Specialty Vehicles

Emerging trends in specialty vehicles

Alternative powered vehicles

From enhancing operational efficiencies to real-time fleet management, Annata offers a comprehensive cloud-based suite of solutions to support both specialty vehicle businesses that uses alternative power as well as specialty vehicle businesses that are looking to launch EV brands into their portfolio and unlock new EV business models and revenue streams.

AI

The rapid expansion of technologies such as AI and Internet of Things (IoT) is driving innovation across many industries. Annata is at the forefront of fleet software solutions using AI and supports businesses across automotive and equipment to take leaps into the future.

Digital supply chain & smart manufacturing

The specialty vehicle supply chain transformation is driving smart manufacturing not just to enhance product operations, but to also maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

Sustainability

Specialty vehicle businesses must modify their value chain, transforming and supporting decarbonization to build sustainable vehicle products that provide traceability and drives circular supply chain processes, all while increasing business profitability and remaining competitive. This transition to a new world of sustainable mobility requires innovation and big paradigm shifts.

An industry vertical solution made for specialty vehicle businesses

As a Global Systems Integrator that leverages the technological power of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform, Annata provides intuitive business solutions engineered specifically to assist specialty vehicle businesses. Annata covers industry-specific needs throughout the entire lifecycle of specialty vehicles.

Annata’s unified technology solutions are tailor-made to assist specialty vehicle manufacturers, distributors, importers, dealer groups, rental companies, and fleet operators to transform existing business processes. Annata does this by intensifying business processes through cloud-enabling digitization, automation, and advanced analytics with the use of artificial intelligence, IoT technologies, and machine learning.

From enhancing operational efficiencies to real-time fleet management, Annata offers a comprehensive cloud-based suite of solutions to support specialty vehicle businesses to uncover a world of opportunities through disruptive business models and new revenue streams.

Find out how Annata is helping specialty vehicle businesses embrace technology and integrate business systems to fuel growth.

Discover new business capabilities as a specialty vehicle enterprise with Annata business solutions.

Our technology - annata365

Reduce upstream and downstream supply chain disruptions from raw materials to after-market components with real-time and accurate data.

Gain complete visibility into inventory and minimize the impact of product recalls and delays.

AI, ML & smart workflows natively integrated functions that cover virtually every process and department.

Increase device lifecycle value from acquisition through end of life with preventive solutions and manage used parts and refurbished components effectively.

React quickly to customer requirements to improve speed-to-resolution and utilize digital tools to seek new aftermarket services revenue opportunities.

Ensure sustainability practices through circular manufacturing to minimize wastage, drive reduction, and increase reuse of materials and parts.

Reduce upstream and downstream supply chain disruptions from raw materials to after-market components with real-time and accurate data.

Gain complete visibility into inventory and minimize the impact of product recalls and delays.

AI, ML & smart workflows natively integrated functions that cover virtually every process and department.

Increase device lifecycle value from acquisition through end of life with preventive solutions and manage used parts and refurbished components effectively.

React quickly to customer requirements to improve speed-to-resolution and utilize digital tools to seek new aftermarket services revenue opportunities.

Ensure sustainability practices through circular manufacturing to minimize wastage, drive reduction, and increase reuse of materials and parts.

Specialty vehicle manufacturing, repair & maintenance management

We design solutions to meet the needs of a wide range of businesses involved in the construction, trading, distribution, sale and maintenance of vehicles and other devices, either these pertain to the main product or its various parts. Our solution is also perfectly suited for those involved in vehicle maintenance business and repair shops.

Powerful & easy to use

Providing you with all the business-specific processes needed to run your business.

Solutions tailored to a complex, global industry

Dedicated solutions that allow you to digitally transform opportunities as well as challenges in the automotive industry.

Technologically advanced

We provide a strong focus in adapting artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics into our cloud-based solutions.

Our solutions offer a wide range of features and functionalities that assist automotive importers to seamlessly control vehicle orders and vehicle returns, create automated warranty claims processes, manage vehicle shipment and handle distribution to the automotive dealer networks.

