In part one of this case study, Haki Kapasi, director of Jivaji Auto Factors, details the growth of what is now known as Motor Factor Solutions.
The thought process started in the early 1980s, although, husband and wife, Fazlehusein and Khatija Kapasi, had been running their retail car parts shop, Jivaji Auto Factors, since 1973. Fazlehusein, an early adopter who was always searching for new ideas and solutions, wanted to computerise his and wife’s growing business. He felt doing so could be the solution to the increasing stock, staff and expanding business needs. When he made enquiries, he was shocked to find computer software companies were charging almost £40,000 for their systems! This was a huge sum of money back in the early 80s and Fazlehusein put the idea to one side. The business continued with manual stock checks, ordering and pricing.
Then, in 1985, disaster struck as the couple’s business was burnt down to ashes during the infamous riots that had gripped the country. The livelihood they had worked so hard to build went, literally, up in smoke.
Between dealing with the aftermath of losing his business, Fazlehusein had time on his hands, and he needed to find something to distract him from the enormous hit of losing his business. He had a small Sinclair computer, one of the first home computers available at that time. It was extremely basic by today’s standards, but it came with a manual on programming. Fazlehusein worked through the manual, step by step, and, between beginning a wholesale business and finding new clients, he created a programme for invoicing and stock control.
Great feedback
Fazlehusein’s customers liked the invoicing and paperwork they were receiving from Jivaji and asked if he was willing to sell them his program. That led to a fruitful career in software programming that built a customer-base throughout the UK and abroad. He called it Comp-Tech.
Eventually the couple also re-opened their retail shop, and Fazlehusein added more and more functions to the software package. His aim was to create a totally user-friendly program that anyone working at the shop could use but, equally, was very comprehensive. He knew the business inside-out and understood what was needed. Functions, such as cost prices, stock control, re-ordering, invoicing, payments and contact details, all became standard.
Evolution
Roll forward 35 years and Comp-Tech has evolved into Motor Factor Solutions (MFS2). MFS2 is an affordable Windows-compatible software solution for retailers and wholesalers. It brings the Comp-tech software program right up to the 21st Century. It has all the functions any retailer or wholesaler need to make sure the computer serves the business and not the other way round. After all, we are in the unique position of using it in our own business, so we know what customers require!
MFS2 gives businesses all the information they need at their fingertips: sales, purchases, stock control, invoicing and managing customer accounts. The functions have been updated, so they are easy to use for anyone working in the business, from sales staff to managers and owners.
At Jivaji, we like innovation and improvement; we have created our own brand of products under the AutoTech brand. We apply the same innovation mindset to MFS2. We like responding to a customer’s individual needs because we can use that information to help all our customers by continually developing MFS2. Support for customers is only a phone call away.
Jivaji Auto Factors celebrates 50 years
We are very proud of this achievement and all that we have accomplished. The AutoTech brand of products was developed in 2000s, and AutoTech has allowed us to position ourselves to sell good quality products at good value. The number of items under AutoTech continues to grow and includes oil, brake fluid, anti-freeze and brake pads. MFS2 is now an integral part of our product line.
Even though we have grown, we are inherently a business with strong family values. Our longevity is a testament to our values, the way we interact with our customers, and our products. Our customers are not just a number but individuals with whom we have built a relationship. This, in the age of algorithms, click-baits and online sales is something to feel good about!
Look out for the second half of this article, where we’ll hear a review from a company that has installed Motor Factor Solutions.
