SaaS ERP Development and Marketplace Integration for Auto Shops
Challenge
USA-based C-level executives with experience in launching start-ups and selling software products approached Belitsoft with the idea of developing an ERP/SaaS system integrated with an auto parts marketplace for automotive performance shops. It was intended to be a SaaS solution with a subscription fee and multi-tenant architecture, a reliable technology stack, and a modern UI/UX.
Running automotive performance shops properly and profitably is more complicated than managing an average automotive shop.
The work they handle is typically more complex: projects are larger, and scopes are broader.
General ERPs for automotive repair and maintenance providers often do not include all the necessary functions.
As a result, thousands of performance shops continue to operate with pen and paper or use multiple unrelated software solutions like QuickBooks, AfterShip, Turn 14, PlateToVIN, Fortellis, Docusign, Stripe, Gmail, etc.
We were tasked with developing a domain-specific, end-to-end ERP system tailored to speed shop customers. The system was meant to cover the entire cycle, from receiving the vehicle from the customer and inspecting it to handing it back: including customer interaction, work order management, employee scheduling, and purchasing workflows, such as quotes management.
USA-based C-level executives with experience in launching start-ups and selling software products approached Belitsoft with the idea of developing an ERP/SaaS system integrated with an auto parts marketplace for automotive performance shops. It was intended to be a SaaS solution with a subscription fee and multi-tenant architecture, a reliable technology stack, and a modern UI/UX.
Running automotive performance shops properly and profitably is more complicated than managing an average automotive shop.
The work they handle is typically more complex: projects are larger, and scopes are broader.
General ERPs for automotive repair and maintenance providers often do not include all the necessary functions.
As a result, thousands of performance shops continue to operate with pen and paper or use multiple unrelated software solutions like QuickBooks, AfterShip, Turn 14, PlateToVIN, Fortellis, Docusign, Stripe, Gmail, etc.
We were tasked with developing a domain-specific, end-to-end ERP system tailored to speed shop customers. The system was meant to cover the entire cycle, from receiving the vehicle from the customer and inspecting it to handing it back: including customer interaction, work order management, employee scheduling, and purchasing workflows, such as quotes management.
Solution
As part of their IP-protected, industry-specific solution packs, the client had also requested the development and implementation of a module in the ERP for managing complex projects with proven methodologies.
This module was to be based on pre-configured templates (ready-made performance solutions), including lists of required parts, labor estimates, and expected project outcomes, such as enhanced engine performance, better drivability, and improved reliability.
The core of the system was planned as a marketplace with product catalogs containing all the parts needed for automotive performance shops, such as new engines, exhaust systems, turbochargers, and more, sourced directly from internal databases of manufacturers and wholesalers.
Instead of searching for parts on different websites or calling suppliers, they would open the ERP system to check whether the necessary parts were in stock, view their current prices, and purchase immediately with discounts.
At the same time, customers would be able to create their own custom parts catalog within the system, including products only from specific manufacturers or preferred suppliers, to see only the parts that are relevant to their needs and that they usually buy.
Process
All development was done by our team of software engineers and designers completely from scratch.
Building a fully functional product from the ground up requires a very high level of expertise, as this isn’t about modifying or reworking an existing website where you can reference the architecture and code.
Luckily, our team includes specialists who are more than up to the task.
I Phase (about 3 months) – Discovery phase. We explained in detail the importance of this phase here. During this time, we also provided a Fixed Price estimate within an Optimistic-Pessimistic range, committing to deliver the expected results.
II Phase. Development of the MVP for the ERP/SaaS system.
III Phase. Cosmetic improvements requested by the client after seeing the solution in action, along with the development of a website (essentially a landing page) and the launch into production.
Work during phases II and III (and this is key!) was done on a Fixed Price basis within the Optimistic-Pessimistic estimate.
Since IV Phase, the client’s team has been actively involved in planning tasks for two-week sprints in Jira, now working on a T&M basis.
As part of their IP-protected, industry-specific solution packs, the client had also requested the development and implementation of a module in the ERP for managing complex projects with proven methodologies.
This module was to be based on pre-configured templates (ready-made performance solutions), including lists of required parts, labor estimates, and expected project outcomes, such as enhanced engine performance, better drivability, and improved reliability.
The core of the system was planned as a marketplace with product catalogs containing all the parts needed for automotive performance shops, such as new engines, exhaust systems, turbochargers, and more, sourced directly from internal databases of manufacturers and wholesalers.
Instead of searching for parts on different websites or calling suppliers, they would open the ERP system to check whether the necessary parts were in stock, view their current prices, and purchase immediately with discounts.
