Autoelectro, remanufacturer of starters and alternators, has launched an online stock management system that makes it easier for motor factors to manage their inventories.
The Active Inventory Management System (AIMS) allows Autoelectro’s customers to have greater control over their old core and maximise the opportunity to return it. The stockist is now able to have all of its outstanding surcharges listed in a downloadable format, making it easier for an individual distributor to allocate old core against any outstanding surcharges.
Having the data available means the motor factor will know precisely what the surcharge liability is and if credit is owed.
Although Autoelectro recently announced details of a revised surcharge structure, where some fast moving references had their surcharges cut entirely, there are still some less popular part numbers that have a surcharge due to the high value and scarcity of the old core.
To coincide with the new pricing strategy, the company will be helping its customers to exchange slow moving stock, or part numbers that are no longer selling, with faster moving references – essentially, replenishing old stock.
UK Sales Manager, Nick Hood, explained, “We are streamlining our customers’ stock and making sure that surcharge liability is kept to an absolute minimum because they’re getting their credits back quickly.
“We have an internal quality standard of ensuring all credits are raised within 48 hours; even better, with our revised surcharge structure, motor factors may discover that there is no surcharge liability on certain part numbers from within our premium range anyway.”
Nick explained why it is the right time to launch AIMS: “This is a major development for Autoelectro and our customers. In today’s climate, where profit margins are narrowing, we are forging a closer relationship with our customers to ensure they are in the best shape possible to live up to their own customers’ expectations and requirements – guaranteeing that stock is up to date.
“An issue we believe is prevalent among motor factors is control of stock. However, if these factors work with us, they can reap a better return in the capital they invested.”
The feedback so far has been encouraging, with All Vehicle Parts Managing Director, Craig Wilson, claiming that the stock management programme has the potential to be “industry-leading”.
He added, “Early indications have shown that the AIMS programme has the potential to be extremely helpful and ensure that we aren’t penalised by the decaying of a surcharge value over time.
“After stocking a product for two years and not selling it, we would have to absorb the loss of the surcharge amount. This programme means we can monitor our levels better and adjust
and replenish stock when we need to.”
AIMS is free of charge, and stockists can access their data via the Autoelectro website. They can also find a useful video in the ‘Returns’ section, which describes how the process works.
