From fragmented inspections to integrated operations: Transforming inspection processes with A365

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August 26, 2024

In the world of commercial transportation, keeping your fleet of trucks and buses in top condition isn’t just routine maintenance—it’s vital for business operations. Companies like InspectPro, which specializes in vehicle health inspections and pre-delivery inspections, rely on getting the process right to ensure smooth running. But what happens when these inspections are delayed or when resources are not properly managed?

Let’s explore how improper processes negatively impact both the business and its customers and how A365 can help turn things around.

The ripple effect of improper inspections

Imagine InspectPro, a company at the forefront of fleet management, responsible for regular vehicle health inspections and pre-delivery checks to keep trucks and buses road-ready.

In response to increasing client demand and operational pressures, they decide to extend inspection intervals to handle more clients and reduce downtime. While this may seem practical at first, it can set off a chain of issues:

Decreased vehicle reliability: By extending vehicle health inspections, minor issues like tire wear or engine concerns can go unnoticed. These small, overlooked problems can escalate, leading to vehicle breakdowns and safety risks that tarnish a business’s reputation and client trust.
Inconsistent pre-delivery inspections: Postponing pre-delivery checks can result in vehicles being delivered with undetected defects, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential recalls. This directly impacts customer relationships and future business opportunities.
Operational inefficiencies: Without timely scheduling and accurate pre-delivery checks, businesses may struggle with uncoordinated appointments, leading to costly delays, higher operational expenses, and fewer opportunities to take on new clients.
Data management issues: Delayed or incomplete data makes tracking vehicle histories difficult, whether it’s for regular health checks or pre-delivery certifications. This increases the risk of non-compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Financial setbacks: Ignored issues can escalate into costly repairs and maintenance, further stretching resources. Missed vehicle checks not only increases downtime but can also result in legal penalties.

Common challenges for truck and bus inspection businesses

Inspection businesses have a critical role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of commercial fleets. However, they are not without their own set of challenges. Adding extra complications to the mix is the last thing these businesses need. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the common pain points they face:

Workload management: Handling a high volume can be overwhelming. Without a streamlined system, it’s easy for important tasks to slip through the cracks, potentially jeopardizing safety.
Resource allocation: Juggling personnel and tools can be tricky. Inefficiencies here can lead to increased downtime and labor costs.
Vehicle valuation: Accurate valuations depend on thorough checking. Inconsistencies can skew data, impacting resale values and insurance claims.
Quality control: Ensuring thorough checks across all vehicles is challenging. Inconsistent quality can result in missed issues and costly repairs.
Communication gaps: Disjointed processes often lead to communication breakdowns between teams, causing delays and incomplete repairs.
Data management: Managing data can be cumbersome, especially with outdated methods. This makes tracking trends and ensuring compliance difficult.
Customer expectations: Today’s customers demand fast, transparent service. Balancing these expectations with thorough inspections adds another layer of complexity.

How A365 transforms the inspection landscape

Truck and bus businesses need a solution that integrates seamlessly with their operations, enhances efficiency, and ensures consistent, high-quality inspections.

An end-to-end cloud-based solution like A365 can address challenges effectively, providing a comprehensive approach to managing truck and bus inspections. Thanks to its robust foundation built on Microsoft Dynamics 365, A365 offers a range of features designed to streamline and enhance processes that grow alongside your business.

Real-time data capture: Inspectors can instantly record and upload data from the field. This means accurate, up-to-date information is always at your fingertips, cutting out delays and paperwork hassles.
Historical records: With A365, accessing a vehicle’s complete history is just a few clicks away. This helps track performance trends and spot recurring issues before they escalate.
Customizable workflow: A365 lets businesses tailor processes to their needs. Whether it’s adapting to specific regulatory requirements or streamlining steps, you get a workflow that fits your business.
Photo & video documentation: Attach photos and videos directly to reports. This visual evidence is invaluable for resolving disputes, processing insurance claims, or just keeping everyone in the loop.
Maintenance integration: A365 syncs data with maintenance schedules. Any issues found are quickly addressed, keeping downtime to a minimum.
Customizable templates: Different vehicles have different needs. A365’s customizable templates ensure tasks are thorough where they need to be and efficient where appropriate.
Automated alerts: Stay on top of workload with automated notifications for upcoming tasks, overdue items, and critical issues. This proactive approach helps ensure nothing gets missed.
Digital checklists: Digital checklists eliminate the risk of missed steps and make tracking and auditing easier, contributing to more consistent and thorough checks.
Remote inspections: A365 supports remote inspections, providing flexibility whether vehicles are in different locations or inspectors can’t be on-site.
Standardized procedures: Standardize processes across the fleet to ensure consistency and reliability, building trust with customers and stakeholders.

