LIVERMORE, Calif. – Activant Solutions has been selected as “Partner of the Year” for the R.O. Writer automotive service shop management solution developed and operated by Progressive Automotive Systems Inc. (PAS). With Activant-based features now in use by nearly 2,000 of the PAS U.S. service dealers, the R.O. Writer platform features a broad range of innovative technologies that enable users to more quickly produce accurate job estimates, order and receive replacement parts and complete vehicle repairs, according to the company.
Among recent major enhancements to the R.O. Writer platform are several featuring Activant data and related functionality. The R.O. Writer Smart eCat electronic catalog, featuring Activant’s industry leading parts data, has been integrated with SmartJob predefined job packages and eOrder electronic sourcing to enable users to dramatically reduce the time needed to quote jobs and order replacement parts. With electronic connectivity to CARQUEST, NAPA, O’Reilly Auto Parts and thousands of other suppliers, the R.O. Writer eOrder feature empowers shops to make faster, smarter sourcing decisions, which can lead to increased bay productivity and improved profitability.
“Activant is our number one technology partner,” said Rick Stermole, director of R.O. Writer. “They listen to our goals about where we want to go with our products and our company, and then they work with us to get there.”
PAS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midas International Corp., selected Activant as its primary parts data provider in 2002. Since then the companies have expanded the range of Activant technologies featured within the R.O. Writer platform to help automate virtually every process associated with identifying, procuring and receiving replacement parts and producing job estimates and repair orders.
“R.O. Writer is an excellent example of a market innovator that has leveraged the growing range of Activant data solutions and other technologies to speed the vehicle repair process,” said Tom Aliotti, senior vice president of sales, automotive group, Activant Solutions. “We’re very proud of the success of R.O. Writer in the marketplace, as it ultimately speaks to the value of Activant’s own innovative products and services.”
