Manhattan Projects Revolutionizes Automotive Service Writing With ServiceMan
26 January 2000
Manhattan Projects Revolutionizes Automotive Service Writing With ServiceMan, A Wireless Handheld Device That Generates Smart Repair Orders
CRM-based Tool Will Be Rolled Out to Select
Nissan Dealers in Southern California
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 25 -- Manhattan Projects, LLC
(http://www.manhattanprojects.net), a software development company focused on
innovative customer relationship management (CRM) solutions for the automotive
retailing industry, introduced its revolutionary handheld service writing
device, ServiceMan, at the National Automobile Dealers Association Show today.
ServiceMan(TM) joins RepairTalk(TM), an interactive voice-response server for
managing repair orders, in Manhattan Projects' CRM-suite of applications.
Manhattan Projects' CRM suite will ultimately fill the entire circle of
the car-buying process -- from service and repair to shopping and ownership.
In addition to capturing data to build customer relationships, Manhattan
Projects' CRM suite empowers dealers with tools that will substantially
increase productivity and, in return, increase profitability.
"Two of today's most precious commodities are time and money," said Mike
Sage, President and CEO of Manhattan Projects. "ServiceMan helps dealers
recoup time and money by providing service writers with a tool that quickly
and easily accesses customer information from a dealership's DMS while
simultaneously querying the manufacturer's database for warranty information,
service campaigns and recalls on the vehicle."
ServiceMan's "smart" repair orders minimize the time service writers spend
running between customers' vehicles and standard terminals, while increasing
revenue potential by efficiently leveraging the vehicle information from the
manufacturer's database to act on service campaigns and recalls.
Designed to work seamlessly within the dealership's current operations,
ServiceMan interfaces with all popular dealer management systems (DMS), such
as Reynolds & Reynolds, ADP and Dealer Solutions. Select Nissan dealers in
Southern California are currently being outfitted with ServiceMan and
Manhattan Projects plans to sign agreements with 50% of manufacturers by the
end of Q1.
Easy Adaptability
Manhattan Projects is keenly aware that it needs to build products that
enhance -- not change -- the current processes in place at the dealership.
With this in mind, the Company has designed the ServiceMan application to run
on the Palm Computing(R) platform.
"Manhattan Projects' ServiceMan is an innovative product that will improve
the way automotive service writers work," said Pam Carlson, Sr. Director
Enterprise Sales. "They have made great use of the adaptability of the Palm
Computing(R) platform, and we look forward to subsequent CRM-based products
from Manhattan Projects for the automotive retailing industry."
How it Works
Service writers are equipped with a pocket-size wireless handheld computer
for scanning a customer's VIN (using the vehicle's barcode) to quickly build a
repair order. Using a wireless LAN, the system queries the DMS and accesses
the manufacturer's database for warranty information, service campaigns,
recalls, etc. -- all while allowing the service writer to stay with the
customer at his vehicle. In about 30 seconds, all information pertaining to
that vehicle is merged and downloaded to the unit, putting the entire
transaction directly into the hands of the service writer.
ServiceMan shortens the time frame of each transaction -- enhancing
customer service and empowering service writers with the tools they need to
work effectively and profitably. In addition, dealerships can take advantage
of the vast amount of data provided by ServiceMan to facilitate long-term
customer relationships.
ServiceMan is a rugged pocketable computer that can withstand drops of up
to four feet to the hardest surfaces, including concrete. Ergonomically
designed, the unit measures 7" high and weighs just 10.3 ounces. The
state-of-the-art infrared scanner scans at ranges up to 30 inches.
About Manhattan Projects
Torrance, CA-based Manhattan Projects, LLC (http://www.manhattanprojects.net) is
a software development company creating innovative technology solutions for
the automotive retail industry. Its suite of customer relationship management
(CRM) tools promises to change the way auto retailers work with and manage
their customers. Manhattan Projects' CRM suite (including RepairTalk(TM) 2.0,
ServiceMan(TM) and SalesMan(TM)) is currently in beta testing at key North
American dealerships. Founded in 1999, Manhattan Projects evolved out of
Autonet, Inc., an e-commerce solutions developer for the auto industry. The
Company is financed by The Lentz Group, a high-tech venture capital firm.
Palm Computing and Palm OS are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation
and its subsidiaries.