The future of inspections with A365

The truck and bus industry is evolving, and so are inspection processes. Businesses that adapt to modern solutions like A365 are not just keeping up—they’re setting the pace. By leveraging the power of real-time data, seamless integration, and customizable workflows, A365 empowers businesses to overcome the challenges of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.

The result? A fleet that’s safer, more reliable, and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. So, if you’re ready to take your inspection processes to the next level, A365 might just be the game-changer you need.

Reach out to us today for a personalized consultation or learn more about A365’s trucks & buses inspection features.

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In 2020, Annata was chosen by a heavy truck manufacturer to assist in developing their business processes and the systems required to support them. The company has more than 400 employees to support its rapid growth as a leading automotive innovator in zero-emission vehicles and trucks.

After a rapid and intensive validation cycle, Annata was chosen because of Annata’s 20-year automotive industry experience and extensions to the Microsoft Dynamics platform that formed the basis of the manufacturer’s finance and manufacturing systems.

Designed with cloud scalability and agility built in, the solution covered all critical processes. To ensure a complete and compelling customer experience, Annata’s solution will ensure the organization is well connected to customer behaviors, both pre-and post-sale for years to come.

The company decided to engage in a multi-year partnership with Annata after the success of the solution implementation. Annata provided the manufacturer with industry insights and experience to drive more value in all its business processes.

Annata picked for superior material handling performance by Leading North American equipment dealer

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Dealer

A prominent material handling equipment dealer, with a network spanning over 60 locations across North America, is committed to delivering a comprehensive range of services, including new and used equipment, rentals, parts, service solutions, and training, with a strong emphasis on exceptional customer service.

The collaboration between Annata and Microsoft that led to the successful partnership with the customer was built on a foundation of team expertise and trust, ensuring a strong working relationship.

In their initiative to replace the current system, the company aspired to migrate to a modern, Azure cloud-based platform to optimize their Microsoft Dynamics investment. The primary goals included achieving business transformation, ensuring scalability, and eliminating system performance constraints.

The decision to upgrade to Dynamics 365 stemmed from challenges such as instability, poor performance, and growth limitations experienced in their previous solution installation.

The overarching objective was to address these issues and enhance the overall efficiency and stability of their operational environment. Annata’s offering stood out with its comprehensive equipment lifecycle functionality, addressing the customer’s specific needs in a tailored manner. System performance and adherence to Independent Software Vendor (ISV) compliance were pivotal aspects that contributed to the decision, assuring the customer of a robust and reliable solution.

Annata’s commitment to ongoing development, reflected in their ecosystem investment and roadmap, aligned well with the customer’s long-term goals. Microsoft’s Proof of Concept (POC) support played a crucial role in demonstrating the capabilities of the proposed Dynamics 365 solution.

The success of the partnership was further cemented by the strong collaboration and partnership ethos shared between Annata and Microsoft, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to meeting the customer’s requirement.

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A privately-owned enterprise with a significant presence in the automotive industry, operates as a key distributor for a globally recognized automotive brand. As the largest independent distributor for this brand on a global scale, the division serves a network over 150 independent dealerships.

Previously relying on an outdated “Green Screen” system and managing a complex network of around 200 applications, the company recognized the need for a transformative change. The existing system, developed over 25 years, had become inadequate for evolving dealer needs, leading to technical debt rather than delivering value. To address this, the enterprise sought a modern solution to meet the dynamic requirements of the automotive industry and enhance overall operational efficiency. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 and A365 combination were selected to improve forecasting, streamline vehicle ordering processes, and reduce lead times from inspection to final delivery.

