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Success Story -
Genuine Parts
Genuine
Parts' TurboCharged InStore System
Take today's
young retail employee, who's used to
video games and surfing the Net, not
tinkering under the hood of a car. Traditional
computer systems that rely on a characterbased
environment and require car part knowledge
just don't jive with today's skill set.
That's why Genuine Parts Company, which
distributes automotive replacement parts
and accessory items to a wide range
of markets, teamed with BravePoint®.
Genuine Parts is responsible for the
computer system in 5800 NAPA Auto Parts
stores nationwide and knew they needed
to rev up their system to a graphical,
Windowslike environment that would
be more intuitive and offer additional
functionality. After selecting the SilverStream
product for its flexibility, ease of
use, and ability to assist with rapid
implementation as the company migrated
to a Java environment, Genuine Parts
put BravePoint in the driver's seat.
"BravePoint is concerned about satisfying
our needs today and helping us develop
an environment that will take care of
tomorrow," said Jay Burnworth, Genuine
Parts Company's vice president of TAMS
Information Systems. "That is a feather
in their cap and a major differentiator
from other technology consultants."
Driving Costs Down
BravePoint took the wheel
and mapped out a software development
plan that worked for Genuine Parts.
Providing highlevel mentors, BravePoint
helped Genuine Parts evaluate the impact
of adopting the SilverStream platform
in its retail environments. BravePoint
then assumed responsibility for analysis
and architecture, developed the system,
and customized courses specifically
designed to retrain Genuine Parts' developers
to become selfsufficient in Java™.
These courses included classroom training,
handson lab experience, and ongoing
mentoring after the completion of the
coursework to be sure the devleopers
could apply their new skills in reallife
situations.
Genuine Parts' strategy
of developing a system with builtin
intellect enables it to handle point
of sale, inventory, cataloging, and
accounts receivables more efficiently.
What's more, minimal training require
ments mean that NAPA employees can put
the pedal to the metal to serve customers
better while managing costs immediately.
With decreased margins and increased
competition in the automotive aftermarket
industry, the cost savings facilitated
by BravePoint are critical for keeping
Genuine Parts in the fast lane.
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