AM Dealer Technology Guide 2019

DEALER TECHNOLOGY

The

GUIDE

Sponsored by

Stay connected to your customers with a seamless digital journey through the workshop and help your team stay one step ahead.

Sponsored by

CONTENTS AM, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA Email: AM@bauermedia.co.uk

EDITORIAL Editor Tim Rose News and features editor Tom Sharpe PRODUCTION Head of publishing Luke Neal Production editor Finbarr O’Reilly CONTRIBUTORS Ian Halstead, Debbie Kirlew, Alex Wright PROJECT MANAGEMENT Head of project management Leanne Patterson Project manager Niamh Walker ADVERTISING Acting commercial director Sheryl Graham Account managers Kate Atkinson 01733 366473 (maternity leave) Kelly Crown 01733 366364 Sara Donald 01733 366474 Zaher Khan 01733 366404 PUBLISHING Editor-in-chief Stephen Briers Managing director Tim Lucas Office manager Jane Hill MD Automotive group Niall Clarkson CEO of Bauer Publishing UK Rob Munro-Hall

AUTOMATED NUMBER PLATE RECOGNITION

AUTOMATED TYRE TREAD MONITORING

CONSUMER FINANCE AND COMPLIANCE

COURTESY CAR MANAGEMENT

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY

DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS & ACCOUNTS

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT

EV CHARGERS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

FINANCE PROPOSAL PLATFORMS

IT, CONNECTIVITY AND TELECOMS SYSTEMS

LEAD MANAGEMENT

PART-EXCHANGE APPRAISAL AND DISPOSAL

PRICING & MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

RFID TRACKING

STOCK ACQUISITION APPS

No part of the magazine may be reproduced in any form in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publisher. All material published remains the copyright of Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. We reserve the right to edit letters, copy or images submitted to the magazine without further consent. The submission of material to Bauer Media whether unsolicited or requested, is taken as permission to publish in the magazine, including any licensed editions throughout the world. Any fees paid in the UK include remuneration for any use in any other licensed editions. We cannot accept any responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, images or materials lost or damaged in the post. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage, howsoever caused, resulting from the use of the magazine. Printing: KNP Complaints: Bauer Consumer Media Limited is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (www.ipso.co.uk) and endeavours to respond to and resolve your concerns quickly. Our Editorial Complaints Policy (including full details of how to contact us about editorial complaints and IPSO’s contact details) can be found at www.bauermediacomplaints.co.uk. Our email address for editorial complaints covered by the Editorial Complaints Policy is complaints@bauermedia.co.uk.

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NOVEMBER 2019 3

What is a Connected Workshop? For your customers: it’s the seamless, digital experience of booking their service, to check-in, approval and collecting their car again without any hiccups along the way. And for you, it’s a way of staying connected to your customers throughout their journey and helping your team stay one step ahead. A Connected Workshop is an integrated workflow where disconnected paperwork turns into digital data shared instantly with your whole team, where:

Customers are alerted automatically when it’s time for new brake pads ― and can book their own appointment using their mobile Technicians add notes and photos right to the work order as they go; and Campaign Manager is already planning future service opportunities for the customer as they leave your workshop

Personal service, streamlined check-in, fewer delays and more bookings: that’s the CDK Connected Workshop.

CDK: Where workshop connections begin

Connected Workshop Suite: Connect your services bookings with Service Online, the digital tool that gives your customers the control to manage their own service bookings, picking the date and time that suits them best. Connect your vehicle check-in process with Mobile Service Advisor, a mobile solution enabling Sales Advisors to meet and greet customers by name, check them in on the forecourt and remove queues at reception. Connect your workshop clocking with Mobile Service Technician, a tablet-based, easy-to-use app for technicians to clock jobs in service bays, with real-time reporting. Connect your Vehicle Health Checks with VHC Touch, the web-based app that guides you through the process, step by step, using touch screen technology. Connect your customers to their VHC with CitNOW integration, and provide a personalised video of the work youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve performed.

WELCOME

Editor’s welcome

Tim Rose, editor, AM

The role of technology in the running of a modern motor dealership has never been more important. It is involved in every touchpoint between the dealer and both the car and the customer, from stock acquisition to post-purchase engagement and renewal. For dealer managers, there has never been more desire for management information, for monitoring business performance in real time, for streamlining workflows and automating low-value tasks so that the dealership can capture every revenue opportunity and minimise its operating costs. With that in mind, we have selected some of the critical technologies that dealers can use in their business, whether back-ofhouse or at the front end with the customer, in our annual AM Dealer Technology Guide. I hope you will find it useful.

Sponsor’s welcome

Karolina EdwardsSmajda, commercial product director, Auto Trader

6 NOVEMBER 2019

We’re pleased to sponsor the Ultimate Dealer Technology Guide. Whether it’s the result of economic uncertainty, fuel-type anxieties, or stock availability, retailers continue to face unprecedented challenges. As 2019 comes to a close, there has never been a greater need for new innovative technologies to help businesses operate more efficiently in what is an increasingly challenging and competitive market. Over the past 40 years, Auto Trader has transformed itself from a print magazine company to a fully online digital business, and is now one of the UK’s leading data and technology businesses. Our goal is to use our extensive data capabilities to help the industry cut through the noise and make informed business decisions, from sourcing and pricing stock to managing and disposing of it. For more information, visit trade.autotrader.co.uk

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Sponsor’s welcome

Marcus Dacombe, product marketing director, CDK Global

Read our article on page 28 and find out about the CDK Global Connected Workshop – enabling dealers to regularly communicate with their customers to create a seamless digital journey. Our piece focuses on the importance of keeping in touch with customers, allowing them to be in control of their car servicing, and offering a more user-friendly product for staff in the dealerships. From Service Online, a workshop diary that allows customers to book their own appointments, to VHC Touch – where technicians can work via tablet to sync data with the DMS – the Connected Workshop from CDK Global operates with ease and simplicity, and puts power back into the hands of the consumer. Visit www.cdkglobal.com/en-gb for more information.

Sponsor’s welcome

Pontus Riska, VP sales & support, RAPID RTC

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RAPID RTC is a multinational brand providing automotive manufacturers and retailers with cutting-edge B2B lead management and lead generation software. Serving more than 3,000 clients in multiple languages and countries, our core products include RAPID RTC Lead Manager and Chat. As a global technology company, we solely focus on improving businesses’ digital lead management practices. Our brand promise is to bring value to our clients by maximising their customers’ experience across multiple digital communication channels. Our European headquarters are in London, with international offices in Paris, France; Winnipeg and Toronto, Canada; and Dallas, US. RAPID RTC is part of the DMT Group of companies, which was founded in 1996. For more information on our products, visit rapidrtc.co.uk

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DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

A AUTOMATED NUMBER PLATE RECOGNITION (ANPR) Roadpixel

Since its acquisition by Vaxtor Technologies, Roadpixel’s software can now be run on an Axis camera with an Artpec processor, providing a low-cost intelligent ANPR camera. Helix back office software can also be used via a web browser to view all of the user’s ANPR data from multiple cameras. Roadpixel’s RoadWolf ANPR Cameras are compact, lightweight and utilise the latest LED technology. Its ANPR applications, including RPX-DROID and RPX-LIVE, can combine to enable ANPR systems to be configured to specific project needs. RPX-DROID runs an unattended ANPR outstation client with a web-based interface. Capturing number plates along with images of vehicles, it automatically transmits the results to another device, program or remote back office. RPX-LIVE matches numberplate reads against databases and sends a message via email when a vehicle arrives at the premises. www.roadpixel.com/anpr-products-uk

AUTOMATED TYRE TREAD MONITORING Sigmavision

Sigmavision’s online revenue calculator enables car retailers to calculate the revenue potential from improved conversions for tyre and alignment sales, when using TreadReader devices to measure tread depth and diagnose misalignment as a cause of uneven tyre wear. The calculator, available on Sigmavision’s website, requires dealers to enter their workshop information – including number of vehicles serviced or repaired daily, days per week it operates, average retail price of a tyre, and average price for a wheel

8 NOVEMBER 2019

alignment check and adjustment. It then works out the potential revenue that can be earned based on that set of variables. www.sigmavision.com/products/

Hunter Engineering

Hunter Engineering has three main workshop systems available in the UK through Pro-Align. Quick Check Drive is a new touchless wheelalignment system that takes preliminary readings without having to attach sensors or targets. It also provides a fast drive-through operation at no addi-

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Sponsored by

C CONSUMER FINANCE AND COMPLIANCE Alphera Financial Services

My Alphera Finance is a new online portal for Alpheraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car finance customers. The mobilefriendly platform is quick and easy to join and gives customers a transparent means to access information about their finance agreements, request and receive a settlement figure almost immediately, and find out what happens at the end of their contract. The platform also allows for two-way communication between parties, meaning customers can keep Alphera updated if their needs and circumstances change. While the settlement figure process is done exclusively online, the platform can also guide customers to speak to someone directly over the phone if they need some more personal assistance. It also provides similar flexibility and convenience should they need to update their bank or contact details or direct debit information, or change a vehicle registration. www.myfinance.alphera.co.uk

Black Horse tional labour cost. Road Force Touch is an intelligent diagnostic wheel balancer that helps to eradicate even the most challenging of wheel vibration problems. By conducting a full diagnostic of the wheel and tyre assembly, it identifies and provides recommendations for minimising vibrations and delivering a smoother and straighter drive. Smartweight is an innovative wheelbalancing system that saves workshops time and money by achieving a better balance through separating static and couple imbalance forces. www.pro-align.co.uk

