ASA touts 3 software applications for tire dealers

DON DETORE 

Tire Business

LAS VEGAS — It was a software tripleheader of sorts at the ASA Automotive Systems Inc. booth at the recent SEMA Show.

Merrimack, N.H.-based ASA, which provides software for independent tire and auto service dealers, unveiled three software technologies that are now available to help dealerships across North America.

The first involves a retread management software for independent retreaders; the second is an upgrade to its popular TireMaster Xpanse software; and the third is the release of a web-based platform, SideKick360, designed to help improve and streamline communication from service advisors to customers.

Here's a look at each technology:

TreadWare

Rosemont, Ill.-based FOG Software Group, parent of ASA Automotive Systems, has become the exclusive reseller of TreadWare's retread management software, which is designed to support the 160 or so independent retreaders across North America.

The software can be used both as a manufacturing tool — tracking production and the viability and efficiency of human resources and machines — and as an accounting tool, managing the financial flow and production processes.

"It's a fairly complicated process, so the integration between the shop management application and the manufacturing application provides a lot of value, especially for a multi-point retreader who is doing a lot of large, enterprise commercial accounts," Marc Belanski, automotive portfolio manager at FOG Software Group, said during a news conference at the trade show.

Tire Business photo by Bruce Davis

FOG Software Group’s Marc Belanski explains how ASA will work with TreadWare.

TreadWare founder and owner Clayton Van Kleeck will continue to own and manage the software; FOG will distribute and support it, while offering input on new releases or features, based on customer interaction.

Mr. Belanski said that most independent retreaders are "hugely underserved" and don't have many software options available.

"We believe through our experience on the ASA side with TreadWare, the Van Kleeck organization, that it is the premier application for independent retreaders," he said. "We believe it's the right product for somebody who is looking for retread software."

Mr. Belanski said FOG provides the "scale and reach to get to the entire market. From that aspect it becomes a great partnership."

"The time-proven interface between TreadWare and the FOG Software Group's variety of POS systems provides many technological advantages for the independent tire retreaders," Mr. Van Kleeck said. "We are proud to have the FOG Software Group as our exclusive reseller of TreadWare."

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The SYSTEMAX100-IT SOLUTION

TreadWare announces exciting new features for their software. TreadWare CEO, Clayton Van Kleeck recently announced that Treadware is expanding and growing in all directions. “We have assembled our dream team and our clients will reap the rewards”, stated Clayton from his Lake Katrine, NY headquarters. A new dedicated Systems & IT Engineering department was launched in October of 2016 and they have developed a stand-alone turnkey Server/Workstation technology platform that has already been deployed and has met with rave reviews. “This new approach allows us to completely package and build the system for our clients and ship it 100% ready to work on delivery”. SystemAX100 is complete with all the parts required to run and operate TreadWare, and it ships with a one year parts/labor warranty. A strong feature is that the system arrives with remote desktop service and support software included, so that if any problems arise the engineering team can remedy the situation right away.

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TREADWARE TRAINING

It is so important to understand and experience the technology platform you are purchasing. TreadWare has installed a 24/7 remote desktop training lab. According to Nigel Redman, Director of Engineering services, “The training lab allows a client to actually work on their system before it leaves our facility. They can see how it operates and familiarize their staff with the operations about to be part of their everyday work”. Once a client’s system is ready and tested a logon invitation is generated thus providing 24/7 access to the actual system being made ready for shipping.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

The TreadWare Software Development team is our latest addition to the TreadWare family. “This department is responsible for improving the current version of TreadWare and working on a continuing program to provide enhancements and client requested features” says Clayton. “We now have a plan in place to provide releases two times per year.” The Software Development team will also handle the direct client interface for remote desktop tech support which includes system remedy and deployment fixes on a regular basis. Joe Valentine, Software team leader states, “There will still be a voice on the phone when you call us, but now our Customer Relations staff will be able to refer any calls to the right team for the proper response”.

TREADWARE WORLDWIDE

Clayton Van Kleeck is known for his expertise in the retreading world. Recently he was requested to host a trade delegation from Central Africa to provide an educational tour of the tire retreading business. Mr. Van Kleeck was happy to spend a day giving them a full tour of the Ranger Tire facility in Long Island NY where owner John Roefs explained the process from his years of hands-on experience. The group returned to Zimbabwe to make a formal report and will extend a consultation agreement to TreadWare to help develop the plant. Clayton was insistent to point out, “TreadWare will provide education, guidance and logistical assistance to the host country, but the project is 100% a Zimbabwe operation from beginning to end”. Zimbabwe business developer Alf Muronda stated, “ The expertise of TreadWare is vital to the success of the project and the TreadWare team will work well with our home team to get the plant built and operational”.

Pictured here, Clayton Van Kleeck and Alf Muronda discuss the process of tire inspection at Ranger Tire in Long Island, NY.

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