Subaru Hatfield and Centurion

Subaru Hatfield and Centurion choose the ADP Autoline System

“Now I can stop working and get down to managing my business,” says Chris Grobler, dealer principal and owner of the Subaru motor dealerships in Hatfield, Pretoria and Centurion, after going live with the ADP Autoline dealer management system.

An entrepreneur with an engineering diploma, Chris ventured into the used car market after leaving the defence force and then in April 1997, he acquired the Subaru franchise.

“It really started out as an informal business with three employees,” explains Chris, adding, “I had no training as a dealer principal or experience for being the proprietor of a business like a motor dealership. As the business grew, new departments and tasks just seemed to evolve and we had to handle them as they came about. We then acquired a Pastel accounting system, and that was exactly what it was - just an accounting system, albeit a good one. It could not, however, meet our requirements to give us reports and the checks and balances that we needed. This resulted in numerous problems and we were managing in crisis mode.” he explained.

Despite these challenges, the Subaru dealerships’ yearly turnover doubled in 2001, 2002 and again in 2004. Additionally, the dealership was voted Subaru Dealer of the Year in 1999, 2002 and again in 2007.

During his initial investigations into dealer management systems, Chris learnt that Barloworld, the importers of Subaru, were installing the ADP Autoline system. “I realised it would be prudent to follow Barloworld’s direction.” he said.

Commenting on the implementation process, Chris said, “ADP used our two dealerships as a pilot project for paving the way for the installation of the ADP Autoline system at all other Subaru dealerships country-wide.”

Emphasising the need for careful pre-implementation planning, Chris reflected, “There were a few initial problems mostly as the result of miscommunication by all the parties and my insistence on rushing the implementation of the system. We should have been more patient and instituted a thorough gap analysis to ensure that we knew exactly where we were going before starting out.”

Acknowledging the importance of training for his staff on the Autoline system, Chris noted, “We currently have nine users who were trained by ADP and as is natural, there was some initial resistance amongst our staff members to the change. Although it is a new system, similar basic principles apply and the users have overcome any doubts they had. We have also used the opportunity to teach some of the staff members to multi-task so that we are ensured continuity if anyone should be absent.”

With the Autoline system now in operation for a couple of months, Chris expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. He said, “The system now handles both of our outlets although they are treated as separate profit centres. The problems initially encountered have been largely sorted out now and I am convinced that the implementation at other Subaru dealers will be smooth and effective. Autoline provides me with what I need to run an effective business and indeed, it would be of great benefit to other entrepreneurs starting their own dealership.”

Summarising the impact that Autoline has had on his two dealerships, Chris noted, “Already in the short time that we have used Autoline, I can see a substantial improvement in the efficiencies of our parts department and I know we will see improved results in other areas. I am looking to achieve a greater contribution from our used car operation and we will be using the system to help bring our profitability in line with our competitors.”

Chris concluded, “I can honestly say that the ADP Autoline dealer management system meets all the requirements for my business. In fact, I am actually getting more than I expected. It is a very worthwhile investment.”