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Auto Parts Store Software
Auto parts stores outstrip the capabilities of most general retail sales packages. An auto parts store can have inventories of thousands of parts for hundreds of cars, and hundreds of thousands of parts available for special order. Auto parts stores also have different categories of buyers such as do-it-yourselfers, repair shop owners, and dealers, each with a different discount level. Even identifying a part to sell can be challenging. One customer might come in and say “I need a Bosch vacuum pump for a 1994 Mercedes Benz S320.” The next may come in with a greasy piece of metal and a request, “Do you have any of these?”
Customer relationship management (CRM), point of sale (POS), and ordering are the modules that are different in auto parts than for general retailers. In addition, auto parts inventory software should be searchable and easy-to-use. The accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll are essentially the same as for general retailers.
Key Requirements for Auto Parts Retailers
In addition to core business functions, auto parts retailers should evaluate the following functions to meet their unique requirements:
| Part look-up by vehicle make, model, year | The system should be able to identify any part for any car based on the vehicle’s make, model and year. The catalog should be either on premises and updated frequently or kept in the cloud by a catalog provider. In addition to finding original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, the system should be able to recommend substitute parts. |
| Integration with parts and labor catalogs | The system should be able to integrate with parts suppliers’ online catalogs for both OEM and aftermarket parts. Look for compliance with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) iSHOP as well as integration with major parts vendors. |
| Multiple location inventory query | The POS system and the inventory system should be able to see inventory levels at all locations in order to fill a customer’s order. If the part is available locally. It should also be able to place parts “on hold” for local pick, or trigger a process to transfer the part to the store of the customer’s choosing. Advanced systems will support shipping directly to the customer after payment. |
| Seasonal order levels | The system should recommend or order seasonal merchandise, for example tire chains and windshield scrapers in the winter and automobile detailing kits in the summer. |
| Special order tracking | If a customer requires a part that is not in stock, the system needs to locate the part from a supplier and place a special order. The system should notify the customer (or at least a clerk) when the part comes in. |
| Lot pricing/em> | Many items sold in an auto parts store are sold in lot quantities to repair shops and car dealers. Examples are oil, cleaners, and grease. The system should assign the lot pricing and correctly decrease inventory. |
| Kit and assembly pricing | Car parts can be combined into kits or assemblies. The system should correctly decrease the individual parts if a kit or assembly is sold. |
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CounterPoint by Radiant Systems
Accessing/managing inventory information is vital for auto part retailers. CounterPoint includes automated ordering, variable pricing, as well as the ability to manage multiple inventories to help retailers run these stores.
Microsoft Dynamics GP
The accounting, inventory, and sales processing functionality is strong in Microsoft Dynamics GP. Supports retailers that need general ledger, AR/AP, forecasting, warehouse management, and point of sale functionality.
Microsoft Retail Management System
Featuring a user friendly point-of-sale interface, Microsoft Dynamics RMS is designed for quick setup. Helps auto shop retailers manage and track inventory, supplier, and customer information.
Epicor Retail Solutions
We recommend the best-of-breed retail software application from Epicor to retailers that specialize in automotive parts and accessories. Comes with strong inventory management capabilities as well as accounting and CRM features.
iVend Retail
iVend Retail is a comprehensive retail management solution that easily automates core business functions. Provides 360-degree view of day-to-day operations. Can support loyalty programs and wide range of POS transactions.
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Celerant Command Retail
We recommend the POS solution from Celerant to auto parts dealers. This on-premise retail management system is great for users that need an application to manage their entire business. CRM, inventory, and accounting included.
NetSuite Multi-Channel Retail Management Suite
One of the best features of the NetSuite retail suite is its ability to manage both Internet and physical retailing operations. This makes the system very useful for auto parts shops that operate both physical and online stores.
S2K for Retail
From checking inventory across multiple locations to scanning serial numbers for warranty items, VAI's S2K retail POS software offers a high level of functionality. Easily integrates with accounting and for online shopping.
UTC Retail Merchant
Retailers that need a system that offers great cross-sell and up-sell recommendations should look at the end-to-end retail solution from UTC Retail, Merchant. This vendor also offers hardware to go with its retail software.
JDA Software
JDA is a great option for auto parts retailers looking for a reliable inventory management system. Available as a web-based or on-premise solution, JDA gives retailers the ability to evaluate the right deployment option for them.
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