Inventory Management for Car Dealers: Parts, Accessories & Supplies
Beyond vehicles, car dealers and workshops manage a wide range of spare parts, accessories, and consumables. AutoPult offers professional inventory management specifically tailored to the requirements of the car trade: minimum stock levels, automatic reordering, inventory tools, and barcode scanning.
The Inventory Management Workflow
Create Item
Item master data with OE number, manufacturer part number, category, and pricing information. TecDoc integration for automatic data synchronization.
Monitor Stock
Define minimum stock levels. AutoPult automatically warns when levels drop below the threshold and generates order suggestions based on consumption history.
Reorder
An order is created from the order suggestion with one click. AutoPult sends it in the supplier’s format via email or API.
Check Goods Receipt
Scan delivered parts via barcode and check against the order. Discrepancies are reported immediately.
Install & Assign Parts
During installation: scan the part, select the vehicle. Inventory decreases, vehicle costs in vehicle management increase – automatically.
Manage Parts Inventory Centrally
Every part in your warehouse is recorded in AutoPult with all relevant information:
- Item master data: OE number, manufacturer part number, description, category
- Stock information: Current stock, minimum stock, maximum stock, storage location
- Pricing: Purchase price, selling price, tiered pricing, supplier comparison
- Associations: Assignment to vehicle types, usage history, alternative parts
- Images & documents: Product photos, data sheets, installation guides
Minimum Stock & Automatic Reordering
Define Minimum Stock
Set a minimum stock level for each item. When current stock drops below this threshold, you automatically receive a warning. The AI learns from your consumption data and suggests optimal minimum stock levels.
Automatic Order Suggestions
AutoPult automatically generates order suggestions when reorder points are reached. Order quantities are optimized based on consumption history, delivery times, and tiered pricing.
Supplier Management
Manage multiple suppliers per item with different prices and delivery times. AutoPult automatically suggests the most cost-effective supplier or considers the fastest delivery time.
Place Orders Directly
An order is created from the order suggestion with one click. AutoPult generates the order in the supplier’s correct format. Goods receipt is checked against the order.
AutoPult vs. Manual Inventory Management
| Function | AutoPult Inventory Management | Excel / Paper-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory overview | Real time, all locations | Outdated, often inaccurate |
| Reordering | Automatic order suggestions | Only when the part is missing |
| Cost allocation | Automatically to the vehicle | Often unassigned |
| Stocktaking | Barcode scanner, automatic reconciliation | Manual counting, error-prone |
| Supplier comparison | Automatic by price and delivery time | Tedious via phone/email |
| Accounting | Automatic DATEV transfer | Manual entry |
Stocktaking: Digital and Efficient
- Date-based stocktaking: Complete inventory count on a defined date with barcode scanner support
- Perpetual inventory: Continuous counting during daily operations – every stock entry and exit is recorded immediately
- Variance report: Automatic comparison of expected vs. actual stock with deviation analysis
- Inventory report: GoBD-compliant inventory report for the tax advisor and accounting
Learn more about the benefits of AutoPult.
Analytics & Inventory KPIs
- Total inventory value and by category
- Turnover rate per item and product group
- Slow-mover analysis: parts that haven’t moved for months
- Consumption statistics by period and vehicle type
- ABC analysis for prioritizing inventory maintenance
Barcode Scanning for Fast Processing
AutoPult supports barcode and QR code scanning for fast item processing. Use standard barcode scanners or your smartphone:
- Scan items by barcode and find them instantly in the system
- Goods receipt: Scan delivered parts and check against the order
- Goods issue: Scan parts during installation – stock is automatically reduced
- Stocktaking: Scan shelves and enter quantities – done
- Print custom barcode labels for uncoded items
Parts Assignment to Vehicle Orders
When a vehicle is in the workshop, the required parts are taken directly from inventory and assigned to the vehicle order. Costs automatically flow into the vehicle cost calculation. The workshop technician selects the vehicle, scans the required part, and the withdrawal is documented. After reconditioning is complete, you can see exactly which parts were installed and what they cost – the foundation for realistic selling prices and healthy margins.
TecDoc Integration for Automatic Parts Matching
Integration with TecDoc enables automatic matching of parts data and assignment to vehicle types. Your employees always find the right part for the right vehicle – including alternative parts and OE number cross-references. No more tedious searching through catalogs. Price comparisons between different suppliers are displayed automatically, so you always purchase at the best price.
Set Up Inventory Management Now
Order in the parts warehouse, less capital tied up, automatic reordering – all in one system.
Returns Management & Warranty Parts
Not every part is delivered correctly or fits the vehicle. AutoPult also supports the return process: create returns directly from goods receipt, print return slips, and track the status through to credit note. For warranty parts, the warranty claim is documented and the manufacturer is automatically notified via the appropriate interface.
Workshop Integration
Inventory management is seamlessly connected with the workshop area and vehicle management. When a mechanic needs a part for a repair or reconditioning, they see the current stock level directly in the work order. The entire material flow is documented without gaps – from goods receipt through storage to installation. If the part is available, it’s withdrawn via barcode scan and assigned to the order. If it’s not available, AutoPult automatically creates an order with the most cost-effective supplier offering the fastest delivery time. The work order is updated accordingly and the mechanic is notified as soon as the part arrives.