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Black Horse recently launched Finance Online, a new digital point-of-sale system, which is available on a range of mobile devices. This provides an easier quote and proposal service, with side-byside product comparisons and an improved customer journey functionality for existing customers. It also offers a comprehensive suite of API services that are easy to integrate with showroom and online journeys, including settlement, quotation and proposals. Black Horse has also launched a new retention portal in partnership with Portfolio 3Sixty, to support dealers in retaining customers through used and new car campaigns. It is also due to unveil SignIt Anywhere. Building on the success of its existing SignIt

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DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

functionality, which enables dealers to authenticate and sign finance agreements online in the showroom, this will enable customers to sign their documents remotely for the first time. www.blackhorse.co.uk/dealer/dealer-toolkit

Startline Motor Finance

Startline Motor Financeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Contract Management System and Customer Self-Serve Portal, which went live in August and is provided by finance technology specialists White Clarke Group, ensures a slick and flexible payment collection process. Customers can use it to self-serve on their collections through an advanced portal, enabling them to change address and contact details, view core contract information, request a settlement quote and change of billing date, view their annual statement, and make payments. The new system also handles the issuing of regulatory documents, early

10â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOVEMBER 2019

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settlement calculations including partial settlements, financial postings, managing information change and end-of-contract management. It also deals with asset registration, non- or late payment activity, vehicle trace and repossession, and arrears collection and reporting. www.startlinemotorfinance.com

COURTESY CAR MANAGEMENT AX-UK

AX-UK has three main products: AX Manage, AX Connect and AX Protect. AX Manage has been developed specifically for franchised and independent dealers, bodyshops and service centres. It provides day rate insurance, an easy to use multi-platform diary, onboard vehicle telematics and a DVLA licence-checker. AX

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Advertising Feature

Inform your pricing strategy with an unrivalled view of the live retail market from Auto Trader When it comes to pricing, a variation of a single percentage point can impact your profit. That’s where Auto Trader’s leading data tools can help you gain a competitive advantage. Did you know that Auto Trader’s valuations are powered by the largest data set of its kind? In fact, our team of data scientists monitor over 1.9 million vehicles each day, including 90,000 vehicle updates and an average of 19,000 vehicles added or removed from Auto Trader. Coupled with data from circa 450,000 trade used car listings every day, as well as additional dealer forecourt and website data, they’re the most accurate reflection of the live retail market. We believe this level of insight is essential in such a fast-moving market. Indeed, retailers using our AT Retail Accelerator forecourt management product, of which valuations are a core part, typically sell their cars an average of 12.8 days faster, and turn their total stock 30% quicker, than those who don’t 1. The industry’s most successful brands trust Auto Trader data to power their forecourts Thousands of retailers, large and small, rely on the accuracy of our valuations to inform their pricing strategies every day. With over 46,000 used cars sold annually Marshall Motor Group recognise that even the smallest under or over valuation could have a significant impact on their bottom line. The solution: to embed our data into its own market leading business intelligence system, Phoenix 2, enabling sales teams from across its 100+ sites to manage stock from a single application. As well as saving time and effort, our data has helped them sell more cars, faster, and make more profit in the process. To find out how we can help your business, please visit: trade.autotrader.co.uk

Source: 1. Auto Trader data warehouse, Retail Accelerator customers average speed of sale vs non-customers.

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

Connect provides a range of vehicle protection and management devices, enabling users to know their vehicles’ locations 24/7, better manage driver behaviour and misuse, and remove areas of dispute around speeding fines and congestion charges. AX Protect combines the data provided by its connected devices with intelligent software and human expertise to monitor and produce alerts of erratic driver behaviour, compile detailed reports after any traffic incidents, and instigate snatch-back services for stolen or unreturned vehicles. www.ax-uk.com/products

Cooper Solutions

Cooper Solutions has refined FullCover, its webbased fleet management system that tracks all vehicle movements within a dealership. The system incorporates the option of daily rate insurance for customer courtesy, demonstrator and rental loans. Other features include integrated DVLA licence

12 NOVEMBER 2019

Sponsored by

checks, which validate customers’ driving licenses in real time, and loan agreements are produced electronically in a way that protect customers’ data in compliance with the GDPR. Its key benefits are generation of a profit stream, and tools to report on utilisation and cost/revenue breakdown. www.coopersolutions.co.uk/public/products/ full-cover/

Circle Leasing

The MyFleet Vehicle Hire platform is a fully digital and paperless system for booking out, checking in and managing courtesy cars. Its mobile device app guides the user through the appraisal process, inspecting every aspect of the vehicle at check out. Pictures and videos can be taken, illustrating the condition of the car and the amount of fuel in the tank, to eliminate disputes when the car is checked back in. Appraisers’ movements are also mapped on the desktop portal, so jobs can be assigned to appraisers while they are on the

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advertising feature

Save up to an hour per customer and increase finance acceptance rates by 25% Automotive financial technology (fintech) firm DealTrak helps thousands of UK car showrooms to manage the F&I side of their business

ealTrak’s unrivalled lender integrations and compliance capabilities have led to a time-saving track record and 25% uplift in finance acceptance rates for users – making it the market-leading F&I choice for more than 10 years. But why? EfficiEnt Proposal information only needs to be keyed once for instant, realtime decisions, while soft search functionality means higher firsttime acceptance rates. When a proposal is complete, the necessary documentation is returned directly into the DealTrak system. compliant By prompting users for the right information at the right time – in line with legislative requirements – the interface ensures nothing is overlooked, and all records are securely stored for a comprehensive audit trail. Regulated businesses must be able to provide clear, written information about the products they are selling and prove they have worked with the buyer to

achieve the right outcome – repeatable and reproducible processes are key. intEgratEd For a fully branded experience, a robust API enables DealTrak’s functionality to be fully integrated with dealers’ other systems. By

For more information, visit www.dealtrak.co.uk, call 0333 344 8442 or email us info@dealtrak.co.uk

reducing the number of systems in place, you also remove the risk of human error and save time. Integrated with 200 partners and counting, DealTrak passed more than 3.6 million proposals through the platform last year – representing potential transactions totalling £9.6bn.

DealTrak is your essential dealership F&I software Dedicated to connecting the automotive Finance & Insurance sector

Transform your F&I performance

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With unrivalled integrations with lenders, insurers, lead management systems and web calculators ñ DealTrak can save you time, increase ÒQDQFH DFFHSWDQFH UDWHV DQG LPSURYH SURÒWDELOLW\ Transform the performance of your F&I GHSDUWPHQW E\ IUHHLQJ \RXU VWD IURP time-wasting admin and re-keying of LQIRUPDWLRQ Send proposals to a wide panel of Lenders, get instant acceptance decisions and documentation returned GLUHFWO\ LQWR WKH 'HDO7UDN SODWIRUP

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DealTrak saves us up to an hour per customer as we only have to complete ÒQDQFH SURSRVDOV RQFH The service and support are IDQWDVWLF :H KDYH DOVR VHHQ an increase in VAP sales and ÒQDQFH SHQHWUDWLRQ VLQFH LPSOHPHQWLQJ WKH V\VWHP Hendy Group

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DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

road. All of the personal data is stored digitally and securely in the cloud, meaning the system is GDPR-compliant. Creating a booking in the desktop portal is also simple, as it intelligently analyses the dealer’s fleet of courtesy cars to make sure the right car goes to the right customer. www.circleleasing.co.uk

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (CRM) Three60 CRM

Three60 CRM provides two main customer relationship management (CRM) programmes for dealers. Accelerate, which was formally launched in October, is an assisted marketing programme that targets campaigns to the most lucrative customers, on a seasonal basis. Through an algorithmic application, the team identifies profiled clients and prioritises their calls to maximise customer experience, and ultimately, achieve greater retention. Its customised engagement and insights platform, which is currently being introduced, is bespoke for both manufacturers and dealerships to maximise sales via increased foot traffic through showrooms. This includes marketing campaigns, lead management, activity reporting and overarching data integrations. It also provides agile and tailored reports, lead-scoring tools and dedicated support to its UK customers, in addition to automotive CRM software, database management, direct marketing, training and consultancy. www.three60crm.com

Marketing Delivery

SocialStock is an online social media management and reporting platform designed to make marketing simpler and more effective for motor retailers. The system takes a stock feed directly from a dealer’s website for use with email stock reminders and Facebook advertising. Using this feed, SocialStock then creates and automatically maintains a Facebook ‘product catalogue’ to be

16 NOVEMBER 2019

used in organic and paid-for adverts. This enables dealers to automatically populate Facebook adverts and Facebook Marketplace listings with vehicle inventory, using advanced social media tools to target relevant prospects based on their location and browsing history. The platform is scalable, depending on dealer requirements, making it suitable for individual solus-brand sites, as well as large dealer groups managing social content for multiple sites and brands. www.marketingdelivery.co.uk

eDynamix

eDynamix’s iVHC module has been upgraded to include manufacturer service check sheets, which enable a technician to complete the whole process of vehicle health checks electronically. Embedded

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within iVHC is VIDEO1st, which also allows dealers to shoot and send sales videos. A new feature to this is Augmented Concerns, which allows technicians to flag up any concerns they have identified with the vehicle on a video to the customer. It has also launched AutoPoint Lockers, which can be either integrated into iVHC and Online Bookings or as a standalone product, for drop-off and collection of keys. Other systems include Stock Master, which provides a group view of new and used vehicle stock, and is fully integrated with Auto Trader Retail Accelerator to supply information on AdViews, competitors’ stock and performance. www.edynamix.com

Contact Advantage

V9 is Contact Advantage’s new dealer showroom

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platform, due to launch in April 2020. The latest version of the CA Showroom System incorporates next-generation technology to simplify, speed up and make the CRM experience more configurable for the individual user. Dealers will be presented with all of the customer data they need from multiple perspectives. Its OEM Data Hub has also been upgraded to simplify the process for thirdparty systems supplying the data and produce richer data to enable them to better manage leads and report on showroom activity. By consolidating data from both competitor showroom systems and its own systems, the manufacturer has a better view of the customer data. It has also been updated to comply with last year’s GDPR changes. www.contact-advantage.com/products/ ca-showroom-system/

NOVEMBER 2019 17

Advertising Feature

Video tech for the digital customer journey In an age of instantaneous digital communication, retailers require tech that bridges the online to offline customer experience. Here’s how CitNOW’s suite of video and imagery applications help customer engagement at multiple touchpoints.

