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Midas New Zealand engage Datasouth to rationalise franchise information systems
In mid 2003, Midas New Zealand selected Datasouth Group to rationalise the information systems across its entire franchise operations nationally. The organisation continues to diligently assess the technology and associated processes, repeatedly seeking to leverage group efficiencies and enhance the Midas experience to all its stakeholders, be-it the executive, the franchise owner, and the customer alike.
The Corporate Statement
“Midas is a retailer of consumer goods and services with current activities concentrated in the automotive aftermarket. Midas manages one of the country's largest networks of specialist automotive repair centres and is committed to expanding its services into new markets and providing better and more convenient service to its customers. Midas is the market leader in the exhaust service market in Australia”.
Following several months of planning and system negotiations, the full project was commenced in February of 2004. In liaison with Barry Millar (General Manager, Midas New Zealand) Datasouth drew on the systems engineering resources available, whilst deploying personnel from within both the Datasouth Software Division and Synergy Business Solutions Ltd, a Datasouth subsidary company.
The Project
The project was divided into several phases, often overlapping. First, Synergy Business Solutions developed customised modifications to its Synergy Auto Shop application, and negotiated a license program to best meet the needs of a franchise based buying group.
Secondly, Datasouth commenced the design and construction of a core network, hosted in the Auckland head office and housing all group communications, database engines and transaction logs, financial analysis tools and general business functions in respect to electronic media, its management and protection.
A third team was tasked with the franchise site design, configuration, physical equipment specification, and finally; the logistical elements of co-coordinating mass delivery and support to over thirty franchise operations across the country.
The Deliverables
NZ-wide, Midas operations now conduct business using Synergy Auto Shop to record every detail of the transaction. This information is electronically fed through to the corporate head office central database where it is used to categorise activity-type, coordinate communications initiatives, develop customer loyalty through a central reminder system, analyse and forecast financial performance, and to extract information critical to making strong and effective decisions in the business.
Additionally, the network supports a centrally managed email system across all franchises using thin client technologies. Lastly both the hardware and software is supported nationally through the Datasouth call centre facility.
This places Midas New Zealand at the forefront of their industry and when combined with their progressive management approach, a strong competitive advantage is assured.
Why Datasouth
Datasouth has a unique proposition. It can deliver the network capability, independently assess and coordinate the telecommunications and ISP requirements (critical in today’s telecommunications environment), negotiate and supply the requisite software solution, and support all elements of the infrastructure ongoing through a single 0800 (New Zealand) or 1300 (Australia) number wherever the problem, whatever the time. Datasouth understands the unique challenges faced by franchise based business models, and is resourced to meet their every demand, and to interpret relevant technology to their benefit.
