First-class service and immediate availability of spare parts are decisive success factors for automobile dealerships. In fact, parts and service account for a major share of the revenue generated by dealerships. Generally speaking, dealers need to have quite a lot of space in order to provide these services. In urban areas, where space is often scarce and expensive, car dealers are faced with many limitations and often cannot expand their existing facilities. Intelligent Hänel storage systems are the perfect solutions for resolving such problems.
Hänel storage systems enable dealers to redesign their parts and service departments in ways that require less floor space while increasing storage capacity at the same time. The space saved can be used for other purposes such as more service area, sales displays or offices. And there is no need to rent or lease storage space at locations other than the dealership – this saves a lot of money. Compact storage solutions reduce the costs of warehousing and materials. They also support optimized and precise inventory control.
A well-organized tool and parts department enhances the professional image of today’s car dealerships!
Central parts storage for service and repair shop
Thanks to the enormous amount of space saved, all of the parts formerly kept in a large shelf depot are now stored in just two Hänel systems...
Increased efficiency with the Hänel Lean-Lift®
For better utilization of space in the building, #1 Cochran decided to install a Hänel Lean-Lift®…
Storage and management of tools for vehicle service and repair
For better efficiency and cost effectiveness, Auto Jung in Sinsheim stores all of its standard and special tools in a Hänel Lean-Lift®...
The Hänel Lean-Lift® – the interface between workshop and service centre
Two Hänel Lean-Lifts® help resolve the constantly growing need for more space in the service centre…
#1 Cochran Automotive was founded in 1965 with one dealership and has since become one of the leading automobile retailers in Western Pennsylvania. #1 Cochran Automotive is among the foremost dealerships in the United States and maintains three branch locations, 10 showrooms and 13 franchises.
In order to expand the service area without having to construct an additional building, this Buick/GMC dealership in Monroeville installed a Hänel Lean-Lift® and a Hänel Rotomat® centrally in the repair shop area. These storage systems protect all parts from dust, dirt and unauthorized access.
Maximum storage volume within a small footprint
Thanks to the enormous amount of space saved, all of the parts formerly kept in a large shelf depot are now stored in just two Hänel systems. Everything is available from a central retrieval area in the vehicle service area.
Easy integration in the existing IT system
Both lift systems were connected with the dealer‘s existing data management system. This ensures constant inventory monitoring and control while also increasing overall productivity.
In 2011 and 2012, #1 Cochran completely renovated its Buick/GMC dealership in Robinson Township, Pennsylvania. The goal was to improve efficiency and the appearance of the dealership to make the customer experience more appealing.
The new showroom created more space for the parts department and additional repair shop bays so that the range of services could be expanded. For better utilization of space in the building, #1 Cochran decided to install a Hänel Lean-Lift®. The Lean-Lift® was integrated in the existing structure so that no building modifications were necessary.
The parts and service area is now a bright, neat and convenient workplace. Customers are served quickly and efficiently at separate sales counters. Another counter provides the parts needed in the service center. Most of the parts in stock are available at the push of a button. Climbing steps and lengthy searches to retrieve parts are things of the past.
More and more car dealerships in the United States are profiting from Hänel solutions!
Expert service and fast throughput times for repairs and vehicle maintenance are factors that distinguish successful car dealerships and service centers. For better efficiency and cost effectiveness, Auto Jung in Sinsheim stores all of its standard and special tools in a Hänel Lean-Lift®.
Management according to the BER list
By coupling the Hänel system controller with the tool management software SEPP24, special tools can be managed quite easily in accordance with BER (Block Exemption Regulation) list.
Based on standardized maintenance and repair procedures, the list specifies the tools to be used for each procedure. Once the tool number is entered on the Hänel control panel, the storage system automatically retrieves the tool for the car mechanic.
The tool management software also indicates whether a particular tool is being used by another service colleague. A complete tool inventory is available at any time. The Hänel Lean-Lift® is the perfect solution for organized storage of vehicle components and tools, not to mention professional process optimization in dealerships and service centers!
Central tool depot
In the past tools and repair kits were kept on shelves and in drawer modules. These units were located at various points throughout the repair shop.
Now all tools are stored in a centrally located Hänel Lean-Lift®. There is no need to search for specific tools in different places.
And that saves time for service personnel. Up to 1,400 different tools are neatly stored in one system with a minimum footprint. Compared to the previous situation, the Hänel solution saves a considerable amount of space at the dealership.
BMW Benham is the leading retailer in the West Midlands. The company’s new building was specially designed with a large show-room with ample space for vehicles and for optimizing the quality of customer care.
Two Hänel Lean-Lifts® help resolve the constantly growing need for more space in the service centre. A special feature is the second access point on one of the lift systems which serves to connect the service department with the automobile workshop area. This setup allows employees to keep their tools in the lift system and also gives them access to the parts and components they need.
'The BMW sales centre in Pineham was the first to successfully deploy Hänel storage systems. The reliability and efficiency of the Hänel solution there convinced us to purchase two Hänel Lean-Lifts® for our branch office. Another advantage is space savings combined with a controlled inventory of various parts and tools.'
Steve Mills,
Head of Business
MP 12 N control system
The storage systems are operated with the intelligent Hänel MP 12 N controller. The central MP 100 D controller is used for system management. The MP 100 D supports convenient inventory control for both lift systems.
An interface between the MP 12 N controllers and the BMW DMS supports data communication via the enterprise network.
Orders are sent to the lifts via FTP, and scanning a specially developed barcode starts the automatic transport of containers with the requested parts to the access point for retrieval.
The renowned sports car manufacturer in Germany has a vision of the future dealership vehicle service center in which extremely efficient storage solutions are fully automated and integrated in work processes to ensure maximum efficiency.
Our trade fair schedule is in the planning stage. Details about our participation in future trade fairs will be available here soon.
Hänel Lean-Lift® and Rotomat® storage systems are two solutions that are ideal for integration in car dealership processes. They boost efficiency when it comes to tool and spare parts storage.
Hänel lift systems fully utilize the vertical space available for height-optimized tool and auto parts storage within a small footprint. The result is maximum storage capacity and less required floor space. And that saves money! Hänel systems automatically bring tools and spare parts to the access area in just seconds – the parts can then be retrieved at the optimum ergonomic height.
Intelligent Hänel storage systems are the perfect choice for car dealers wanting to save time and space while also boosting productivity.
To better serve our Automotive Customers, Hänel Storage Systems invests in partnerships with leading dealer management systems. We recently upgraded our MP-Link inventory software to better integrate with these DMS providers — A feature that helps car, truck and motorcycle dealership to improve the productivity and accuracy of their parts departments.