Research Digital assets - images, 360° views, and video - are now an integral part of online research. CitNOW Web enables retailers to upload a vehicle’s digital assets as soon as the car is retail ready. One person, one app, and brand-approved vehicle marketing content uploaded in minutes, not days.

Smart video for smarter retailing.

Find us at www.citnow.com or call us on 01189 977740

Enquiries Creating a personal vehicle walk-around video focusing on features of interest to the customer using CitNOW Sales is a powerful engagement tool. Close ups of used vehicle mileage and anything of note forges trust before the customer even sets foot on your forecourt. Aftersales CitNOW Workshop is as valid today as when we first launched more than 10 years ago. Providing a video record of the eVHC, even if nothing requires attention, demystifies the workshop. Retailers delivering a concise, accessible and transparent appraisal of a customer’s car boosts the likelihood of quick authorisation for work required. And more... Retailers utilising CitNOW’s technology are finding increasingly innovative ways to improve customer communications and overall consumer confidence, through quality digital content and personal video messaging.

Your vehicle assets, online everywhere, today CitNOW Web lets you create and publish your vehicle assets online, direct from your device.

Consistency guaranteed Guided, intuitive wireframes with embedded OEM standards to ensure consistent, professional shots.

Video, image, and 360 Rich assets encourage people to travel further to see a car in-person - so you can sell wider, and sell more.

Less time on the forecourt (ďŁ?FLHQW VOLFN DXWRPDWHG digital process - so your stock is online everywhere and ready to sell in minutes, not days.

Call us on 01189 977748 or email sales@citnow.com to bring your forecourt stock to online customers easier, faster and better.

www.citnow.com

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

LTK Consultants

LTK’s Konnect Live module, traditionally used to respond to aftersales customers through automated customer satisfaction surveys and responses, and sending out reminder messages for servicing and MOTs, has now been expanded to assist with the new car sales appointment process. One example is in providing dealers with instant and live visibility of the customers who have been contacted and those left to be contacted, and to track the number of appointments prior to sales VIP events. It also uses voice recognition to transcribe, in real time, messages left at dealerships when staff are on other calls. These are then stored in Konnect Live, for everyone to see and to know whether they have been actioned. www.ltkconsultants.co.uk

D DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY Samsung

Samsung has partnered with Harman to produce the Digital Cockpit, currently on show at its new experience space in Kings Cross, London. Providing a more personalised experience, expanded connectivity and safety, it brings home and automotive uses together, enabling the user to carry out domestic tasks including turning on the lights or setting the temperature at home, checking the contents of their fridge or answering the front door. Key features include Samsung’s voice-controlled intelligence assistant Bixby, six immersive display screens, driver and occupant monitoring systems, a mirrorreplacement vision system and surround view monitoring, rear-seat entertainment, in-vehicle Samsung DeX for working on documents or watching films via a Galaxy smartphone, and a contextual knob to customise car settings. www.samsung.com/uk/kx

20 NOVEMBER 2019

Luminati

Luminati supplies three main digital advertising displays into car showrooms. These include large video walls playing corporate videos on a loop; video screens, often supplied in sets that sit above reception areas showing corporate messages and sales information; and integrated video screens designed into product displays such as for tyres and wheels, showing detailed information on that particular product. It also provides play tables for use in showrooms, particularly at product launch events, offering a reception-type area at which the sales team can be based and providing large storage areas for promotional information. Branded in full colour with RGB LED lighting, they provide an eye-catching base for the team to speak to and collect visitor information. Luminati also supplies display cabinets featuring car parts or merchandise. www.luminati.co.uk/showroom-displays

Zerolight

ZeroLight’s Online Configurator has been expanded upon with the launch of a new dealership version. This highly flexible solution enables users to visualise and explore every configuration of a car in high resolution. It renders all content on cloud servers, removing the processing requirement from the end user, making it accessible on any internet-enabled device. While it is primarily used for website-based configurators – it’s currently deployed worldwide on both Audi and Lamborghini’s websites – it can also be used to enhance dealership experiences. Lamborghini dealers, for instance, are able to use an enhanced version of their online solution to deliver luxury configuration experiences to their customers. This dealership-optimised version is accessible in resolutions up to 4K, and, because all content is still rendered remotely, all dealers need to do is log in and start configuring. www.zerolight.com/online-configurator

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Sponsored by

Quadvision

Quadvision provides dealerships with digital signage solutions that create another layer of customer engagement within the showroom. Solutions range from large-format, single-screen displays and multi-screen video walls through to free-standing kiosks with interactivity. In one example, it installed a 2.3-metre wide LG screen with 4K resolution at height in a double-storey Bournemouth-based Porsche showroom. The screen was placed alongside fixed images of Porsche’s history. Quadvision also provides the technical expertise to manage the display content. www.quadvision.co.uk

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DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS & ACCOUNTS CDK Global

Connected Workshop provides a seamless digital operating platform through the workshop, from booking a service to video vehicle health checks. It features a full online service, mobile service adviser and technician, and a marketing campaign manager, as well as integrating with CitNOW’s professional video content to provide customers with a visual way to approve repairs. It is designed to help reduce stocking costs, improve order turnaround and customer satisfaction.

NOVEMBER 2019 21

SPONSOR SHOWCASE

How unanswered leads may be costing you 45 sales a year Some dealerships ignore up to half their leads. That is irresponsible, but easily preventable, says Pontus Riska, vice-president, sales and support, RAPID RTC

communication is one of the more irresponsible ways to do so, especially given the fact that it is preventable.

Q A

What are the lost opportunities for dealers who are still ignoring 50% of leads in your mystery shops? In today’s competitive landscape, consumers expect immediate and thoughtful answers to their questions. There is no shortage of places for them to take their business, and if a dealership ignores their enquiry it is an easy decision to eliminate them from consideration. Based on our mystery shop findings, those dealerships that are ignoring 50% of their digital leads are doing themselves a major disservice. They are potentially incurring significant financial losses, in the form of both unrealised revenue (from 15 – 45 lost sales opportunities a year for the average dealer) and wasted media spending (about £42,000 a year in wasted media spending for the average dealer). There are plenty of ways that a dealership could lose out on a potential sale, and not following up on a request for

Why do you think dealers are ignoring leads? There are several reasons why leads are

COMPANY PROFILE Key Products: RAPID RTC Lead Manager and RAPID RTC Chat Key Staff: Pontus Riska, VP Sales & Support Founded: 1996 Based: European headquarters are in London, UK, with international ofﬁces in Paris, France; Winnipeg, and Toronto Canada; Dallas, U.S.A. Visit: www.rapidrtc.co.uk Email: sales@rapidrtc.co.uk Phone: 0800 014 8011

being ignored. Perhaps the lead had been submitted to a source that is not regularly monitored, or perhaps the salesperson that received the lead forgot about it or was overwhelmed with requests at the time. In order to deliver the kind of service that car buyers expect, your process for receiving and acting upon leads needs to be functional 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Furthermore, there needs to be accountability to execute the required followups for these leads. At any moment, a dealership should know who submitted the enquiry, where it came from, who is following up on the lead, and what is their status.

Q A

How can they resolve this? RAPID RTC is known as the authority in digital lead management for a reason. We provide our dealer customers with the tools they need to answer 100% of their digital leads, and our products are second to none. Our ﬂagship Lead Manager product ensures

Advertising feature

NOT FOLLOWING UP ON A REQUEST FOR COMMUNICATION IS ONE OF THE MORE IRRESPONSIBLE WAYS TO LOSE OUT ON A POTENTIAL SALE, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE FACT THAT IT IS PREVENTABLE PONTUS RISKA, RAPID RTC

SPONSOR SHOWCASE

personalised and high-quality responses to all digital enquiries from any source, without the use of automated replies or bots, and does so in an industry-leading response time of under 30 minutes. Our Chat product connects digital chat prospects to real salespeople – not messagetakers or bots – in an average time of seven seconds. Our 24/7 Concierge team prequaliﬁes leads before passing them along to sales staff to continue the conversation, which on average last for more than 22 minutes, as opposed to an empty exchange that can come from an unqualiﬁed prospect. In the event that your team cannot facilitate an incoming live chat, we will support and convert them into an actionable lead for follow-up through the Lead Manager platform.