Integrated solutions for vehicle importers

Control vehicle orders, vehicle returns, automated warranty claims processes, vehicle shipment and distribution to the automotive dealer network.

Improve supply chain efficiency

Create sustainable and efficient operations that improves supply chain efficiency.

Communicate better with stakeholders

Connect seamlessly to PDI partners, transporters, and security.

Our integrated solution allows you to gain a complete and accurate overview of vehicle orders, deliveries and distribution to your network of representatives. It also provides functionalities to manage spare parts, returns and warranties for vehicles and their individual parts.

Modernize and transform business processes

Get a clear overview of all your business data in one place and explore powerful solutions that help you improve operations and drive efficient business outcomes.

Overcome the unstable environment

Minimize lead times, reduce delays, and increase productivity in your organization.

Understand your customer better

Maximize your CRM platform and gain a 360-degree view of each customer.

Our solutions support automotive rental providers with all the features needed for monitoring and analyzing the entire process, from renting and invoicing to returns and maintenance.

Increase visibility

Get a clear overview of the availability of rental devices and set straightforward procedures for creating rental orders or rental quotations.

Evolve digitally

Migrate standard functionalities without major modifications while having the flexibility to adapt to new processes. 

Tailor made integration

Full integration of all key business processes driven by industry specific needs and developed by experts. 

Annata develops and implements cloud-based business solutions to support the contract hire and fleet management business. The cloud-based solution is also ideal in monitoring the lifecycle of your company’s entire fleet—from the day a vehicle is purchased until it is recycled.

Real time fleet insight

View fleet performance, collaborate on tasks, and bridge the gap between office and field to increase productivity.

Predictive & proactive fleet management

Implement AI technology to anticipate and address any potential issues before they lead to unexpected vehicle downtime.

Smarter fleet management

Ensure that fleet drivers, managers, and mechanics can make better decisions that improve the long-term performance of the fleet.

annata365 is designed specifically for automotive service partners that maintain, repair and service vehicles, enabling them to streamline and automate business processes and ensuring each vehicle functions reliably and safely with as little downtime as possible.

Increasingly efficient

Track your production progress, minimize lead times, reduce delays, accelerate profitability and have visibility throughout the entire business process all in one place.

Improved business focus

Get all your business operations data and finances in one place with built in predictive analytics and intelligence to make business decisions faster than before.

User-friendly interfaces

Quickly understand how to use the system, where to find data and how to act on that information.

Automotive success stories

Ouro-Verde
Saracakis

Highlights

A365 SERVICE

annata365 Service | Drive personalized customer journeys in automotive retail

Accelerate into the future of the automotive with an innovative, intuitive and agile business solution guaranteed to drive digital transformation in your organization today. Learn more about annata365 Service from our factsheet.

Explore our solutions in the automotive industry

Business Intelligence

Business intelligence & analytical solutions at your fingertips.

Dealer Portal

Enhance the communication between dealers, importers and manufacturers.

Import and Dealer Management

Manage the cradle to grave processes in device management and import.

Import & Dealer Management

Inspections

Increase mobile inspections productivity, drive mobility and consistency with the annata365 Inspections.

Rental

Deliver rich business information that achieves the optimal value in your rental business. 

Sales

Drive personalized customer journeys in automotive retail.

A365 Sales

Service

Improves efficiency, reliability, and profitability of the service process through advanced support for industry-specific requirements

Warranty

Optimize the warranty handling process and increase the warranty revenue with annata365 Warranty

Latest blog updates

Dive into our latest blog updates to learn more about what's happening in the company and industries.

Hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle purveyors selects Annata to fulfill global scale ambitions

North America
Manufacturer

In 2020, Annata was chosen by a heavy truck manufacturer to assist in developing their business processes and the systems required to support them. The company has more than 400 employees to support its rapid growth as a leading automotive innovator in zero-emission vehicles and trucks.

