ACDelco Internet Programs Help Shop Owners Build Customer Satisfaction And Improve Business

GRAND BLANC, MICH. -- ACDelco's Web Integrated Service Environment (WISE) and WISE Internet Parts (WIP) systems are two key e-Business tools for shop owners. Both systems provide ACDelco Warehouse Distributors (WDs) with a value-added link to their Independent Service Center (ISC) customers and a full line of ACDelco products for virtually all makes and models.

WISE, one of the automotive aftermarket industry's most comprehensive shop management solutions, streamlines the ordering, distribution and service process. It electronically connects ACDelco ISCs and its WDs, handling all aspects of repair from the time customers walk in the shop until they pay the bill and leave.

"We can help drive expenses out of the entire distribution chain through automation, such as WISE and WIP," said Steve Sigg, ACDelco e-Business manager. "By leveraging the

e-Business Landscape, our customers can benefit from efficient supply-chain integration, which means having the right part at the right place at the right time."

Christopher's Car Care, an ACDelco Total Service Support (TSS) ISC in Tallmadge, Ohio, has been computerized for 20 years. Owner/manager Dave Christopher said WISE is the best electronic business system he's ever used.

"WISE offers us all the information we need right at our fingertips, from ordering parts without having to pick up the phone to producing professional-looking estimates and bills for our customers," Christopher said. "And since it's all integrated, we don't ever have to go outside the system to find information."

Recent WISE enhancements include a new electronic parts catalog that offers superb efficiency and flexibility, as well as a tighter level of integration between WISE applications for improved ease of use.

WIP is a Web-based application that lets ISCs check inventory and order parts online anytime from WISE-enabled ACDelco WDs. WIP gives ISCs a stand-alone service option dedicated to faster parts access and easier online ordering while simplifying administration for ACDelco WDs.

Jeff Barrow, owner of Pro Automotive, an ACDelco TSS ISC in Martinsville, Va., said he didn't have as much inventory control before he started using WISE two years ago. "WISE lets me order parts and add them right to the repair order and invoice at the same time I'm checking my inventory. Now, I don't have to call the warehouse and have somebody else look up the information. It's convenient, helps save me time, and, ultimately, money."

Jeff Phillips, owner of J & J Automotive, an ACDelco TSS ISC in Syracuse, N.Y., uses WISE in his daily business. "I've had other computer programs, but WISE is much more user-friendly. The direct link with our ACDelco WD is the biggest benefit for me, especially when ordering parts and applying them to the invoice."

According to Sigg, WISE and WIP can help save ISCs on average 20 to 40 minutes on every repair, providing technicians with more time to service more vehicles in a day and allowing customers to claim their repaired vehicles sooner.

In addition to WISE and WIP, ACDelco's e-Business Landscape includes several other tools. The Electronic Parts Information System (EPIC) offers ACDelco WDs a complete visibility system detailing their order status, and the MechanicNet Customer Retention System (CRS) provides ISCs with everything they need to help remind, thank and communicate regularly with their customers.

Furthermore, ACDelco's consumer Web site (acdelco.com) helps build brand awareness and drives consumers to a local TSS facility for ACDelco parts, while ACDelco's TechConnect Web site (acdelcotechconnect.com) provides technicians with a broad range of tools and resources.

To learn more about ACDelco's WISE and WIP programs, call 1-800-825-5886, prompt #3, or visit acdelcotechconnect.com.

ACDelco is a global leader in automotive replacement parts and services offering products for virtually all vehicles. Headquartered in Grand Blanc, Mich., ACDelco markets automotive replacement parts worldwide under its brand name.