February 19, 2010
Computing power
Dealers use software to manage inventory, other functions
By: Mike Manges
Resources such as inventory control make computers a necessity, according to Charlie Toney, president of C. Adam Toney Discount Tires in Beckley, W.V. A dealer for 28 years, he remembers the days when inventory cards were used.
Toney says customers seem to want instant gratification when they come into the store, and expect the tires to be there.
“People today have almost as much knowledge about the tire as the salespeople because of the Internet.” Computers also link his four stores, which enables him to act quickly when problems arise.
“Our customers typically do not stock wheels,” says Dana Davis, vice president of information technology for Wheel Pros, a Lakewood, Colo.-based wholesaler with 27 distribution centers.
“We’re their stocking provider.
“When they call us, they’re looking for four things. The first thing they want to know is if (the tire) fits. Their next question is, ‘Do you have it?’ so we find out if we have it locally and at any location across the country.
“The third question they have is, ‘How much is it going to cost?’ We’re able to answer that question very quickly. We have national accounts, small tire dealerships and regional tire dealerships, and they all have different needs when it comes to pricing.
“The last question is, ‘When can we get it?’ Typically, that will be same-day or next-day if we have (the product) on-site. Because our system is integrated, we can see where the product is and we can quote right on the phone.” ■
Where it all starts... Inventory management is critical
Inventory management is one of the most important functions of any tire dealership software package or product, says Dean Rascoe, director of marketing for ASA Tire Systems Inc.
“It all starts with inventory management. Nothing is more important than buying the right product at the right time. From there, it branches off to empowering your salespeople by having the correct information at the point of sale, knowing the profitability of a given item, knowing the customer’s buying habits, etc.
“It really does tie in together,” he explains. “You can have the prettiest screen in the world, but if the data on that screen is inaccurate, what do you really have?”
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