ASA touts 3 software applications for tire dealers

LAS VEGAS — It was a software tripleheader of sorts at the ASA Automotive Systems Inc. booth at the recent SEMA Show.

Merrimack, N.H.-based ASA, which provides software for independent tire and auto service dealers, unveiled three software technologies that are now available to help dealerships across North America.

The first involves a retread management software for independent retreaders; the second is an upgrade to its popular TireMaster Xpanse software; and the third is the release of a web-based platform, SideKick360, designed to help improve and streamline communication from service advisors to customers.

Here's a look at each technology:

Rosemont, Ill.-based FOG Software Group, parent of ASA Automotive Systems, has become the exclusive reseller of TreadWare's retread management software, which is designed to support the 160 or so independent retreaders across North America.

The software can be used both as a manufacturing tool — tracking production and the viability and efficiency of human resources and machines — and as an accounting tool, managing the financial flow and production processes.

"It's a fairly complicated process, so the integration between the shop management application and the manufacturing application provides a lot of value, especially for a multi-point retreader who is doing a lot of large, enterprise commercial accounts," Marc Belanski, automotive portfolio manager at FOG Software Group, said during a news conference at the trade show.

TreadWare founder and owner Clayton Van Kleeck will continue to own and manage the software; FOG will distribute and support it, while offering input on new releases or features, based on customer interaction.

Mr. Belanski said that most independent retreaders are "hugely underserved" and don't have many software options available.

"We believe through our experience on the ASA side with TreadWare, the Van Kleeck organization, that it is the premier application for independent retreaders," he said. "We believe it's the right product for somebody who is looking for retread software."

Mr. Belanski said FOG provides the "scale and reach to get to the entire market. From that aspect it becomes a great partnership."

"The time-proven interface between TreadWare and the FOG Software Group's variety of POS systems provides many technological advantages for the independent tire retreaders," Mr. Van Kleeck said. "We are proud to have the FOG Software Group as our exclusive reseller of TreadWare."

ASA has unveiled the 10th version of its TireMaster software product, TireMaster Xpanse 10.0.

The upgrade modernizes the application and helps to improve workflow efficiencies, according to Morgan Daniel, ASA's national account manager.

"We didn't want to change the product," Mr. Daniels said. "It is rock-solid. We have made it more efficient for the dealer with multiple tabs where they can go through the system faster, ... and we use larger fonts with and updated screen."

Mr. Belanski said the upgrade provides more user flexibility.

"It simplifies the workflow, and generally makes it easier on the eyes as well," he said, at the same time preserving the software's deep, rich functionality."

Jared Bailey, director of operations for TireMaster, said the software has evolved over the last three decades but continues to help dealerships prosper.

"TireMaster 10.0 is a further expansion of this concept that dealers will both appreciate from an efficiency standpoint, as well as growing revenue and profits from a financial outlook," Mr. Bailey said.

"TireMaster truly is an expansive all-in-one system that's flexible enough to help improve a dealer's business initially and grow with them well into the future as business matures and needs change."

ASA has become an exclusive partner with Epicor Software Corp. and its SideKick360, a web-based reporting platform designed to help tire dealers generate increased revenue from each service opportunity.

Epicor's SideKick360 offers five main applications that provide on-demand reporting and operation tools that help service advisors identify and quote recommended maintenance jobs to customers based on shop-defined service schedules. The software provides maintenance recommendations based on vehicle service history and shows service history data by task.

It also has a tool that analyzes each new invoice to help ensure all parts and labor charges are listed and billed correctly.

Patrick Murphy, co-founder of Sidekick360 and founder of marketing software provider BayIQ, said most tire and automotive services shops have difficulty identifying and communicating maintenance issues to its customers quickly.

The software, he said, "provides talking points for the sales associate to have a conversation with the customer naturally without having to click through invoices and figure out when was the last time this vehicle was in for an oil change," Mr. Murphy said.

"It's really all about helping and organizing a sales associate or service advisor have a conversation about services."

Mr. Murphy said that will be particularly helpful for dealers who focus on tire sales. The software allows service advisors to track the life of a tire, including rotations and alignment, and share this information with the customer.

In addition, the software allows dealers to review data across points of sales and standardize that data.

"So if you have five locations, it allows you basically to see all transactions come across in real time and allows for customized reporting," Mr. Murphy said.

"This platform allow managers to stay on top of their stores."

The Sidekick 360 application integrates best with TireMaster, providing the ability for dealers to text customers about recommended services. It also has a text-to-pay function, allowing for contactless service.

"SideKick360 is a powerful solution that helps users approach each service opportunity in a very strategic manner, leading to a more proactive and efficient experience for the service writer and the consumer," Tim Hardin, Epicor's senior vice president and general manager, automotive, said.

"By extending this capability into the tire channel, we will also help independent dealers and chains tap into supplier marketing programs and promotions and gain invaluable access to service-level data that can drive better, faster decisions about which parts, tires and other items they need to carry in each location."