CarParts Technologies Selected as Preferred Software Provider By Members of Automotive Body Parts Association -ABPA-
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.--Nov. 5, 2002--CarParts Technologies Inc., a leading provider of open, e-commerce software solutions for the automotive aftermarket, today announced that its new Warehouse Distribution Management System (WDMS), DirectStep(TM) 5.0, has emerged as the preferred business automation system for members of the Auto Body Parts Association (ABPA).
The 175-member, Houston-based ABPA consists of distributors, suppliers and manufacturers of alternative collision replacement parts. Its members distribute more than 75 percent of non-OEM aftermarket collision replacement parts sold to the collision repair trade.
CarParts Technologies has recently signed software contracts for its industry-leading WDMS, DirectStep 5.0, with several members of the ABPA including Auto Body Panels Inc., Micro Rim, KC Auto Panel and Kansas Bumper & Body Parts.
"In the course of a year, CarParts Technologies has introduced a product that is just beginning to find a high level of acceptance among the membership," said Stan Rodman, executive director of the ABPA. "CarParts Technologies' solutions directly benefit our member companies, as well as the entire alternative crash parts replacement industry."
DirectStep offers an integrated ABPA Parts Link Catalog Module, which allows customers to access ABPA Catalog data from within DirectStep and disburse the information throughout their enterprises. Parts Link is the universal numbering system for ABPA members which aligns aftermarket parts with their OE counterparts, tracks number supersessions and provides current product pricing information.
"In my 23 years of business and nearly a dozen software implementations, I've never seen an install go as smoothly as DirectStep," said Mark Purtilar, general manager, Auto Body Panels.
"This system makes purchasing and inventory tracking easier than ever before. We are expecting a 15-20 percent increase in value-add time which will allow us to expand our business in directions we weren't capable of going in prior to implementing this system."
Founded in 1988, Auto Body Panels is one of the largest regional suppliers of parts for domestic and foreign cars, trucks and vans. The company is based in Cincinnati and has eight locations.
DirectStep 5.0 was designed as a complete WD business automation solution that automates everything from order processing, purchasing and inventory management to accounting. It includes features to help drive profitability, such as automated restocking charges, returns verification via radio frequency units, and additional utility features.
DirectStep 5.0 is built on an open and scalable Microsoft(R) platform which allows Internet access as well as ease of importing and exporting data to common desktop applications like Microsoft Excel.
"We've been very impressed with the high level of customer service we've received from the team at CarParts Technologies," said Kim Hicks, vice president and marketing director for Micro Rim. "Their ongoing involvement combined with the flexibility of the DirectStep system, makes us confident that we will achieve the goals our company set forth."
Based in Highland Park, Mich., Micro Rim specializes in providing new urethane replacement bumpers to the automotive aftermarket.
"CarParts Technologies continues to raise the level of performance expectations and customer service in the aftermarket industry," said Dave McCann, president and CEO of CarParts Technologies.
"In just a few months, we have signed five new contracts from members of the ABPA to implement DirectStep. The changing demands of the marketplace are driving customers to work with dependable high-quality suppliers that can help them achieve strong ROI -- CarParts Technologies continues to emerge as that preferred supplier."
About CarParts Technologies Inc.
CarParts Technologies is the leading provider of extended supply chain software solutions for the automotive aftermarket. The CarParts Technologies e-commerce 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.
Established in 1997, CarParts Technologies' complete suite of business solutions has delivered compelling returns on investment to customers across the entire aftermarket supply chain. With headquarters in San Juan Capistrano, CarParts Technologies has received venture capital funding from @Ventures, the affiliated venture capital arm of CMGI, Rho Ventures, BEV Capital, Investor AB and St. Paul Venture Capital.
For more information, press and analysts only: Shari Gold, Gold PR, 949/764-9488 or 714/290-3322 -- mobile, e-mail: sgold@goldpr.com.
Visit the company at booth #2871 at AAPEX in Las Vegas, Nov. 4-6, 2002.
Note to Editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on CarParts Technologies, visit the Web site at http://www.carpartstechnologies.com.
