Enigma has announced that DaimlerChrysler and systems
integrator T-Systems International are implementing a global
content management system based on the Enigma 3C Platform for
dealers and independent repair shops worldwide.
DaimlerChrysler's new Enigma-based tool, Xentry, replaces
multiple applications with a single web-based system that gives
mechanics a real-time integrated view of parts, service diagnostic
and corporate information. As a result, DaimlerChrysler said it
will be able to increase customer support at dealerships while
cutting costs.
"Daimler has seen what other automotive suppliers in Europe have
seen, which is that support of the dealerships and the independent
motor traders is excessively important to them, so they were
looking for a one-stop shop to automate their service bays in the
dealerships and independent motor traders," said John Snow,
vice-president of marketing and business development at
Enigma.
Snow said Enigma is working with two other integrators, ESG
Elektroniksystem, and Syntel, on the system, which will support
6,000 workshops in 200 countries.
Under the terms of the multimillion-dollar deal, Enigma 3C will
be used to serve the Mercedes Car Group, which includes
Mercedes-Benz vehicles, Maybach, McLaren SLR and Smart brand cars,
Snow said.
"This does not include the Dodge and Chrylser lines - only the
Mercedes car group," Snow said. "It will be worldwide
implementation, but for automobiles that are being made and
manufactured in Europe."
DaimlerChrysler has the option of expanding the system to all of
its automotive subsidiaries in the future, he said.
Snow said the Enigma-powered Xentry will allow mechanics to
quickly navigate through a variety of content, including service
manuals, parts catalogues, labour information, damage codes,
customer support records and quality assurance reports, all of
which will be tied into the dealer management system and in-vehicle
diagnostic systems.
Through the dynamic linking and personalisation capabilities of
Enigma's software, all of this service and support information will
be filtered according to the specific vehicle identification number
of the vehicle being serviced, Snow said. This will allow mechanics
to quickly determine the best way to repair a vehicle and order
parts to get cars back on the road as fast as possible.
Built on an open, J2EE-based architecture, the Enigma 3C
Platform pulls content from DaimlerChrysler's XML repository, the
Daimler Automotive Information System, and creates a single
application that is linked to critical front-end and back-end
systems, Snow said.
Xentry seamlessly integrates with the existing environments of
DaimlerChrysler dealers, who can access Xentry through the
DaimlerChrysler intranet. To support independent repair shops,
DaimlerChrysler will make the Xentry system available as a
standalone application over the internet or via DVD, he said.
"Our vision for the Xentry system is an all-in-one application
that serves as a true communications channel for workshops around
the world to deliver service and care for our customers and our
products," said Peter Neugebauer, senior manager for Global Service
and Parts/Technical Information Marketing at DaimlerChrysler.
Linda Rosencrance writes for Computerworld