Gargash Enterprises to introduce latest version of advanced car dealer system

It is the only company worldwide to implement the latest version of the Kerridge system - Kerridge 8.3. The move will result in a considerable increase in efficiency in the business.

Gulf Business Machines (GBM), the regional distributors for IBM WTC, provided the hardware and network infrastructure for the implementation of the new system.

Kerridge is widely regarded as the most complete fully integrated dealer management system for the retail motor industry. The global proprietary system of Daimler-Chrysler AG worldwide, Kerridge allows full integration between all the departments of an automotive dealership, ensuring speed of transactions and full transparency.

The system improves customer service, by enabling Gargash Enterprises employees to access different aspects of a customer's service history instantly. The system also allows them to access information about availability of models and parts, prices, and status of accounts.

Additionally, the marketing function will enable accurate targeting of customers for sales and servicing. Kerridge 8.3 will also enable Gargash Enterprises to increase transparency, and manage working capital more smoothly and effectively.

"We have decided on this implementation as a cornerstone of our policy of providing our customers with the highest standards of service," said Richard Barber, GM of Gargash Enterprises. "While our company has a long tradition of outstanding commitment to customers, we feel this step will help us to reach higher levels of service, while also improving our business operations."

"As the official agents for Mercedes-Benz, we strongly believe that the dealer must add value to the brand. To ensure customer satisfaction, the dealer needs to work closely with the manufacturer, and Kerridge 8.3 will help us to do that more effectively."

"It is appropriate that we are the region's first dealership to introduce this most advanced of systems. Dubai is a regional technology hub, which has given birth to the Dubai Internet City. Just as Dubai's introduction of e-government has been a beacon of encouragement to the Middle East, I want our decision to implement Kerridge 8.3 to act as an encouragement to all automotive dealers in the region."

He added that Gargash Enterprises expects to see a rapid return on investment, based on the time and paperwork saved through using the new system, the improved management of inventory, and the prospects of new business generated by the marketing function of Kerridge 8.3.

Roger Attwood, International Director for Kerridge Computer Company, agreed. "Kerridge 8.3 will help Gargash to integrate all functions, from marketing and vehicle sales, through parts, service and accounts. Any company representative dealing with a
customer will be instantly able to access that customer's service history. This means he will be able to spot what type of car he might be interested in buying, or when his car is due for a service. He can also instantly access availability of parts, check warranty submissions, and check stock."

"Practical advantages of the system include the reduction in parts stocking, and increased accuracy in ordering due to more insight into buying patterns. This will mean a much more cost-effective approach to working capital management. Another extremely important factor is the integration of the accounts function. Gargash Enterprises will be able to check up-to-date accounts on a daily basis, which will prove an immense advantage."

Speaking about the new system, Ashok Bhola, GM of Gulf Business Machines, said, "Our main challenge was to transfer Gargash Enterprises Operating Hardware Platform from the previous application to the UNIX platform. We did this through working closely with the Gargash and Kerridge implementation teams, right from the planning stage until the successful implementation. This was a natural outcome of our strong and ongoing business relationship with Gargash Enterprises, which began almost 20 years ago."

"We have always worked with Gargash not just as a vender, but as a partner. As the world's largest IT company in the world, IBM offers the full capabilities of an IT hardware and infrastructure provider, but we are also a solutions provider and an IT consultant. This project gave us yet another opportunity to put this into practice."