After a rapid and intensive validation cycle, Annata was chosen because of Annata’s 20-year automotive industry experience and extensions to the Microsoft Dynamics platform that formed the basis of the manufacturer’s finance and manufacturing systems.

Designed with cloud scalability and agility built in, the solution covered all critical processes. To ensure a complete and compelling customer experience, Annata’s solution will ensure the organization is well connected to customer behaviors, both pre-and post-sale for years to come.

The company decided to engage in a multi-year partnership with Annata after the success of the solution implementation. Annata provided the manufacturer with industry insights and experience to drive more value in all its business processes.

Annata picked for superior material handling performance by Leading North American equipment dealer

North America
Dealer

A prominent material handling equipment dealer, with a network spanning over 60 locations across North America, is committed to delivering a comprehensive range of services, including new and used equipment, rentals, parts, service solutions, and training, with a strong emphasis on exceptional customer service.

The collaboration between Annata and Microsoft that led to the successful partnership with the customer was built on a foundation of team expertise and trust, ensuring a strong working relationship.

In their initiative to replace the current system, the company aspired to migrate to a modern, Azure cloud-based platform to optimize their Microsoft Dynamics investment. The primary goals included achieving business transformation, ensuring scalability, and eliminating system performance constraints.

The decision to upgrade to Dynamics 365 stemmed from challenges such as instability, poor performance, and growth limitations experienced in their previous solution installation. 

The overarching objective was to address these issues and enhance the overall efficiency and stability of their operational environment. Annata’s offering stood out with its comprehensive equipment lifecycle functionality, addressing the customer’s specific needs in a tailored manner. System performance and adherence to Independent Software Vendor (ISV) compliance were pivotal aspects that contributed to the decision, assuring the customer of a robust and reliable solution.

Annata’s commitment to ongoing development, reflected in their ecosystem investment and roadmap, aligned well with the customer’s long-term goals. Microsoft’s Proof of Concept (POC) support played a crucial role in demonstrating the capabilities of the proposed Dynamics 365 solution.

The success of the partnership was further cemented by the strong collaboration and partnership ethos shared between Annata and Microsoft, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to meeting the customer’s requirement.

Automotive powerhouse selects A365 for next-level business optimization

North America
Distributor

A privately-owned enterprise with a significant presence in the automotive industry, operates as a key distributor for a globally recognized automotive brand. As the largest independent distributor for this brand on a global scale, the division serves a network over 150 independent dealerships.

Previously relying on an outdated “Green Screen” system and managing a complex network of around 200 applications, the company recognized the need for a transformative change. The existing system, developed over 25 years, had become inadequate for evolving dealer needs, leading to technical debt rather than delivering value. To address this, the enterprise sought a modern solution to meet the dynamic requirements of the automotive industry and enhance overall operational efficiency. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 and A365 combination were selected to improve forecasting, streamline vehicle ordering processes, and reduce lead times from inspection to final delivery.

The enterprise now leverages the full A365 platform, including warranty management and rental services, to optimize its operations. The pivotal factor in selecting this solution was the ability to offer a platform tailored to the automotive industry, providing comprehensive visibility, management, and controls throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. This capability formed the cornerstone of a compelling value narrative, resonating strongly with a diverse group of stakeholders.

The decision to choose Microsoft Dynamics and A365 exemplified a strategic approach, wherein technology was prioritized first, aligning subsequently with the market for a systems integrator. This decision underscored the strategic fit of the chosen technology to the specific needs of the enterprise, setting the stage for a successful implementation and business transformation.

Key automotive importer and dealer adopts A365 for comprehensive operational enhancement

Latin America
Importer and dealer

Founded in 1963 in Latin America, this key player in the local automotive industry has solidified its standing among the top groups in the sector. Over six decades, the company has maintained consistent growth, establishing a robust financial foundation.

