SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 2002
Auto Service Management System and Trading Network Technology Enable
Merchant's Stores Access to Major Tire Manufacturer's
Distribution Network
CarParts Technologies Inc. (CPT), the leading provider of open, eCommerce software solutions for the automotive aftermarket, today announced it has been awarded a contract to provide a multi-store auto service management system and Trading Network technology to Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers, a Manassas, Va.-based tire and automotive service retailer with 112 locations in the Mid-Atlantic states.
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The new partnership calls for CarParts Technologies to consolidate the management of Merchant's 112 stores with an integrated version of its multi-store auto service management system. The system will allow each Merchant's location to operate independently, utilizing an in-store centralized database with real-time connectivity.
"Merchant's is customer-service focused and the state-of-the art integrated solution designed by CarParts Technologies will allow us to become even more customer centric," said Michael Riggan, CEO of Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers. "Not only will this system help us increase customer loyalty and retention, but it will lead to ongoing database marketing opportunities."
The new auto service management system provides exceptional ROI through training, ongoing help-desk support, updates to software and programs, and ongoing updates to third-party databases including parts catalogs, labor guides and factory-scheduled maintenance databases.
The CarParts Technologies Trading Network technology will also provide Merchant's 112 stores access to the nation's third largest tire company and its distribution network system that will enable all of its stores to rapidly place orders over the Internet using the CarParts Technologies XML-based Intelligent Trading Network.
"This is the first example of us merging the technologies from our recent OpenWebs Trading Network acquisition with our industry-leading VAST Auto Service Management System," said Dave McCann, CEO of CarParts Technologies. "We're looking forward to working with the Merchant's group and providing them with the tools that will contribute to the growth and success of their business on all levels, while connecting them more effectively with their prime supplier."
CarParts Technologies will also integrate VAST with Merchant's current enterprise accounting solution, Lawson Accounting, allowing the chain to continue use of Lawson Accounting without interruption.
"This system is another important step that will help us reach our goal of becoming a world-class tire and automotive service provider. Every technology investment that the company makes is focused on this goal. It's a rapidly changing industry and we will make the investments required to help our associates provide world-class customer and automotive service," said Merchant's Riggan.
Founded in 1943, by Caton Merchant in Manassas, Virginia, Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers, has 110 retail stores and two commercial centers located in the Mid-Atlantic states of Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. The company is one of the largest independent tire dealers in the United States. All 112 stores are company-owned and operated, and Merchant's ranks seventh among North America's largest retail tire dealerships based on company-owned stores.
"CarParts Technologies' solution offered the most comprehensive means of meeting our operational requirements," said Riggan. "They had the best auto service system for profitability at the store level while providing an innovative long-term vision for eCommerce through their Trading Network technology."
CarParts Technologies was selected by Merchant's after a highly competitive selection process in which the company emerged as the only supplier actively developing business automation solutions integrated with eCommerce Trading Network capabilities.
About CarParts Technologies Inc.
CarParts Technologies is the leading provider of extended supply chain software solutions for the automotive aftermarket. The CarParts Technologies eCommerce platform enables efficient online trade, integration and collaboration between B2B marketplaces, buyers, suppliers and commerce service providers.
The solutions are used in more than 3,000 leading aftermarket outlets including tier 1 manufacturers, program groups, tire and service chains, warehouse distributors, jobbers and independent installers. CarParts Technologies' open, end-to-end solutions allow companies to generate new sales, operate more cost efficiently, accelerate inventory turns and maintain stronger relationships with suppliers and trading partners.
