I am an automotive parts supplier and would like to offer Internet-based electronic parts ordering so that the parts information from my store point-of-sale system is automatically integrated into my customers’ Mitchell 1 shop management systems.*

Why should I want to offer electronic parts ordering to my customers?

• When you provide your customers with the ability to order parts electronically, they will purchase more parts because it is easier than ordering via the phone.  The problem with most parts ordering connections you see in repair shops is that they are “non-integrated” solutions. The information from those parts that were just ordered electronically still need to be typed / entered onto the shops repair order.  This is because the electronic parts ordering functionality is separate from the shops management system. 

• When a Mitchell 1 customer using Mitchell 1 Manager / ManagerPlus shop management software wants to order parts from you, they simply click a button / icon that you have configured ahead of time. This automatically passes the customer number and vehicle information to your system. The shop now sees their specific pricing and the availability at your stores and warehouses. They click the items they want and instantly the part descriptions, part numbers, cost, quantity and even labor times (depending on the type of connection) are all transferred directly to the shops repair order.
• When you provide your customers the ability to order parts electronically with an "integrated" solution, where the parts automatically transfer to the shops repair orders, it will increase the number of parts you sell and decrease the number of calls to your counter - freeing up time to help customers without electronic connections.
• This integration will increase efficiency, accuracy, productivity, customer service, and professionalism, for both the shop and the parts distributor. An additional benefit is that parts returns usually decrease quite dramatically because the shop is being asked the vehicle specific condition questions in the catalogs which will drive them toward to correct part the first time.

• When your customer informs you that they would like to connect with you to electronically order parts, you contact your jobber system vendor to verify that you have the necessary software, hardware and licensing to accept electronic parts orders from Mitchell 1. Once you have all the pieces in place, you set up an account for the shop (User name, password, serial number or other credentials). Then you provide these login credentials to the shop to add to their Mitchell 1 Manager / ManagerPlus system.

• As mentioned above, there are many pieces to the connectivity puzzle so just because you have the correct type of hardware, you may not have all the necessary software or licensing to offer connectivity to your service dealer customers. The following information is meant to give you a starting point.
• You should contact your jobber / warehouse system vendor to find out if you can offer electronic parts ordering and of the following types of connections to your shop customers.
• Mitchell 1 Manager / ManagerPlus currently have the ability to connect to automotive parts suppliers utilizing several different types of connections or "links." These include: ACDelco, Activant, AutoComLink (ACL), NAPA, O'Reilly FIRST CALL Online, Nexpart, Wiseconnect and WorldPac Speed Dial. While Mitchell 1 Manager / ManagerPlus already connects to more systems in the market than anyone else, we are working on additional connections.
• Mitchell 1 is the shop management system (SMS) market leader with over 17,000 Mitchell 1 Manager / ManagerPlus systems in the marketplace that have the ability to connect with thousands of parts stores and warehouses through the list of connections noted above.
• Click here to find your Mitchell 1 Independent Sales Representative

If you have additional questions, or need additional information, please contact Dan Kelley, Director of Strategic Partnerships, at 888.724.6742 x6885 or dan.kelley@mitchell1.com