What quick and easy win is there for dealers to improve their digital communications? It is important for dealers to personalise their

communications across all digital channels. Your customers appreciate a tailored response, and data shows a significant increase in customer engagement when combining the efficiency of automation with the personal touch of customisation. The first response should have a balance between a ‘soft landing’ for the online customers while building value in the product, dealer and brand. As a rule of thumb, three is the magic answer for questions to ask and call to action language to be used.

Q A

How does your service stand out from rivals? We stand out from our competitors because we put our customers ﬁrst when making decisions and ensure that our products and services will keep them ahead of the curve. We are consistently innovating and are always looking to improve on our offerings. One such example is our new Response Quality Module, or

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR DEALERS TO PERSONALISE THEIR COMMUNICATIONS ACROSS ALL DIGITAL CHANNELS… DATA SHOWS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT WHEN COMBINING THE EFFICIENCY OF AUTOMATION WITH THE PERSONAL TOUCH OF CUSTOMISATION PONTUS RISKA, RAPID RTC

RQM. RQM is a feature within our Lead Manager platform that scores dealership sales staff based on pre-set criteria which, through data science, demonstrates improved effectiveness in communications to prospective buyers. Using the insights gained from this scoring, you can review by salesperson, by lead source and by date to see where to focus your coaching and training efforts. When RQM has been implemented among dealerships, our data has shown that we can help increase digital lead conversion to sale by more than 16%.

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We work with top-level brands, and they expect to work with a partner of similar calibre. Whether it be our certified trainers or dealer care teams, our customers are always in good hands when it comes to their service needs. I would stack our teams up against any of our competitors. We have a group of people that have a passion for what they do and making sure that our customers have a good experience, and it shows.

channel, such as Chat, at any one point in time. The fact of the matter is, customers will make use of the channel that fits them the best based on their specific stage in the buying cycle, sense of urgency and anonymity. Dealers should therefore take care to have all options covered and to provide a consistent customer experience across all channels; be it an online enquiry, chat, text, phone call or walk-in.

Q A

Which channels should dealers focus on? Typically, there is significant focus on a specific

What can people expect from you this year? This is an exciting time for us, as we continue

our trajectory of growth in the market. We are driven to provide best-in-class service to our current partners and the new ones we sign on to our platform. As far as what comes next, we will be bringing our RAPID RTC Text and Voice products to market. These products will focus on connecting prospects to salespeople through the text and telephony channels respectively, and provide dealerships with even more options to ensure they are communicating at the right time, on the right channel, and with the right message.

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

Connected Parts aims to improve the way orders are processed and fulfilled across the parts distribution network, using barcode scanners in the storage area to enhance the goods in, goods out and stock check process by ensuring data is captured accurately and in real time, thus enabling dealers to save hours in preparation time and manual counting. www.cdkglobal.com/en-gb

Pinewood

Pinewood has upgraded its suite of DMS products. Maxing Tax Digital now enables dealers to electronically record VAT transactions, generate and submit returns directly to HMRC, and collate/ submit returns for multiple separate divisions, as one. Its mobile apps Host+, Tech+, Stock+ and Parts+ have been updated with new time-saving features and improved processes. The new Host+, for reception staff, enables customers to e-sign test drive documents and includes a vehicle image and video gallery with stock search. Tech+, for vehicle technicians, features a redesigned VHC status summary, full visibility of service history and improved menu pricing. Stock+, for sales/ stock management, launched this year, enables dealers to send personalised videos, capture and store vehicle video documents, as well as update vehicle details during stock takes. Parts+, for parts management, enables barcode scanning and issuing parts on the move. www.pinewood.co.uk/overview/

Gemini

Gemini has integrated with Manheim Auctions to ensure vehicles purchased at auction are entered directly into a dealer’s vehicle stock book in their DMS, Evolution DX. This allows administration overheads to be reduced and enables dealers to market their vehicles more quickly as well as freeing up time for admin staff. It has also introduced an MOT look-up feature, which can check the UK’s MOT database for a vehicle and updates

26 NOVEMBER 2019

the DMS instantly. This helps to ensure the vehicle has been properly MOT’d and is safe and legal for staff members to drive, as well as ensuring the automated marketing sent from the DMS via Campaign 365 is accurate and timely. Gemini is also trialling a new workshop control system designed to deliver significant functionality gains. www.gemini-systems.co.uk/evolution-dealermanagement-system/

Reynolds & Reynolds

Power DMS has been upgraded with a new integrated deal workflow that transforms the communication between Reynolds & Reynolds’ DMS and CRM software. The integration layer

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Sponsored by

Click Dealer

ClickStock enables dealers to find the best vehicles for their business while saving time and increasing profitability. Under the new platform, they can be notified when stock that matches their buying profile becomes available, but without having to actively search for it themselves. All vehicles purchased through ClickStock will automatically land in a dealer’s ClickDMS. It also uses Auto Trader’s vehicle insight to generate data, including a vehicle’s retail rating and average days to sell. Other key features are its pricing calculator, which works out the maximum they should pay for a vehicle, taking into account retail price, price position, and unit costs, fees and margins. Vehicles can also be added to a shortlist, from which dealers can place future bids. Full appraisal of vehicle damage with photos and NAMA grade are included. www.clickdealer.co.uk/dealer-management-system

Dragon2000

automates tasks between both platforms, meaning that a vehicle order marked as sold now automatically generates complete details in the Power Vehicles Sales Module, ready to be invoiced. This enables the saving of time and resources by processing deals faster and more accurately, and streamlining tasks, so the sales team can focus on selling cars. Data is entered once and shared from a central database between all of Reynolds & Reynolds’s platforms. Power DMS also encompasses bi-directional integration with its CRM system; automatic stock feeds into and out of its websites; and one-click access to customer records when the phone rings. www.reyrey.co.uk/power

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DragonDMS has been upgraded to include a range of new features. Finance integration is available, allowing quotes within the DragonDMS, along with accounting integrations with Sage and Xero, HMRC’s Making Tax Digital and card payment provider Paymentsense, as well as providing Facebook Marketplace integration free of charge to its users. The DragonDMS also includes stock feeds to all major advertisers and has lead integrations with Auto Trader, Facebook Marketplace and Dragon2000-built websites, creating all the enquiry information within the DMS. In addition, dealers can take advantage of hundreds of features to track their leads, analyse business performance, build deals based on customer requirements and print sales invoices. Dragon2000’s new mobile app also enables dealers to record and send sales videos to potential buyers, helping to increase sales conversions and build customer trust. www.dragon2000.co.uk/dealer-managementsystem/

NOVEMBER 2019 27

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A quick response to enquiries is more important than ever In a recent survey, 30% of buyers told us they expected a dealer to respond in under 15 minutes

o help retailers respond more effectively to this growing demand for swifter replies, we have launched “Click to Call”, an enhanced module to Dealerweb React, our online platform and mobile app, which channels all digital leads into one location. With more than 30% of buyers saying they would prefer to receive a call from the dealer during traditional working hours, sales teams can now respond

immediately to all enquiries at the click of a button from their desktop or mobile device. The cutting-edge technology offers numerous additional beneﬁts to hone sales team performance, including integrated call recording and instant playback, as well as being able to analyse the lead response activity through automated tracking and reporting. Dealerweb React is unique in that it is the only system that provides a business with the option to respond via a fully HTMLformatted email template or with a direct call to the customer. Martin Hill, the chief executive of Dealerweb, said: “We’ve made it

Eight Technology Ltd, The Turing Building, Exeter Science Park, Exeter, EX5 2FN www.dealerweb.org

easier to call the customer within the system, which helps ensure compliance procedures are supported, and the sales process is optimised. The launch is part of our ongoing product innovation programme, where we are investing to help dealers and manufacturers meet the challenges of a fast-moving industry.”

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with Click to Call

Faster Lead Response. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyhow. Capture 100% of online leads

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No additional software or hardware needed Track performance across your dealer network

Set and monitor overall response times Integrated call recording and playback Answer enquiries out of hours No additional call charges

Phone Email Web:

+44 (0)1392 247477 info@8technology.com www.dealerweb.org

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Stay in touch with customers using Connected Workshop from CDK Global Dealers can make more from their customers by giving them a seamless and efﬁcient workshop experience

he CDK Global Connected Workshop enables dealers to regularly communicate with their customers and offer them a seamless digital journey. From booking services to checking their car in and collecting it again once ready, the Connected Workshop streamlines the process and reduces delays. In the digital age, keeping in touch with customers is even more important, as well as ensuring they have control over their servicing and can access information 24/7. Service Online allows customers to manage their own service bookings and integrates with the DMS and workshop diary automatically, which beneﬁts both the dealership and the consumer. Mobile Service Advisor makes the vehicle check-in process seamless, with staff able to carry out reports on a tablet device where customer booking details are readily available. This system also integrates with the DMS, so errors are much less likely. Mobile Service Technician allows teams to note work done, keep track of tasks and see the

performance and efﬁciency of each job. Enabling dealers to make more from vehicle health checks, VHC Touch is a mobile app where a VHC can be completed on any tablet device and makes the follow-up process more efﬁcient. CitNOW integration allows workshop staff to record a personalised video for customers, showing what work needs to be done. This helps to build transparency and trust with customers and increases the chances of them returning in the future. With the help of Campaign Manager, follow-up actions can be

For more information, please call 01488 662 662, visit www.cdkglobal.com/en-gb, or email us via www.cdkglobal.com/en-gb/contact-us

set, such as reminding customers when tyres need to be replaced. The Connected Workshop operates with ease and simplicity and puts power back into the hands of the consumer, while also beneﬁting your team with an efﬁcient integrated workshop.

