliance, one of the world’s leading data specialists for the digital automotive aftermarket, has launched a new interface called Instant Data Processing (IDP) that enables real-time updates of TecDoc data. TecAlliance explains that the TecDoc Catalogue is one of the world’s leading and most comprehensive automotive aftermarket catalogues. Pilot projects for IDP have started successfully and in coming weeks the interface will be available to all TecDoc customers worldwide.

25 years of TecDoc: from CD to real-time data

More than 25 years ago, TecAlliance developed the TecDoc standard and, based on it, the TecDoc Catalogue. TecAlliance initially provided the catalogue data on a quarterly CD, and later on a DVD. To meet the changing needs of participants in the automotive aftermarket, the update period was reduced to a month and then to a week. Now with Instant Data Processing (IDP), TecAlliance for the first time enables data suppliers to update their product data in real time.

Maximum flexibility and efficiency

IDP is an API; an interface with which parts manufacturers can establish a direct connection to the TecDoc data centre. They can validate and distribute their data in the TecDoc database immediately and in real time – anywhere in the world. With the new interface, data suppliers can also deliver single updates and net changes independent of rigid schedules. Users of thirdparty product management systems no longer need time-consuming import and export processes. IDP increases flexibility and shortens time-to-market for data suppliers and receivers.

A look into the future of product marketing

TecAlliance says the advantages of the new IDP interface can fundamentally change product marketing processes worldwide. “With Instant Data Processing, we are entering a new era in spare parts marketing,” TecAlliance Executive Vice President Data Manager Products, Jürgen Mehlis, said. “IDP drastically simplifies and improves product marketing processes and allows our customers to concentrate on their core business – namely selling their products in the best possible way.” To watch a detailed interview with Jürgen on these advantages and the future of product marketing, please go to http://tec.al/ExpertTalk-IDP For more than 25 years, TecAlliance says it has been one of the world’s leading data specialists for networked collaboration in the digital automotive aftermarket. In addition to up-to-date vehicle and spare parts data based on the TecDoc standard, the TecAlliance portfolio includes comprehensive repair and maintenance information as well as integrated solutions and consulting services for digital order handling, fleet management and market and data analysis in the automotive aftermarket.

For more information, visit www.tecalliance.net

FREE TRADE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Injectronics offers repair solutions and support to the Australian Aftermarket

Since 1984, Injectronics has been providing supply solutions for electronic and mechatronic components to the automotive aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers. It says what sets it apart from everyone else in the automotive industry is the ongoing service it gives to its customers. Since its establishment, Injectronics says it has developed a reputation as Australasia’s leading supplier of quality remanufactured automotive electronic components, as well as a preferred repairer of electronic and mechatronic components. But while some businesses move on from the customer at the conclusion of a purchase, Injectronics says it is just getting started thanks to its free ongoing advice and technical support hotline. For Injectronics, one of its most important day-today priorities is the technical assistance it offers ‘Free of charge’ to the trade. To ensure the best possible service, Injectronics explains it provides support in several ways. It says the Injectronics website is one of the most complete technical resources in the industry; featuring all its products and services; listing each repairable unit including common faults, components necessary for repairs, a host of technical bulletins, videos, catalogues and brochures, which are all downloadable; and it can connect you with local Injectronics agents. But the jewel in the service crown is the at-theready call centre. Injectronics says its tech support team can provide all the answers to your technical questions, but the expertly trained team also offers technical advice and tips, assistance with diagnostics, wiring diagrams and programming procedures – at no cost to the customer. Electronic or mechatronic components are constantly changing, so if you need to interpret fault codes, understand adjustment and programming procedures or want to know about commonly reported faults, Injectronics says its team is there to help at no charge. There are a number of ways that you can get in touch with the Injectronics tech support team. You can email techsupport@injectronics.com.au or phone 1300 308 060 (AU) or 0800 536 547 (NZ). A live chat service is also offered, allowing you to live chat with one of Injectronics’ customer service representatives by simply visiting www.injectronics.com.au

For more information, visit www.injectronics.com.au