At the same time, customers would be able to create their own custom parts catalog within the system, including products only from specific manufacturers or preferred suppliers, to see only the parts that are relevant to their needs and that they usually buy.
Process
All development was done by our team of software engineers and designers completely from scratch.
Building a fully functional product from the ground up requires a very high level of expertise, as this isn’t about modifying or reworking an existing website where you can reference the architecture and code.
Luckily, our team includes specialists who are more than up to the task.
I Phase (about 3 months) – Discovery phase. We explained in detail the importance of this phase here. During this time, we also provided a Fixed Price estimate within an Optimistic-Pessimistic range, committing to deliver the expected results.
II Phase. Development of the MVP for the ERP/SaaS system.
III Phase. Cosmetic improvements requested by the client after seeing the solution in action, along with the development of a website (essentially a landing page) and the launch into production.
Work during phases II and III (and this is key!) was done on a Fixed Price basis within the Optimistic-Pessimistic estimate.
Since IV Phase, the client’s team has been actively involved in planning tasks for two-week sprints in Jira, now working on a T&M basis.
Results
We built the MVP, created a landing page, and launched it into production. Since the initial release, the client has stayed with us, demonstrating their trust in our team and satisfaction with the work we have done.
CRM integration into ERP for quoting, lead conversion, and lead management
- Quick access to important customer information through a dashboard with client profiles
- Accurate quote generation in minutes with embedded access to millions of parts and hundreds of car performance optimization packages
- Calling, texting, and emailing leads directly from the app, using a shop’s existing number without switching between devices
- Tracking sales activities, leave notes, and schedule builds
Automation of Work Order Management
- Building work orders in seconds thanks to CRM and marketplace database integration, as well as with customizable pre-configured auto performance optimization templates
- Automated addition of work orders to the existing schedule of a speed shop at optimal times
- Calculating and scheduling labor time automatically for each work order
ERP Marketplace Integration
- Accessing hundreds of thousands of parts for purchase on a single platform
- Ordering parts directly from work orders, with automatic vehicle and vendor matching
- Tracking shipments in real-time to schedule builds accurately and keep buyers updated on their orders
- Marketplace Database Development
- Extensive parts catalog (1M+ items), updated in real-time, compliant with ACES and PIES standards
Mobile Application Development
We also developed Android and iOS apps (to complement the core Web app) for shop technicians, offering the following functionality:
- View active work orders, their details, and auto owner information directly on the phone.
- Update and track the progress of work order checklists.
- Capture and upload photos and videos directly to checklists. Share photos and videos with auto owners.
We also did most of the API integration work with platforms like Stripe Payment API integration (done), AfterShip API integration (done), Turn 14 API integration (done), Plate-to-VIN API integration (done), Twilio API integration, Zapier API integration, Fortellis API integration, Gmail API integration (done), QuickBooks API integration(in progress), Fortellis (in progress), DocuSign API integration (planned), among others.
We built the MVP, created a landing page, and launched it into production. Since the initial release, the client has stayed with us, demonstrating their trust in our team and satisfaction with the work we have done.
CRM integration into ERP for quoting, lead conversion, and lead management
- Quick access to important customer information through a dashboard with client profiles
- Accurate quote generation in minutes with embedded access to millions of parts and hundreds of car performance optimization packages
- Calling, texting, and emailing leads directly from the app, using a shop’s existing number without switching between devices
- Tracking sales activities, leave notes, and schedule builds
Automation of Work Order Management
- Building work orders in seconds thanks to CRM and marketplace database integration, as well as with customizable pre-configured auto performance optimization templates
- Automated addition of work orders to the existing schedule of a speed shop at optimal times
- Calculating and scheduling labor time automatically for each work order
ERP Marketplace Integration
- Accessing hundreds of thousands of parts for purchase on a single platform
- Ordering parts directly from work orders, with automatic vehicle and vendor matching
- Tracking shipments in real-time to schedule builds accurately and keep buyers updated on their orders
- Marketplace Database Development
- Extensive parts catalog (1M+ items), updated in real-time, compliant with ACES and PIES standards
Mobile Application Development
We also developed Android and iOS apps (to complement the core Web app) for shop technicians, offering the following functionality:
- View active work orders, their details, and auto owner information directly on the phone.
- Update and track the progress of work order checklists.
- Capture and upload photos and videos directly to checklists. Share photos and videos with auto owners.
We also did most of the API integration work with platforms like Stripe Payment API integration (done), AfterShip API integration (done), Turn 14 API integration (done), Plate-to-VIN API integration (done), Twilio API integration, Zapier API integration, Fortellis API integration, Gmail API integration (done), QuickBooks API integration(in progress), Fortellis (in progress), DocuSign API integration (planned), among others.