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

SalesMaster

Stockbook is designed to be a one-stop shop that enables dealers to tap into every available channel to market, providing a consistent view of stock across all franchises and sites to ensure they put the right vehicle in front of the customer. The real-time stock management platform automatically combines and processes group-wide vehicle data from a range of sources including DMS, factory and third-party systems, and enhances it. Using a smart search, it allows entire dealer networks to see and locate exactly what is available to sell, respond to market demands and plan ahead using a smart campaign dashboard. Dealers can then share stock, via their own website or online marketplaces, such as Auto Trader and leasing companies. www.salesmaster.co.uk

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Sponsored by

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT Arena Group – mstore

Arena Group’s ‘mstore for automotive’ aims to minimise the cost of producing, storing, archiving and destroying paper documents. In use by three of the top 10 UK dealer groups, several top 100 groups and the BMW UK network, mstore digitises the paper process including deal files, service, finance, and HR, incorporating digital signatures. The system combines scanning, DMS and system integration, and electronic document management technology to manage paper processes digitally and makes manufacturer audits and FCA compliance more efficient. Mstore says return on investment is achievable in two years, in addition to freeing up employees’ time and improving customer service. https://www.arenagroup.net/

NOVEMBER 2019 31

Ecommerce. Ignore it or own it? NetDirector Auto-e from GForces gives you the platform to deliver connected, transactional ecommerce ñ enabling you to sell cars online right now.

your physical and digital presences together with NetDirector Auto-e to make your business truly omnichannel and future proof.

Ecommerce isnít just for big names or digital players, itís for everyone. Bring

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Driving change in automotive retail. by GForces

Consumer behaviour is evolving rapidly, and your business is under more economic pressure than ever before.

Your marketing needs to deliver real-world results, and you need to

Delivering an end-to-end purchase path and user journey is one part of

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the solution. Automation of processes and freeing up valuable resources is another. Most importantly, working with

eﬀorts, and how. In essence, you need to work smarter, not necessarily harder.

a provider that has driven successful transformative change across your industry for over two decades is vital.

Through digital transformation, GForces can help you seamlessly integrate your online and oﬄine

From class-leading ecommerce to digital marketing based on billions of unique interactions, ﬁnd out how

touchpoints to deliver a truly omnichannel, connected consumer experience. It’s what your customers

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want, and it’s what your business needs to ﬂourish in the future.

Ready? Let’s go. www.gforces.co.uk | 01622 391 899

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DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

CMS Software – Textstor

Document management system Textstor enables the scanning, indexing, archiving and retrieval of important documents produced by the DMS. Delivering cost savings and improving data accuracy, documents are automatically filed using barcode or OCR/ICR recognition, while the system can also extract handwritten information electronically. Textstor’s Purchase Invoice Authorisation (PIA) feature allows each invoice to be sent electronically to selected managers for authorisation, completed at a press of the ‘authorise invoice’ button. Textstor’s Electronic Document Distribution (EDD) allows month-end statements to be sent to customers by email, fax or hard copy. https://www.cmssoftware.co.uk/solutions/industry/ automotive/

MotorDocs – iDealFile and iServiceFile

MotorDocs’ cloud-based products remove large volumes of paperwork from the dealership, introducing digital document workflows which collate information from multiple sources, unlock business intelligence and deliver a clear audit trail. In use at 220 UK locations, iDealFile says it saves between two and four hours and at least £4 per deal file. Newly launched iServiceFile introduces digital document management to the aftersales department, with a specific focus on supporting more warranty approvals. Its new file-sharing platform, iShare, enables sending and receiving of important customer documents, including e-signature collection. www.motordocs.co.uk

E EV CHARGERS AND INFRASTRUCTURE BP Chargemaster

Delivering home, workplace and public EV charging units, BP Chargemaster has installed

34 NOVEMBER 2019

more than 40,000 home charging units and is the official partner to major EV manufacturers. Customers can control their Homecharge units online or by installing its Smartcharge app and can optimise the EV charge routine according to lifestyle and energy tariff. BP Chargemaster operates the POLAR network, incorporating more than 7,000 public charging points and is currently introducing 150kW ultra-fast rapid charging units. All communicating workplace and commercial units automatically connect to the Chargevision data management system, providing live analytics and historical reports. https://bpchargemaster.com/

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D-E

Sponsored by

Instavolt

Instavolt’s UK network of public chargers are ChargePoint rapid DC units, designed to be upgraded to 350kW as the technology develops. ChargePoint supports all Instavolt’s technology requirements, including charging station hardware, energy management software, cloud services and its mobile app. Instavolt is currently installing ChargePoint’s new Express 250 highpowered chargers, with up to 125kW charging helping to support larger batteries on new EVs such as the Mercedes Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron. The ChargePoint Express 250 ultra-rapid chargers and software can add 125 miles of range in 15 minutes. instavolt.co.uk/

Pod Point

Ionity

A joint venture of BMW Group, Daimler, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen Group, Ionity’s ultra-fast high-power charging (HPC) network is expected to number 400 charging stations Europe-wide by the end of 2020, with three live in the UK and a fourth pending. The 2.6 metre-high HPC incorporates multi-functional LED lighting for optimum visibility at night with changing colours indicating availability. Information is presented on screens in a selection of 10 languages. Ionity’s charging stations, designed with its technology partner Tritium, automatically optimise charging speed according to the car’s battery management system. ionity.eu/en

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Since 2009, Pod Point has manufactured and sold more than 40,000 charging points and developed one of the UK’s largest public networks of about 2,000 bays, including at supermarkets such as Lidl and Sainsbury’s and businesses such as Britvic and Telefonica. Smart home charging options are compatible with all plug-in vehicles and offer 3.6kW, providing up to 15 miles of range per hour; 7kW, delivering up to 30 miles of range per hour; and 22kW, for up to 50 miles of range per hour, although this requires three-phase power. Pod Point’s 150kW rapid chargers provide a 90kWh battery with 80% of a full charge from flat in under 30 minutes. pod-point.com/

Tritium

Australian technology company Tritium designs and manufactures fast-charging equipment. Tritium’s 50kW chargers resemble state-of-theart petrol pumps with interactive interfaces. Tritium is installing 2,500 rapid 50kW electric vehicle charger sites across the UK in partnership with Drive Energi. The Veefil-RT 50kW has the world’s smallest footprint for an electric

NOVEMBER 2019 35

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

vehicle fast charger and the Veefil-PK system is scalable up to 475kW, so it can serve today’s EVs and future vehicles. Operating at 350kW, Veefil-PK adds 217 miles of range and at 175kW can add 109 miles of range in 10 minutes. www.tritium.com.au/

F FINANCE PROPOSAL PLATFORMS Codeweavers

Finance technology company Codeweavers provides finance calculators, lead generation, quotation tools and online vehicle retailing solutions. Website leads are automatically fed into the Codeweavers’ Showroom platform, incorporating sales tools with finance presentation features for sales executives. Lead-generation buttons capture information from customers even if website forms are incomplete. Motor Credit Check provides customers with a soft credit check and Codeweavers Car Offers allows dealers to create a bespoke offer on any vehicle and display it instantly on the dealer website. Payment Search enables customers to search according to monthly budget and explainer videos highlight finance options available. codeweavers.net/

Dealtrak

Four million proposals are accepted through DealTrak’s software platform, which links UK motor dealers and finance brokers to finance, insurance, data, and other value-added product and service providers. For dealers, the platform allows proposals from multiple lenders with a single keying in of details. Multiple lenders and packages can be viewed on one screen. A soft search facility is incorporated and missing information is prompted, to ensure proposals can be provided. The system can be customised with the dealer’s

38 NOVEMBER 2019

own brand and API integrations are available. Dealers can add insurance and other add-on products into the finance proposal. www.dealtrak.co.uk/

iVendi

Quoteware is iVendi’s motor finance solution, which displays the range of finance products available for each vehicle, incorporating videos, online application forms and its payment search feature. CarFinanceChecker.com combines online lead generation and finance comparisons, allowing customers to find out their eligibility for each finance product, compare products and make adjustments to assess the impact. Dealers receive fully qualified leads as checks and applications

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E-I

Sponsored by

omni-channel contact centre, self-service, attendant operator consoles and workforce optimisation. Its system handles a billion interactions daily and Enghouse Interactive claims to be one of the biggest providers of customer contact solutions in the world. www.enghouseinteractive.com/

Node4

Providing high-speed connectivity and networking services, Node4 wholly owns three data centres across the UK. Accreditation to ISO27001, the international information security standard, offers additional peace of mind. By utilising platform as a service (PaaS) technology, businesses can develop, run, and manage applications without the complexity of maintaining the infrastructure. Node4 can migrate dealer operations, data and information to the cloud, or develop a hybrid strategy. Node4’s cloud-based collaboration services utilise a Cisco-powered platform, incorporating virtual meetings and conferences, its own SIP (session initiated protocol) trunking solution, call recording and analytics, enabling people anywhere to work together. www.node4.co.uk/ feed directly into the iVendi Dealer Platform. This allows dealers to sell finance in the showroom and manage online generated leads and applications. ivendi.com/

