Remanufacturer and technical services provider, Carwood, explains why and how it is supporting its customers with new tools and innovations, the latest being its online part finder and ordering system, eCat, at carwoodecat.co.uk.
Never has the saying ‘time is money’ been truer. Exacerbated by a growing fast-service culture, aftermarket companies are under constant pressure to save both, whilst still providing great service. Garages must turn ramps faster, and at the same time, ensure a right-first- time, quality job. You need to convert calls into sales quicker, then get the right part, to the right place, at the right time.
With every level being squeezed, the challenge is for companies, like Carwood, to make themselves easier to do business with and drive much-needed time and resource gains through the distribution chain – but how?
Introducing Carwood’s new eCat
Carwood believes that its new eCat and ordering system is one such solution. By adopting more agile, user-friendly ways of working, the original equipment (OE) approved remanufacturer plans to help professionals throughout the chain improve both their productivity and service.
Available on desktop, tablet and mobile, the platform provides access to Carwood’s full aftermarket portfolio of new OE and OE-approved remanufactured fuel pumps, injectors and turbochargers, plus ancillary parts. Users can search by VRM, OE part number, competitor cross reference, Carwood number or year/make/model, and in just a couple of clicks, access the latest cataloguing data. As well as up-to-date part information, users will be able to view product images, technical documents and installation guides, helping to ensure accurate part identification and fitment on vehicle.
What’s more, going beyond a cataloguing function, by logging into an easy-to-set-up account, you can use the tool to access live stock feeds and pricing, place next-day and stock orders, and track the status of current and historical orders, further streamlining the purchasing process.
Continuous development
“The eCat is just one of a number of tools that we’re developing to help us and our customers thrive in an increasingly digital world,” said Carwood Turbo Sales Manager, Will Johnson. “By the end of the year, the eCat will also include a warranty portal, which will allow our customers to manage and track warranty online, speeding up the claims process.”
“We’ve been using Carwood’s eCat for a few weeks now,” commented Ian Sutcliffe, branch manager, Autovaux – Leeds. “Whilst the online catalogue is a good addition, the game changer for us has been the ability to quickly access realtime pricing and stock availability online, so that we can quote for, and confirm the order, whilst our customer is still on the same call. As well as making for a better customer experience, this can shave valuable time off each sale – when you consider the amount of calls we take every day, this can soon add up.”
Automotive Parts Distribution –Norwich Branch Manager, Keith Swann, said: “As well as the service benefits for our counter team, Carwood’s eCat has ensured our back-office staff can work more effectively too; for example, the stock builder allows us to quickly add parts into the basket and check stock. Similarly, the handy reorder function means we can replicate previous stock orders with the hit of a button. This has enabled us to streamline key processes, saving valuable time and resource that can be channeled into other business opportunities.”