The enterprise now leverages the full A365 platform, including warranty management and rental services, to optimize its operations. The pivotal factor in selecting this solution was the ability to offer a platform tailored to the automotive industry, providing comprehensive visibility, management, and controls throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. This capability formed the cornerstone of a compelling value narrative, resonating strongly with a diverse group of stakeholders.

The decision to choose Microsoft Dynamics and A365 exemplified a strategic approach, wherein technology was prioritized first, aligning subsequently with the market for a systems integrator. This decision underscored the strategic fit of the chosen technology to the specific needs of the enterprise, setting the stage for a successful implementation and business transformation.

Key automotive importer and dealer adopts A365 for comprehensive operational enhancement

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Founded in 1963 in Latin America, this key player in the local automotive industry has solidified its standing among the top groups in the sector. Over six decades, the company has maintained consistent growth, establishing a robust financial foundation.

Central to their success is a commitment to transparent management, enabling them to overcome challenges. The company prioritizes key strategic pillars, including business sustainability, delivering exceptional customer experiences, nurturing a skilled workforce, embracing technology, and forming strategic alliances. These pillars reflect the company’s comprehensive approach to ensuring long-term success and resilience in the dynamic automotive industry.

To enhance their operations, the company opted for Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations combined with A365 and Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement combined with A365. In the evaluation process, various global and regional players were considered, with the chosen combination ultimately selected based on key factors.

The decision to choose this particular combination was influenced by factors such as embracing new technologies for future growth, an abundance of experienced consultants for technology implementation, a holistic solution with cloud hosting and flexible services, and an excellent cost-benefit Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) ratio.

Additionally, the choice of Annata was motivated by their extensive expertise in the automotive sector, a strong market presence, a robust research and development (R&D) plan, and certification capabilities with a cost-effective Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

This combination of solutions was deemed the optimal choice, aligning with the organization’s strategic goals and ensuring a comprehensive and effective solution for their business needs.

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The European automotive manufacturer was increasingly challenged with their internal reliance on their existing systems as they felt that they were losing a competitive edge by not having the ability to benchmark functionality, performance, and cost.
To address this, they started to investigate adding D365 as a second practice. They, however, soon found a need to bring in the Annata extended solution to fully understand the capabilities of the underlying D365 platform with the vertical extension for their specific business.

Through the roll-out, the manufacturer was able to move from local, siloed solutions to a common enterprise standard solution which drives down costs, mitigates risks, and improves the customer experience with a consequential uptick in sales.
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A South African arm of a major importer and distributor of cars and spare parts was looking to expand the use of the solution into Dynamics 365 Sales. A365 Sales was selected as the preferred industry solution.

The reputation of Annata working with the Microsoft team in South Africa helped to land the deal. The underlying Common Data Model for Automotive was also an important factor in the decision.

The expansion of the use of Dynamics CE for sales was already planned but the business felt that the Annata Sales app would provide ‘out of the box’ functionality and save them a considerable amount of time and effort. The business estimated that implementing the Annata Sales app would save them up to 3 years compared with developing the functionality themselves.

The Annata Sales app provides functionality to handle vehicle configuration, and sales quotations including financing options, trade-ins, test drives, etc.

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A division of a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer serving developing markets chose Dynamics 365 + A365 to replace all their current systems for their vehicle division across Africa and selected countries in Latam and Asia.

The implementation was complex as it involved replacing three heavily customized, on-premise solutions with a standard, (based on a global template), cloud-based offering. The complexity was further increased as the connectivity in some African countries can be intermittent, and delivering a project across many countries requires a great deal of experience and planning.

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The existing solution was unable to support these business processes cost-effectively with the same flexibility and agility. Annata’s automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) experience and track record of successful and agile implementations, particularly in the U.S. market were key to winning against other competitors.

Key decision makers of the manufacturer were primarily of Chinese descent, with some residing in corporate offices in China. Working with Microsoft China, Annata was able to leverage its insight into Chinese business culture and its relationships with the business’s corporate IT.

Annata’s ability to adjust to an unconventional sales process and accommodation for cultural differences, coupled with an implementation approach and agile solution that could grow with the North American arm, was key to winning the business.