Central to their success is a commitment to transparent management, enabling them to overcome challenges. The company prioritizes key strategic pillars, including business sustainability, delivering exceptional customer experiences, nurturing a skilled workforce, embracing technology, and forming strategic alliances. These pillars reflect the company’s comprehensive approach to ensuring long-term success and resilience in the dynamic automotive industry.

To enhance their operations, the company opted for Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations combined with A365 and Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement combined with A365. In the evaluation process, various global and regional players were considered, with the chosen combination ultimately selected based on key factors.

The decision to choose this particular combination was influenced by factors such as embracing new technologies for future growth, an abundance of experienced consultants for technology implementation, a holistic solution with cloud hosting and flexible services, and an excellent cost-benefit Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) ratio.

Additionally, the choice of Annata was motivated by their extensive expertise in the automotive sector, a strong market presence, a robust research and development (R&D) plan, and certification capabilities with a cost-effective Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

This combination of solutions was deemed the optimal choice, aligning with the organization’s strategic goals and ensuring a comprehensive and effective solution for their business needs.

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European vehicle manufacturer unlocks competitive edge with Annata

Europe
Manufacturer

The European automotive manufacturer was increasingly challenged with their internal reliance on their existing systems as they felt that they were losing a competitive edge by not having the ability to benchmark functionality, performance, and cost. 
To address this, they started to investigate adding D365 as a second practice. They, however, soon found a need to bring in the Annata extended solution to fully understand the capabilities of the underlying D365 platform with the vertical extension for their specific business. 

Through the roll-out, the manufacturer was able to move from local, siloed solutions to a common enterprise standard solution which drives down costs, mitigates risks, and improves the customer experience with a consequential uptick in sales. 
In essence, the customer views the solution as providing the systems that run their captive fleet dealers in-country, as well as providing the integration from captive and non-captive dealers into the central solution.

Annata expands Dynamics solution for South African arm of major importer and distributor

South Africa
Distributor

A South African arm of a major importer and distributor of cars and spare parts was looking to expand the use of the solution into Dynamics 365 Sales. A365 Sales was selected as the preferred industry solution.

The reputation of Annata working with the Microsoft team in South Africa helped to land the deal. The underlying Common Data Model for Automotive was also an important factor in the decision.

The expansion of the use of Dynamics CE for sales was already planned but the business felt that the Annata Sales app would provide ‘out of the box’ functionality and save them a considerable amount of time and effort. The business estimated that implementing the Annata Sales app would save them up to 3 years compared with developing the functionality themselves.

The Annata Sales app provides functionality to handle vehicle configuration, and sales quotations including financing options, trade-ins, test drives, etc.

The Annata Sales app will hopefully be the first of several products that the business will implement. This includes D365 F&O; A365 for Dealer management; Customer service; Annata Dealer portal and; Annata Field Service. The 5-week implementation of the Annata Sales app was another compelling factor.

Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer arm selects Annata to replace existing vehicle division systems

Northwestern Europe
Importer

A division of a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer serving developing markets chose Dynamics 365 + A365 to replace all their current systems for their vehicle division across Africa and selected countries in Latam and Asia. 

The implementation was complex as it involved replacing three heavily customized, on-premise solutions with a standard, (based on a global template), cloud-based offering. The complexity was further increased as the connectivity in some African countries can be intermittent, and delivering a project across many countries requires a great deal of experience and planning.

The solution implemented covered importation, dealerships, aftersales, and service, in addition to rental and fleet in specific markets. The device types cover all vehicles; from motorbikes to cars, lorries, tractors, construction machinery, etc. – and in some markets even boats.

D365 + A365 provided the manufacturer with the confidence that  existing processes would all be supported and that moving to the Azure cloud would drive additional benefits.

Annata brings agility to a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer

East Asia
Manufacturer

The North American arm of a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, with a 450,000-square-foot bus manufacturing and forklift assembly facility, required an agile solution to manage its supply chain, assembly, dealer orders, and post-sales processes for parts, warranty, and dealer management.   

