Technology Department: Aiming for Data Automation and a Paper-Free Environment
Technological advances are a vital part of Vast-Auto Distribution. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in developing management systems for our members and customers. Vast-Auto Distribution develops and uses unparalleled systems that allow our members to devote their time to their area of expertise: mechanics and auto parts.
Vast-Auto Distribution’s Technology Department offers in-house and external support and ensures that all systems are functional and optimized to meet the needs of our members and customers.
Vast-Auto Distribution has developed electronic management solutions for their stores and centres covering all areas, including simple automated supply chains and full computerized management systems; everything has been implemented to bring efficiency to stores and centres. Thanks to this technological conversion and the support of Vast-Auto Distribution, members can create an in-house digital archiving system and also support Vast-Auto Distribution’s efforts to achieve a paper-free environment.
Document Archiving
Vast-Auto Distribution has developed a digital electronic archiving system for its customers called Doculog The system gives customers electronic access to all their invoices, statements of account, and credit status. It is a cutting edge backup system that members can access via the Vast-Auto Distribution Extranet designed to give members access to information on promotions, news, and upcoming events.
Operating System for Service Centres
We have chosen the Costar system for service centres. The system offers applications, including presentation of quotes for parts and labour, for Mister Muffler and OCTO service centres. This is an essential tool that allows users to improve the in-house management of service centres and covers a range of areas, including order entry, invoicing, merchandise return, and inventory parts management.
Operating System for Parts Stores
The Auto Value Parts Stores and other auto accessory stores use a different system called Eagle, which is more oriented towards counter sales and inventory management.
Web Hosting
Vast-Auto Distribution also offers a hosting service as an added value to all its technological systems. The service allows us to host our members’ individual databases on our servers at the Vast-Auto Distribution centre. This hosting service allows members to minimize the risk of technical problems and data loss. All you need is a printer and an Internet connection to our servers at Vast-Auto Distribution.
Inventory Visibility
Keeping an exhaustive inventory is always crucial for Vast-Auto Distribution and as a result, the Technology Department has introduced the “Net Value” system that creates a link between the service centres and Vast-Auto Distribution’s entire distribution network; this allows service centres to always find the necessary auto parts and thus bolster their sales and provide customers the best service possible. The system aims at improving inventory visibility from the repair centre to the manufacturer. Thus, if the affiliated store does not have the required part in stock, our integrated system allows the store to view the merchandise available within the Vast-Auto Distribution extended network. This certainly is an added value when it comes to technological tools offered to the Vast-Auto Distribution affiliated stores and centres.
Sales Tools
The VastCat catalogue displays all products and accessories that are not classified as applications.
PromoCat is an electronic tool that displays suppliers’ promotions. A newsletter is published and broadcast regularly to announce specials offers from our suppliers.