Selection

Realizing the limitations of its manual processes', Budds' surveyed the market to see what other solutions might be available. One option was to have a specialist third party manage the tires of the dealerships' behalf, but the company was uncomfortable with the associated loss of control.

"They would have taken the wheels, but I store over 800 of them. I didn't like the idea of being dependant on someone else for my turnaround times. When customers need their wheels and tires, they need them quickly. I turn them around in 24 hours."

Instead, Budds' turned to specialist software provider Tire Storage Solutions, whose application has been designed specifically to track and manage wheels and tires for car dealerships and service centres. Being relatively new to market at the time, Budds' helped refine the system, named GTMS, for the general market, as well as helping themselves in the process by meeting their comprehensive demands.

Solution

Tire Storage Solutions' software system, GTMS, stores detailed information about customers, storage location (down to the bin), appointments and wheel status, including tread depth, rim condition and an optional attached picture of each tire/rim. The solution covers every aspect of the inventory capture and management process using bar codes, a state-of-the-art handheld device and a web-based software application.

The user-friendly administration software, which integrates with Budds' existing DMS system, is accessed through a simple online portal. Inventory is entered into the system using a wireless mobile device, which includes a scanner, camera, phone and keyboard, so that every detail is included in the system to correctly identify individual items and, crucially, to register their condition photographically.

Budds' can now request customer to sign a document accepting the current state of their tires. This saves Budds' the expensive and sometimes embarrassing disagreements that occur six months down the line.

Results

Having ready access to detailed customer and inventory knowledge has empowered Budds' service professionals, improving efficiency and enabling them to exceed customer expectations and identity previously untapped sales opportunities.

Over the last two seasons, Patrick estimates that Budds' has saved tens of thousands of dollars in tire and wheel related losses alone. Significantly, the company is also harnessing new efficiencies allowed by GTMS to boost productivity and turnaround times for customers.

"With 90% plus accuracy on all wheels we store, we can ensure that everything is ready and in good condition before the customer returns," Patrick notes. "Because it's much easier to locate the right wheels quickly, we can get them out, check their quality, speak to the customer about any repairs or replacements they might want to make, all before they come to have the tires swapped."

"Just as importantly, it sends out the message to our customers that we are serious about what we do – that we're not just charging them to put their tires in the back room" he adds. "We're adding clear value, and they feel they are getting a more personal service. That's priceless. Our staff have much more control now when talking to a client, too. I wouldn't even think about going back to the way we did this before."

 
On Budds' relationship with Tire Storage Solutions, Patrick concludes:

"Being in my environment, I deal with plenty of software suppliers who make a lot of promises. TSS is the only one that, if there's ever been a problem, has had it fixed within 24-48 hours. I hold a lot of value in the way they handle themselves."