Following a successful pilot test with clients, General Motors Remarketing Services (GMRS) launched a customized, Web-enabled inventory management system (IMS) to remarketing clients nationwide this past fall.

Powered by AutoIMS.com, GMRemarketingServices.com provides GMRS and its customers with full inventory visibility as well as electronic condition reports and comprehensive data analysis capabilities.

“We needed a tool for our customers to more easily de-fleet their vehicles and track them through the selling process,” explains Paul Pejza, GM’s remarketing services manager. “GMRemarketingServices.com streamlines our processes and provides our customers with a turnkey solution.”

Automating Vehicle Disposition

According to Pejza, the system provides GMRS’ remarketing clients with a clear view of their vehicles throughout the disposition process. Once GMRS’ clients enter a vehicle into the system and transmit a completed inspection form, GMRS manages the rest of the selling process via the web-enabled IMS.

The system also positions GMRS for growth and automates key business processes, Pejza says. In addition to electronically notifying GM when a new vehicle enters the system, the IMS provides automated action prompts at every step — from assigning vehicles to auction, arranging transportation, reviewing condition reports, and authorizing repairs.

“We now get the vehicles from our clients and to the appropriate place in an automated manner,” Pejza says. “The system is a powerful tool that will allow us to grow.”

At the same time, GMRS’ clients maintain on-demand access to their vehicle data. Whether they want to view condition reports, calculate damages, or analyze sales data, the password-protected system provides clients with 24/7 access.

Tight Security Protects Data

With data integrity and security uppermost in clients’ minds, GMRemarketingServices.com provides assurances with a password hierarchy application that ensures only authorized users of a company can access that company’s data.

GMRS, on the other hand, maintains data visibility across its client base. Even so, GMRS’ internal administrator can restrict a user’s view to one or more specified clients, or limit access to job- or task-related information (i.e., provide title clerks’ access only to title functions).

GMRemarketingServices.com is powered by AutoIMS.com, a product of Auto Auction Services Corp. (AASC). According to Don Meadows, president, AutoIMS specializes in delivering Internet-based solutions that streamline the flow of data between commercial accounts, remarketers, and auctions. “We can customize third-party applications to meet the unique needs of manufacturers, banks, leasing companies, auto rentals, and dealers, to name just a few,” says Meadows.

By summer 2003, Meadows says AASC will launch a repossession management system that enables clients to track the assignment and transportation of repo vehicles prior to auction. “Users will gain valuable data that will enable them to compare vendor performance and pricing to drive business decisions,” he says.

SIDEBAR:

Who is GM Remarketing Services?

GM Remarketing Services (GMRS) addresses the overall remarketing needs of GM’s commercial customers. The GM Remarketing Services program was designed to provide its select business customers with a convenient and streamlined system for remarketing their vehicles.

GMRS developed and implemented numerous processes and services they recognize as being important to their customers. For instance, GMRS provides a nationwide network of distribution centers and auctions, a self-inspection system, repair and reconditioning process, and comprehensive administration and residual management structure. In addition, GMRS provides services that address key components of remarketing services such as transportation, inspection, reconditioning, and repair.

With the implementation of GMRS’s new online inventory management system, GMRemarketingServices.com, customers are able to access a single conduit to expedite and electronically track their vehicle(s) throughout the remarketing continuum.

By accessing the Web site, customers can initiate the de-fleeting process, access online reports, disclose previous damage(s) and completed repairs, and access an interactive vehicle inspection form. Also, GMRS is now able to perform a number of key functions such as assigning vehicles to auctions, arranging transportation, reviewing vehicle inspection reports, and authorizing repairs in a timely and consolidated forum.