I IT, CONNECTIVITY AND TELECOMS SYSTEMS Enghouse Interactive

Enghouse Interactive acquired Zeacom in 2012 and the company has subsequently rebranded. Enghouse Interactive, a subsidiary of Enghouse Systems, develops and supplies customer interaction management solutions. Solutions include

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Optimising IT

With a focus on managed services, consultancy, cyber and IT services, Optimising IT delivers IT and technology options. It adopts a consultative approach, backed up by UK-based service desk support – going straight to second-line support engineers results in 78% of issues being resolved after first contact. Cyber Security delivers services and training to better protect businesses, while Cyber Fit is its comprehensive on-site security review, which assesses current cyber-security measures against best-practice benchmarks. Cloud Services include storage, hosted software, networks and back-ups plus Office 365 migrations. Managed IT Services provides fully outsourced IT support or co-working with

NOVEMBER 2019 39

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Delivering mission-critical IT to the motor trade At Magna Systems, we take the time to truly listen to our clients’ needs to deliver simple, scalable and robust solutions

eaders in automotive business and IT consultancy, Magna Systems serve businesses of all sizes across the automotive industry, from manufacturers to retailers and workshops globally. Our comprehensive suite of products and services provides missioncritical IT solutions in simple, scalable and robust models. We are passionate about delivering the best possible technical solutions to solve a wide variety of needs and problems. Founded in 2017, Magna

Systems have grown organically and by referral, which we believe is testament to the excellent levels of service our customers receive. We take the time to truly listen to our clients’ needs, and understand them, in order to deliver the best possible solution. Only then will we apply the technology to enable them to reach their goals. We sell solutions we believe in, tailored to our customers’ exact needs. It is this open and honest approach that is welcomed by the businesses we work with. Our expert business consultancy

includes change management, coaching packages, best practice and optimisation of processes to underpin customer software solutions. We have successfully delivered dealer management system projects utilising a tried and tested deployment model. Case study Lookers were extremely pleased they decided to use Magna Systems to provide the laptops and training environment for their BMW Drive roll-out. It saved Lookers valuable time and the headache of having to connect/disconnect and move machines to different sites as the set-up was all done in advance. This resulted in the courses being more productive and informative, as the focus was solely on the training, not configuration issues. It enabled the training to start on time and minimised the dreaded connection issues as the training packs were all set up ready to ‘plug and play’.

Contact details: Magna Systems, 3 Dixon Close, Lincoln LN6 7UB | 01522 214 444 | hello@magnasystems.co.uk

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Many of our customers utilise our managed IT service, effectively outsourcing their IT department as a cost-effective solution to in-house alternatives. Our 24/7 proactive monitoring of critical business infrastructure means we always have a view of overall IT health and problems, even before they are reported to us. From ad-hoc IT projects to ongoing management of infrastructure, Magna Systems have it covered. We have recently partnered with Experieco, a New Zealand

technology firm, to bring their customisable service booking app to the UK. Customer experience and retention is a priority within dealerships. The app has been designed to improve customer experience and personalise service offerings to assist in customer retention, as well as enabling service advisers to spend more time with customers in the dealership. The service booking app is an affordable, personalised necessity in the ever-evolving digital world.

We have recently introduced an MOT and registration cleanse. The cleanse checks the DVSA database for incorrect MOT and registration dates, including exceptions (e.g. scrapped vehicles, exports, SORN, no MOT for over a year) or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;registration number not foundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The information then updates the DMS directly. This gives the dealership an opportunity to contact a customer and remind them of their upcoming MOT, creating more jobs in the workshop and more opportunities to up-sell.

%RRVW \RXU SURâ&#x2020;&#x2019;WDELOLW\ with support for your calls and live chat

2019

moneypenny.co.uk 0333 202 1005

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Moneypenny is the #1 Telephone Answering & Live Chat provider to the automotive industry. Hundreds of dealers capture every lead and impress customers with the support of a dedicated Moneypenny Receptionist managing calls and chats on an RYHUâ&#x2020;&#x201D;RZ RU IXOO\ RXWVRXUFHG EDVLV

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Live Chat for Auto: Overtake your competition With the ability to almost double web enquiries, Live Chat is the simplest, most cost-effective way to beat your rivals

moneypenny’s state-of-the-art headquarters in wrexham, north wales

Live Chat is no Longer just a ‘niCe to have’ for the automotive industry – it is essentiaL Simply having a website is no longer enough. In the next two years, Live Chat adoption is expected to grow by 87%. With the highest rate of customer service satisfaction when compared with any other channel, Live Chat has the proven ability to almost double web enquiries – there has never been a faster way to increase your revenue. So what can Live Chat do to help your business?

shortCut your way to a saLe A website without Live Chat is like a showroom without a salesperson. Whether it’s a query regarding a particular vehicle model or part, a service booking or repair, both you and your customers are able to provide detailed information that helps to pinpoint the solutions to in-depth queries. the very best peopLe, the Latest teChnoLogy As an industry leader, Moneypenny prides itself on its specialist automotive team. Our

Jo McKeown – Channel Manager | Automotive T: 0345 123 3700 E: jo.mckeown@moneypenny.co.uk

highly trained, UK-based receptionists are trusted by big brands such as Bosch, Mazda and BMW, along with thousands of independent garages and dealerships. We partner with the latest communications technology providers to guarantee that, whatever the size of your business, there’s a solution that maximises return for the minimum cost. Live Chat is the most simple and cost-effective way to get ahead of your competition and ensure you never miss another lead. you can try moneypenny’s Live Chat service free for one week with no ongoing commitment. use the free trial to see how many new enquiries you will gain, and decide if Live Chat is right for you. join the #LiveChatrevolution – call us on 0333 202 1005 now.

Lucy, a moneypenny receptionist

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

dealer IT teams. Client Consultancy offers IT strategy, due diligence, data privacy and technology reviews. www.optimisingit.co.uk/

RDS Global

IT, technology and cyber security company RDS Global’s services include desktop user support, telecoms, cloud services, CCTV, design, door/ gate access control using tags, card, swipe or biometric (finger print) options, telecom convergence solutions, hardware and consultancy solutions including cyber and GDPR compliance. Covering more than 200 locations in the automotive sector with more than 4,000 end users, its in-house software team has developed its own products in its 20 years of trading. These include its new RDS Black Box, a management information system (MIS) that collates data from multiple feeds and systems operating on different platforms, bringing everything together into a single database platform providing meaningful business insights. rds-global.com/

Vapour Cloud

Höllr is Vapour’s communications application, delivering unified communications by partnering with the likes of Avaya and Content Guru. SIP (session initiated protocol) trunking plugs the gap between legacy systems and cloud-based IP solutions. Secure cloud infrastructure is provided through Sanctm, including back-ups, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), security, firewalls and co-location. Network connectivity requirements are provided via different Tunnl solutions, offering eight levels of service across five secure data centres connecting to all Tier 1 carriers (such as BT and Virgin), covering WAN, ethernet and EFM (a low-cost ethernet leased line aimed at SMEs). Gaze is its video communications system. www.vapourcloud.com/

44 NOVEMBER 2019

L LEAD MANAGEMENT Contact Advantage

CA’s showroom CRM system manages sales information, stock and recovers lost sales communications with the customer by email, SMS, or the web. Its lost customers process checks to see if they are still in-market or understand why customers went elsewhere. CA Automotive’s additional tools include FCA Advantage, to help dealers comply with FCA regulations, and F&I Advantage, which manages add-on sales such as warranty, GAP, service plans and paint and protection

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I-L

Sponsored by

configure vehicles, build customer orders, administer vehicle finance, and plan outbound marketing campaigns. Dealerweb React captures 100% of website leads from almost any online source, with a response process ensuring staff deliver consistent, but personalised, follow-ups. Fully integrated with Dealerweb Showroom, it also operates as a standalone system and app. www.dealerweb.org/

eDynamix

insurance. Stock Manager Advantage and Marketing Advantage provide additional support. CA has also introduced iPad applications that take customers through the entire sales process. www.contact-advantage.com/

DealerWeb

Dealerweb’s automotive sales and lead management systems helped 12,000 users manage 3 million leads last year. Lead-management system Dealerweb Showroom is the company’s core product, offering an additional layer that helps dealers to sell more vehicles with higher profit margins, while enabling them to deliver higher levels of customer satisfaction. Modular and scalable, it allows sales departments to manage leads,

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Used by more than 2,000 dealers, eDynamix provides connected, self-service sales and aftersales solutions. Web-based products and services include service and repair plans, electronic vehicle health checks (eVHCs), service reminders, online bookings, customer surveys, sales enquiry and vehicle stock management, customer apps and secure drop-off and collection lockers with its AutoPoint Lockers facility. As part of the CDK International Partner Programme, double-keying is avoided and eDynamix MOTCleanse automatically checks all current vehicle records against DVLA and DVSA information. Its iVHC application is fully integrated with all other modules, including Video1st for video and photographs and finance plans that spread the cost of red and amber work. www.edynamix.com/

enquiryMAX

The enquiryMAX automotive sales lead management system provides a structured framework for managing leads and is designed to reduce the likelihood of lead leakage. The system allows sales teams to engage with and improve the customer experience, including boosting cross-selling between departments, by properly identifying the car buyer’s needs and personal circumstances. Relevant and meaningful information is provided and follow-ups are undertaken, which increase the likelihood of a sale. Diary functionality ensures customers are given a follow-up date and a next action, while

NOVEMBER 2019 45

FROM FINGERTIP TO FORECOURT Say hello to your new buying app

BCA Buyer app now includes live bidding. Manage your buying, wherever you are. Leaving you free to close those important sales. Try BCA Buyer app for yourself today. Search BCA Buyer on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Visit bcabuyer.co.uk

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ENTER A LIVE SALE Never miss an opportunity to bid with BCA by joining a live sale from your Up Next timeline of tracked vehicles at an appropriate time or directly from the vehicle detail when searching.

