CarParts Technologies Delivers Immediate ROI With OpenWebs Commerce Server v3.0
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.--July 23, 2002--New Commerce Server Enables Parts Distributors To Service And Grow
Their Own Customer Networks with Internet Inventory Checking and
Ordering
CarParts Technologies Inc. (CPT), the leading provider of open, e-commerce software solutions for the automotive aftermarket, today announced the launch of its new OpenWebs Commerce Server DE, a private eCommerce technology platform leveraging the lessons learned from CPT's previous generation public trading exchange, PartsXchange
This is CarParts Technologies' third generation of its eCommerce product line, which is tailored to the needs of warehouse distributors, while another version is due to be released for manufacturers later this year.
The OpenWebs Commerce Server -- DE version is a software solution for CarParts Technologies' warehouse distributors looking to provide unique value to their customers and more cost-effectively utilize the Internet to service and grow their own supply chains.
"Over 250,000 service outlets in North America perform phone ordering every day from over 1,000 distributors. Every day over $100 million a day is expedited by independent installers, car dealers or service chains," said Dave McCann, CEO of CarParts Technologies.
"We have listened carefully to our distributor customers to ensure we design in the capabilities that allow them to significantly improve the efficiency of their business operations, which includes their partners and customers in the automotive aftermarket supply chain."
The OpenWebs Commerce Server product line enables complete, end-to-end connectivity between manufacturers, distributors, parts jobbers, fleets, installers and chains. As a comprehensive aftermarket supply chain solution, the OpenWebs Commerce Server addresses the complex needs of the aftermarket industry by providing electronic parts location, automated procurement features and rebate, returns and core management features for streamlined efficiency throughout the entire supply chain.
Based on agile Microsoft .NET technology, CarParts Technologies' OpenWebs Commerce Server builds on five years of experience delivering the scalable, high-performance, mission-critical solutions the aftermarket supply chain needs. It delivers optimal flexibility and speed for building or extending powerful Web services-enabled online business solutions.
CarParts Technologies' warehouse distributor customers will be able to manage catalogs of products and services and tailor the content to their customer's preferences.
This launch signifies another strategic step in the company's continued evolution, which began earlier this year with the company's acquisition of the technology and other intellectual property of OpenWebs Corp., who delivered peer-to-peer (P2P) trading technology.
This transaction marked the third acquisition in just 24 months for CarParts Technologies. With more than 3,000 installations, CarParts Technologies has developed expertise in the areas of B2C and B2B through deployment of its e-commerce servers specifically designed for the automotive aftermarket.
"OpenWebs -- DE gives us the ability to provide a better level of customer service at AutoSupply of LA by providing our installers up-to-the-second prices, availability and parts ordering capabilities over the Internet in our own private trading network," said Dave Scher, co-owner of AutoSupply of LA.
"This reduces Auto Supply's costs and increases profits by reducing the time my counter reps spend on the phone. The installers save time and increase their efficiency because they now get accurate information without having to wait for the counter reps to answer their phone calls," said Scher.
"OpenWebs -- DE provides immediate and substantial ROI for our warehouse distributor customers in this area," said McCann.
CarParts Technologies plans subsequent releases of its Commerce Server which will offer its customers additional Application Services and Gateway Services to enable jobber connectivity, shop system connectivity, program group and manufacturer connectivity using both EDI and XML messaging.
About CarParts Technologies Inc.
CarParts Technologies is the leading provider of extended supply chain software solutions for the automotive aftermarket. The CarParts Technologies eCommerce platform enables efficient online trade, integration and collaboration between B2B marketplaces, buyers, suppliers and commerce service providers.
The solutions are used by more than 3,000 leading aftermarket businesses including tier 1 manufacturers, program groups, warehouse distributors, jobbers, service chains 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, BEV Capital, Rho Management, @Ventures, the affiliated venture capital arm of CMGI, St. Paul Venture Capital, Investor AB Group, and Ravenswood Capital Corp.
For more information, press and analysts only: Shari Gold, Gold PR, 949/764-9488 or 714/290-3322 -- mobile, sgold@goldpr.com.
Note to Editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on CarParts Technologies, visit the Web site at http://www.carpartstechnologies.com.