Delphi and ATRi Debut Breakthrough Handheld E-Service System DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE LOGO Delphi Automotive Systems Wordmark. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] TROY, MI USA 10/19/2000
31 October 2000
Delphi and ATRi Debut Breakthrough Handheld E-Service System DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE LOGO Delphi Automotive Systems Wordmark. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] TROY, MI USA 10/19/2000
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31 Today,
Delphi Automotive Systems debuted a fully integrated, wireless
service system as part of its new aftermarket service strategy.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001019/DELPHIAS )
Working through a strategic partnership, Delphi Automotive Systems and
ATRi will demonstrate ATRi's Integrated Service Solutions(TM) and ATRisys(TM)
diagnostic system at Delphi's booth #5324 at the Automotive Aftermarket
Products Expo (AAPEX), part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW).
The system allows service technicians to access a wealth of product
information without searching through extensive shop manuals, resulting in
vehicles that are repaired with increased speed, accuracy and efficiency. It
is available to be purchased at Delphi's booth.
"When we tested a pilot program of Delphi's aftermarket service system
with select repair shops and technicians, the response was, 'This is exactly
what we need,'" said Francisco A. (Frank) Ordonez, general manager, Delphi
Aftermarket Operations. "Most of the technicians who used the handheld system
cut their diagnosis time from hours to minutes. We believe our approach to
service will make a major impact on the automotive aftermarket service
industry, increasing job satisfaction among service technicians, and helping
the aftermarket win in the new economy."
With this compact, mobile shop management and diagnostic system, Delphi
will serve as the technical integrator for vehicle service, bringing together
the technical information, diagnostics and training needed by technicians
anytime and anywhere.
Key benefits to Delphi's distribution partners will include:
* Improved accuracy of diagnoses, resulting in reduced returns and
increased time saving.
* A mobile, wireless handheld diagnostic device that allows the
technician to diagnose the vehicle's problem while held from any angle when
servicing the vehicle.
* A "point and click" paperless method of finding information eliminates
the need for lengthy, complex service manuals, ultimately easing "do-it-for-
me" technician frustrations, saving time and increasing repair satisfaction
for the end customer.
* Easy, quick and user-friendly programs that can be set up by the
technician and don't require a computer expert to operate.
* Off-the-shelf system hardware. Only the software is unique, making the
system flexible and cost effective.
Delphi/ATRi's comprehensive automotive service solutions will also provide
aftermarket distribution partners with the knowledge, training and tools to
help alleviate the industry's significant learning curve in the wake of the
electronics revolution.
Electronics currently represent 22 percent of an average vehicle's value,
and since the majority of new automotive technologies being developed are
electronic, this percentage is expected to double by 2010 (source: Automotive
Industries, October 2000). This means automotive service technicians must
understand and be comfortable with installing and repairing parts for these
intricate electronic systems.
"Cars and trucks of the future are expected to have increasingly complex,
integrated systems and service professionals will have to be familiar with all
of the products in order to diagnose, maintain and repair them, or risk losing
business," said Mark Theriot, director, global service technologies, Delphi
Aftermarket Operations. "Our vision is to provide automotive service
technicians with a quick and easy-to-use diagnostic process that decreases
returns, make jobs easier and more productive, and increases consumer
satisfaction."
"Industry trends indicate product and service information is rapidly
becoming as important as the vehicle parts themselves," said Nicholas A.
Cocco, president and CEO, ATRi. "Delphi and ATRi are not only prepared to
fill this need, but we will set benchmarks for other automotive suppliers as
well."
The Delphi/ATRi fully integrated service system features several key
functional areas devoted to continuously maintaining high levels of
aftermarket service applications, which include:
* Information Library - a detailed database of product information that
is easily accessible to its aftermarket partners.
* Training and Education - CBT, Web-based as well as locally sponsored
technical training clinics and courses for aftermarket partners on general
service, vehicle systems, shop management and workflow management.
* Shop Workflow Management System - shop management processes, including
invoicing, cataloging, repair orders, parts inventory and the reports
associated with them, increasing shop management efficiency.
* Technical Assistance - technical assistance will be available to
aftermarket partners via general application phone support, direct connect
through the wireless handheld, component-specific technical support and
service solutions and service update bulletins.
"Delphi will provide 'one face to the customer' to meet and exceed their
product and service needs," said Ordonez. "Both Delphi and ATRi have a
passion for customer satisfaction -- from order to fulfillment, we'll provide
customers with a single point of contact, comprehensive training tools and a
simplified, common process to help them differentiate themselves in a
radically changing market."
Multi-national Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy,
Mich., USA, Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a world leader in mobile
electronics and transportation components and systems technology. Delphi's
three business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communication -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 216,000
employees and operates 184 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 44 joint
ventures, 53 customer centers and sales offices and 31 technical centers in 40
countries. Delphi can be found on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com