How a truly digital personalised experience can bring efficiencies to your buying process Technology is at the heart of BCA with customers having access to a range of digital solutions that make the buying process even easier and more profitable. Tools like the BCA Buyer app have been designed for buyers in collaboration with our buyers to make day-to-day searching and buying as simple as possible. With thousands of vehicles being sold daily across all BCA locations we know that being able to identify and locate the right vehicles and bid on them in real-time is paramount to our buyers. We developed the app to support online and in-auction bidding by allowing users to track multiple vehicles in real-time. Users receive notifications that selected vehicles are approaching their auction slots to ensure they do not miss the chance to enter the live sale and place their bids in the app. Over 50% of BCA buyers are actively using the app saving them time and increasing productivity. BCA Buyer app will continue to evolve with new features and enhancements prioritised based on customer feedback.

To find out more visit bcabuyer.co.uk

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

reporting tools track leads, allowing managers to follow opportunities from lead to conversion. Third-party integrations include manufacturer hubs, enhancing central lead delivery, data export and import system functionality. www.enquirymax.com/

RAPID RTC

The global lead management software provider’s core products, RAPID RTC Lead Manager and Chat, improve digital lead management practices, maximising customers’ experience across multiple digital channels. Lead Manager aggregates all digital leads at the point of capture in real time, distributing them to those best-placed to respond. Personalised response tools ensure replies are consistent and on-brand. Its new Response Quality Module scores sales staff on a range of criteria. RAPID RTC Chat connects customers directly with a dealership’s salespeople in less than two minutes, with RAPID RTC’s concierge team engaging in the chat in the first instance. rapidrtc.com/

P PART-EXCHANGE APPRAISAL AND DISPOSAL Aston Barclay e-Xchange

Aston Barclay’s wholesale online used vehicle trading platform, e-Xchange enables vendors to sell their unwanted or duplicate used stock at any time. Vendors can choose List Only, where the transaction is between them and the buyer, or List and Collect, where vehicles advertised are collected by Aston Barclay’s national logistics team and held at its centre, with the transaction fully managed by its digital solutions team. Unsold vehicles are automatically entered into pre-agreed physical or e-Live sales. Vehicles are uploaded with images, timing preferences and reserves and can be

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viewed as they move through Aston Barclay’s Cascade process, its omni-channel approach to find the most appropriate disposal channel, automatically progressing onto the next stage if unsold. www.astonbarclay.net/

BCA Dealer Pro

BCA’s award-winning vehicle appraisal tool manages the part-exchange process. BCA Valuations uses the biggest dataset in the industry and machine learning technology automatically applies information captured in vehicle appraisals, resulting in more accurate valuations. The AM ‘Dealer Recommended’ product for auctions and remarketing in 2018, Dealer Pro provides instant information, allowing dealers to broker a deal in confidence while providing real-time visibility of

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part-exchanges, including condition, value and location. Dealers can upload their own vehicle images and insights into individual sales executives’ appraisal accuracy and trade performance are available. www.british-car-auctions.co.uk/

Cooper Solutions

FullAppraisal is Cooper Solutions’ mobile electronic vehicle appraisal tool, while FullAuction is a tradeonly, online vehicle auction site. FullAppraisal allows accurate appraisals to be undertaken at the side of the car using a handheld device, while automatically populating data fields. The system is integrated with Experian VRM look-up and CAP/ CAP+ valuation data and allows up to 25 photos to be uploaded. Appraisal information feeds into

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Cooper Solutions’ FullAuction online auction site. FullAuction’s no sale, no fee for sellers policy lowers transaction costs, increasing dealer profits. Auction pages include detailed appraisals, photographs, service history and other relevant descriptions. Buyers and sellers are kept informed of auction activity with automated message notifications. www.coopersolutions.co.uk/public/

Epyx – 1link Disposal Network

The 1Link Disposal Network online platform lists and sells used vehicles incorporating instant online invoicing and validation, vehicle collection and delivery, and real-time communications between all parties. Electronically managing the de-fleeting and remarketing process, it

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Make your business more efficient with RDS Black Box™ We believe that our customers don’t care how much we know, until they know how much we care. RDS Global has responded to the changing needs within the automotive industry and has led the development of the RDS Black Box™. A truly unique device, the RDS Black Box™ consolidates input data from a range of different platforms, sources and devices, allowing for real time and unified data to be used within your existing reporting systems or integrated into third party solutions.

Wouldn’t it be better if everything just worked? We are an established IT services company, providing tailored network services, IT support and telecoms, including cloud services, as well as computer hardware and consultancy solutions to a range of sectors.

With the RDS Black Box™ available in the cloud, data is reliable, accessible in real time, accessible from anywhere and, importantly, held in a secure environment.

The addition of the RDS Black Box™ earlier this year now adds to our portfolio of solutions tailored for the automotive sector. It is being used by many organisations, both independents and those operating across multiple sites.

Our experience is that most dealer groups and business owners have vast amounts of information, collating data takes time and significant investment. Producing data relies on the consolidation of information from various sources and manual entry can result in accuracies that often become out of date.

The benefits they have realised include enhancing their customer service levels, reducing internal costs and eliminating inaccurate manual data entry. The result is decision-making based on information that is current and available in real time.

0330 221 1244 info@rds.global www.rds.global

The possibilities of integrated data into a single solution are endless. RDS Black Box™ brings together all of the information you need at the touch of a button with 24/7 monitoring from our team of experts. Drive change with the RDS Black Box™

YOUR BUSINESS BLACK BOX™ SINGLE SOLUTION BUSINESS DATA We understand automotive, because we are automotive. We believe in driving change The RDS Black Box™ is a cloud based software solution connecting your data systems together. Allowing for real time and unified data to be used in your existing reporting systems or integrated into third party solutions. Providing accurate data to enable decision making, allowing your business to grow.

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DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

incorporates logistics, refurbishments, client recharges and the vehicle sales process. With all information in one place, all parties involved in a vehicle’s remarketing are kept informed. Features include the ability to message drivers six weeks before the end of the vehicle’s lifecycle, incorporating an automated sales quote, while inspections, vehicle movement and repairs can also be scheduled. Vehicle information such as age, mileage, condition and pricing are transmitted back to the business to inform de-fleet decisions. www.epyx.co.uk/

Manheim Seller Advance

Boasting 97% accuracy, Manheim’s automated appraisal system uses real-time data and daily market activity to send used-vehicle valuations direct to salespeople. Seller Advance uses an Azure cloud-based application and is built with responsive technology for use on different devices. Features include a ‘sale agreed’ page providing data on partexchange vehicles arriving in stock and an intelligent search function, which enables dealers to find cars quickly. Image Capture allows uploading of 20 high-quality digital images and Deal Maker provides an overview of potential part-exchanges across a network. Manheim aids cash flow with a BACS cash advance paid into a business’s bank account the next day and any difference is settled later. www.manheim.co.uk/

PRICING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Auto Trader’s Retail Accelerator

Retail Accelerator has replaced iControl as Auto Trader’s management tool to help retailers manage their used car stock more efficiently and profitably. It includes Auto Trader’s new ‘Retail Rating’, with data on buyer demand, market demand and best days to sell. The system enables users to turn business goals into daily action plans, review the activity of competitors, monitor their

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own performances and receive live alerts on valuation changes, incorrect pricing and ageing stock. It can be configured at site, brand or group level, and is available on any device. trade.autotrader.co.uk/products/retail-accelerator/

Glass’s GlassNet Radar

GlassNet Radar is an online valuation platform offering data on 68,000 models, based on 1.8 million observations from the trade and 8.6m from the retail market. It can be tailored to include options such as mileage and condition and claims to be the only valuation provider that publishes accuracy levels monthly. It is available for cars, commercial vehicles, caravans or motorcycles. Using registration and mileage, Radar searches an estimated 8.6m trade-only adverts in real time to

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about 60% of vehicles having their values amended during each month. www.cap-hpi.com/products-and-services/black-booklive-used-car-values

Cazana

Cazana provides strategic insights, by using big data and predictive analytics to study millions of automotive transactions daily, to assess both the value and the risk of every vehicle on the road. It uses specialists in data science, valuation science, technology and the automotive industry to deliver its views of the vehicle marketplace. Its systems are used by dealers, finance companies, insurers and manufacturers around the world. Companies use its data to provide vehicles to consumers who want to access, not own vehicles. cazana.com/uk

Autorola’s Indicata

generate average live retail prices, locally or nationally, and number of days to sell. www.glassbusiness.co.uk/products-and-services/ price-trade-used-vehicles/glassnet-online/