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Annata, Microsoft, and the manufacturer worked together to build a golden template and blueprint to be used in future rollouts globally. The solution combination adds future capabilities and support for ML, AI, IoT, and more automated business executions, which will have a positive impact on the ROI.

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Annata was chosen as a solutions provider to replace a 20-year-old heavily customized legacy system for an RV manufacturer. The systems in use were not supplying prompt information to the management team and model changes for production were painful to implement.

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The manufacturer expects overall improved management reporting for executives and operations. Operational improvements include rationalized bills of materials, costing, and managing production change orders effectively. The manufacturer expects its dealers to have a more efficient process for warranty claims that will result in a reduced payment time, while still preventing fraudulent or duplicate claims.

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Central Europe

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As an existing customer of AX and Annata IDMS on-premise, the Swiss company decided to start its journey to the cloud in early 2020. Annata’s finance and operations solution was the core of the solution proposed to the company.

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In addition to a proven solution, Annata was the primary choice due to the strongly committed executive management team which is very much supportive of the strategic project goals.

The project enjoys a high focus at the executive management level and is supported by a strong change management approach aiming to avoid unnecessary customizations.

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Central Europe

Manufacturer

With a primary focus on excellent product quality and outstanding customer service, the equipment manufacturer made a company-wide decision to shift their business process to the cloud using Dynamics 365 and Annata’s Finance & Operations solution.

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Mexican subsidiary of an international motor company implements Annata solutions to modernize business processes

Southern North America

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A Mexican subsidiary of an international motor company was utilizing multiple and heavily customized legacy systems which were around 20 years old and did not improve the business. The financial reports generated caused many discrepancies in the business which dampened business decisions.

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The new system enabled the company’s dealerships to seamlessly communicate and collaborate with suppliers and service partners, while the company focused on creating an integrated supply chain.

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Forestry equipment global manufacturer selects Annata for company-wide digitization

Europe

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Operating in forestry markets of more than 40 different countries, the manufacturer had an IT landscape that was complex, fragmented, and varied greatly between countries. As part of their future-proofing efforts, they needed a platform to bolster them as they navigated into the future, providing them with the flexibility required to digitize their entire business.

Annata’s complete set of industry functionalities around the lifecycle of heavy equipment, the strength of the application and platform, as well as in-depth knowledge and vast experience within the industry were reasons why Annata was selected to support them along their transformation journey.

Annata also displayed strong awareness of future capabilities specific to the manufacturer’s needs aside from proving a strong partnership with Microsoft.

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From fragmented inspections to integrated operations: Transforming inspection processes with A365

The ripple effect of improper inspections

Common challenges for truck and bus inspection businesses

How A365 transforms the inspection landscape

The future of inspections with A365

Legal

Company

Industries

Resources

Hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle purveyors selects Annata to fulfill global scale ambitions

North America

Manufacturer

Annata picked for superior material handling performance by Leading North American equipment dealer

North America

Dealer

Automotive powerhouse selects A365 for next-level business optimization

North America

Distributor

Key automotive importer and dealer adopts A365 for comprehensive operational enhancement

Latin America

Importer and dealer

European vehicle manufacturer unlocks competitive edge with Annata

Europe

Manufacturer

Annata expands Dynamics solution for South African arm of major importer and distributor

South Africa

Distributor

Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer arm selects Annata to replace existing vehicle division systems

Northwestern Europe

Importer

Annata brings agility to a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer

East Asia

Manufacturer

Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer partners with Annata to drive the shift towards sustainable transporting

Scandinavia

Manufacturer

RV manufacturer streamlines business processes with Annata

North America

Manufacturer

Swiss agricultural equipment and machinery supplier accelerates cloud migration with Annata

Central Europe

Importer

Annata selected to digitally transform distribution channel of agricultural equipment manufacturer

Central Europe

Manufacturer

Mexican subsidiary of an international motor company implements Annata solutions to modernize business processes

Southern North America

Manufacturer

Hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle purveyors selects Annata to fulfill global scale ambitions

North America

Manufacturer

Forestry equipment global manufacturer selects Annata for company-wide digitization

Europe

Manufacturer