LIVERMORE, CA — Automotive Supply Associates (ASA), New England-based automotive parts distributor, has selected the Activant Vision distribution management system to enhance its operational efficiency and service levels.
ASA, based in Concord, N.H., has begun installation of the new system as a comprehensive replacement for its legacy distribution management and store platforms. ASA owns and operates 36 stores under the Parts Plus and Sanel Auto Parts banners and is affiliated with the Heavy Duty America truck parts group.
“Our adoption of Vision is an important strategic step that will help position our company for long-term growth and improved efficiency,” said George Segal, president of ASA. “We see Vision’s customer-focus, visually compelling information display and powerful open database as the new standard for aftermarket distribution – a standard that will help us further differentiate our business.”
Segal cited the Vision system’s customer relationship management (CRM) tools, enterprise-wide sales and inventory visibility, and intuitive graphical user interface as significant improvements over existing aftermarket technologies. “Vision will help us get much closer to our customers and enhance the way we identify, capture and grow new accounts,” he said.
Activant Vision CRM reveals rich customer intelligence at all key points of contact so Vision users can provide exceptional service – an increasingly important differentiator in the parts supply chain, according to the company. The system promotes best business practices through powerful forecasting and inventory balancing tools, multi-location stock visibility and quick transfers, flexible financial control options and an array of business analytics.
Vision’s use of .Net technology provides a rich visual operating environment that delivers more detailed customer and product information than traditional aftermarket systems, says Activant. This next-generation capability enables distributors to accelerate their response to customer needs. The system’s open architecture also allows the distributor to reach into and outside of their system boundaries without the constraints presented by proprietary technology.
Other key features of Vision are a sophisticated, highly efficient workflow approach to routine activities across the enterprise; multi-location inventory and order management for store and warehouse operations; flexible e-commerce options; and a comprehensive suite of integrated products, including document management, bar code warehouse management, and Activant PartExpert and Cover-to-Cover electronic catalog products. The system also provides seamless integration with Microsoft Dynamics GP financial management software.
“There’s tremendous momentum behind Vision and our other next-generation technologies,” said Tom Aliotti, vice president and general manager of the Activant automotive group. “ASA is one of many leading distributors who in the past several months have embraced our latest solutions in order to build on their competitive success.”
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