CapHPI Black Book Live

CapHPI Black Book Live offers mileage-adjusted values, updated daily and available at three condition points. It has benefited from a significant upgrade of its ‘Valuation Anywhere’ platform, which now offers dealers access to retail advert data to provide greater market insight. The realtime Live product uses extensive data sources, big data technology, and a team of editors who scrutinise trends and movements in the market. Black Book Live offers access to 19,000 mid-monthly price changes, which it believes typically leads to

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Indicata is a platform created to deliver business intelligence, data and market insights to dealers, allowing them to better manage their used vehicle inventories. It claims its software can both improve profitability and protect residual values. Its software provides data on a range of major KPIs, including inventory age, stock turn, the presence of pictures on a dealer’s site and others, to help analyse, manage and reduce risks to customers, and it offers advanced analytics and other guides to aid ongoing performance. www.indicata.com/

R REPUTATION MANAGEMENT Hootsuite

Hootsuite’s platform enables businesses to find, schedule, monitor and manage their social media content from a single dashboard. It

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Power your proﬁtability with EMaC’s IT innovations Technology-led products, from online self-service to ﬂexible payment plans, make it easier to do business with your aftersales customers

MaC are experts in delivering technologydriven solutions to boost manufacturer and dealer profitability, including service plans, flexible credit and now, warranty. A leading aftersales partner to the automotive industry, our portfolio of clients includes 15 leading vehicle manufacturers and thousands of motor retailers, all of whom already benefit from EMaC’s constantly evolving, technology-led product range to drive consumer retention. DRIVE NOW, PAY LATER Your consumers can do just that. Our interest-free loan facility ‘Drive Now, Pay Later’ is accessed via our ‘Evolve’ portal and extends credit to your consumers, who can then

conveniently pay for repairs, parts, and vehicle accessories via a ﬂexible monthly instalment plan. ONLINE ‘SELF-SERVE’ FACILITY – MAKING LIFE EASY FOR CONSUMERS In response to changing buying habits, EMaC’s ‘Self-Serve’ facility enables consumers to purchase service plans online, 24 hours a day. This solution can be easily embedded within a dealer’s website and tailored to their speciﬁc requirements. Service plans are more accessible than ever for your consumers. AUTOQUOTE We have brought together our

CONTACT DETAILS: Web: www.emac.co.uk Tel: 0330 099 6826 Email: support@emac.co.uk

automated service plan quotation solution, AutoQuote, with our online purchase aid Self-Serve, to provide you and your consumers with one coherent sales and follow-up solution. AutoQuote alleviates your pointof-sale administration burden, but if your consumers don’t opt to buy there and then, our Self-Serve intelligence can send them a gentle reminder email suggesting they take advantage of the service plan, meaning aftersales opportunities don’t slip through the net. Call us now on 0330 099 6826 to see what EMaC can do for your business.

Ownercare: aftersales partners Service Plans. Warranty. Credit Facility. Training. Technology. All taken care of We partner with over 2,000 dealers in the UK

Find out more at emac.co.uk

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

uses 200 metrics to assess the impact of social media activities across any channel and also protects a customer’s brand by managing access across their employees without sharing passwords. It has separate plans for individual entrepreneurs, small dealerships and large organisations. hootsuite.com/

TweetDeck

TweetDeck is a free dashboard application for the management of Twitter accounts. Users can customise the layout, operate through an array of advanced search filters – covering such core

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elements as content, dates, engagement, location and people – and also establish personal or corporate monitors to ensure they are in touch with the individuals, business sectors, topics and organisations in which they are most interested. Dealers who engage with social media within marketing campaigns can plan their content calendar by scheduling tweets in advance. tweetdeck.twitter.com

JudgeService

JudgeService specialises in encouraging customers to speak about their buying experiences, and motor dealerships are one of its core operating sectors. It

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tions between customers and the brands they choose, allowing retailers to engage with those customers to deepen those connections, and increase the likelihood of repeat purchases. It has plans for companies of all sizes. Small dealers might only wish to ensure that their social media activity is effectively drafted, scheduled and managed. Larger networks, with larger social media teams, are able to use more sophisticated tools for campaign tagging, message approval and other features. sproutsocial.com/

RFID TRACKING Assa Abloy

encourages people to submit reviews about how they bought their car, to detail their initial interaction with dealership staff, and also outline their subsequent experiences with that dealership. It provides bespoke surveys, sends them to both customers and lost leads, verifies their feedback, and then mines their data to give dealers feedback on their customer service standards and insight into their dealershipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performance. www.judgeservice.com/

Sprout Social

Sprout Social provides social media management tools to monitor, stimulate and energise connec-

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Assa Abloy has been designing advanced security and safety systems for well over a century, and its HID Global subsidiary specialises in using the latest RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to identify and track objects. Tags are increasingly embedded in vehicles and/or their keys, to enhance dealership stock management and reduce losses, and to identify the location of those items. The robust transponders can also monitor the life-cycle of vehicles that will be returned. www.hidglobal.com/rfid-identification-sensing

Paragon ID

Paragon ID offers a range of RFID-based solutions, covering the automotive industry, car rental sector and vehicle fleet management. Using the tags in conjunction with a reader can simplify the management and maintenance of vehicles and be a very useful aid when trying to locate a vehicle on a large car park or storage site. The technology can also save time, and increase productivity, at a manufacturing site, or within a manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply chain operations. www.paragon-rfid.com/en/ automotive-industry/

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Why 1link Disposal Network is better than ever for trade buyers Online stock-sourcing platform signs its 3000th trade buyer ahead of big changes in the coming year

ecause it is probably the UK’s longest-established source of online stock, most trade buyers are familiar with epyx’s 1link Disposal Network. However, what they may not know is how it has continued to develop over recent years and that plans are afoot for further investment. Proof of the success of this strategy can be seen in its ongoing expansion – the platform has just signed up its 3,000th trade buyer, joining a community of franchised dealers, independents and car supermarkets that continues to grow rapidly. A crucial element powering this trend has been a highly professional engagement team, created earlier this year both to help existing trade customers get the most out of 1link Disposal Network and to increase new customer penetration.

Vicky Gardner, head of remarketing at epyx, said: “It’s all about momentum. We are continuing to see more major fleet and manufacturer vendors sign up to use the platform for remarketing alongside an increasing number of traders opening accounts to buy. “Greater numbers of quality vendors mean that greater numbers of quality traders are attracted to source stock from the platform. It’s very much a virtuous circle.”

To find out more, visit 1linkDisposalNetwork.co.uk or call 01676 591 085

She added that the platform would undergo significant evolution in 2020, with major enhancements designed to underline its position at the head of the market. “We’ve kept 1link Disposal Network extremely relevant and highly competitive through a programme of continuous development, but what we have planned for next year is a genuine step change. “We will reveal more details as soon as possible.”

HIGH QUALITY USED STOCK LOW BUYER FEES 1link Disposal Network is the most comprehensive online vehicle auction platform in the UK, giving you exclusive access to an extensive range of H[ â&#x2020;&#x201D;HHW OHDVLQJ DQG PDQXIDFWXUHU YHKLFOHV from the likes of VWFS, Robins & Day, AA and more. All supplied with a low-cost buyerÃs fee of just e SHU YHKLFOH $OO PDNHV DQG PRGHOV Thousands of vehicles from GLï¿½HUHQW PDQXIDFWXUHUV %X\ DQ\WLPH Using our online platform and dedicated app /RZ FRVW EX\HUâ&#x2122;£V IHH Just Â£95 with no subscription $FFRXQW PDQDJHPHQW 7R KHOS \RX â&#x2020;&#x2019;QG DQG EX\ WKH right vehicles 'HWDLOHG YHKLFOH KLVWRU\ Including detailed vehicle info, including photos and inspection reports

Join today at 1linkDisposalNetwork.co.uk or call 01676 591 085

DEALER TECHNOLOGY GUIDE A-Z

S STOCK ACQUISITION Aston Barclay Buyer App

Launched in 2017, the Aston Barclay Buyer App has since been downloaded more than 14,000 times and its 16th version went live in July 2019. One in three bids received by Aston Barclay come via a mobile device, and more than £38m of used stock has been bought through the app. Its success, and the fastchanging marketplace, persuaded Aston Barclay to launch a Digital Solutions brand in January 2019. www.astonbarclay.net/digital-auctions/aston-barclaymobile-app/

BCA Live Online

BCA Live Online is only available to professional motor traders, and offers real-time access to all its auctions, allowing potential customers to bid on and buy the vehicles as they pass through the

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auction hall, using an iPad, iPad Mini or a PC. Vehicles are also offered via Live Online sales, through e-Auctions, or Bid Now-Buy Now auctions. Customers can access up to four bidding screens simultaneously. There is also a dedicated messaging service, allowing users to engage with the auction clerk during each sale. www.british-car-auctions.co.uk/Services/Live-Online/

Manheim Simulcast

Manheim Simulcast is an online bidding platform that allows would-be buyers to bid for vehicles at its 16 UK auction centres. It is optimised for laptop, tablet and smartphone, and uses ‘live’ video and audio streaming to offer users an authentic auction experience. It’s possible to bid and buy with a single click or swipe, and instant messages can be sent to the auctioneer in real time. It’s available to both motor traders and business account holders. www.manheim.co.uk/our-services/auction-services/ digital-auction/simulcast

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