The existing solution was unable to support these business processes cost-effectively with the same flexibility and agility. Annata’s automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) experience and track record of successful and agile implementations, particularly in the U.S. market were key to winning against other competitors.  

Key decision makers of the manufacturer were primarily of Chinese descent, with some residing in corporate offices in China. Working with Microsoft China, Annata was able to leverage its insight into Chinese business culture and its relationships with the business’s corporate IT.

Annata’s ability to adjust to an unconventional sales process and accommodation for cultural differences, coupled with an implementation approach and agile solution that could grow with the North American arm, was key to winning the business. 

Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer partners with Annata to drive the shift towards sustainable transporting

Scandinavia
Manufacturer

A Swedish trucking manufacturer selects Annata and Dynamics 365 to replace their current wholesale and dealer management systems around the globe. By adding A365 to the Dynamics solution, the company is provided with the comfort to cover almost all its operational processes and drive additional benefits by moving to a cloud-based system.

The company’s primary challenge was that it was dealing with large sets of homegrown solutions and legacy vertical solutions with a separate outdated dealer management system that did not communicate with each other. The current on-premise portfolio needed to be replaced with a standard, cloud-based solution, that covers imports, dealerships, aftersales, and service operations, in addition to its rental and fleet-based markets.

Annata, Microsoft, and the manufacturer worked together to build a golden template and blueprint to be used in future rollouts globally. The solution combination adds future capabilities and support for ML, AI, IoT, and more automated business executions, which will have a positive impact on the ROI.

The manufacturer has transformed its dealer management system, replacing its outdated solutions with Annata’s integrated, cloud-based solution using Microsoft’s infrastructure.

RV manufacturer streamlines business processes with Annata

North America
Manufacturer

Annata was chosen as a solutions provider to replace a 20-year-old heavily customized legacy system for an RV manufacturer. The systems in use were not supplying prompt information to the management team and model changes for production were painful to implement. 

The implementation was vital to simplify access to data and increase service levels to its different dealers. The manufacturer selected Annata due to Annata’s global ISV status and strong solution functionalities to manage their critical workload, particularly those that require interaction with their dealer channel.   

Annata’s robust dealer portal solution has improved dealer relationships with a quicker turnaround on warranty claim decisions and processing.

In parallel, the manufacturer can now leverage warranty rules and validations. The dealer portal is a win for the manufacturer in reducing warranty costs while improving dealer and customer relationships.

The manufacturer expects overall improved management reporting for executives and operations. Operational improvements include rationalized bills of materials, costing, and managing production change orders effectively. The manufacturer expects its dealers to have a more efficient process for warranty claims that will result in a reduced payment time, while still preventing fraudulent or duplicate claims.

Swiss agricultural equipment and machinery supplier accelerates cloud migration with Annata

Central Europe
Importer

As an existing customer of AX and Annata IDMS on-premise, the Swiss company decided to start its journey to the cloud in early 2020. Annata’s finance and operations solution was the core of the solution proposed to the company.  

Annata’s full suite of capabilities was implemented and included extensive device management functionalities that support the entire lifecycle of a machine encompassing imports, sales, and lifecycle management with service/work order management, warranty handling, parts management, and rental. 

In addition to a proven solution, Annata was the primary choice due to the strongly committed executive management team which is very much supportive of the strategic project goals.

The project enjoys a high focus at the executive management level and is supported by a strong change management approach aiming to avoid unnecessary customizations. 

The industry competence of the Annata implementation team was well equipped to mitigate challenges typically encountered when setting up new customer solutions in replace of their heavy customized “homegrown” solution.

Annata selected to digitally transform distribution channel of agricultural equipment manufacturer

Central Europe
Manufacturer

With a primary focus on excellent product quality and outstanding customer service, the equipment manufacturer made a company-wide decision to shift their business process to the cloud using Dynamics 365 and Annata’s Finance & Operations solution. 

The solution was rolled out to several major markets within Europe and the Americas in a span of 3-4 years, before offering the industry template to their independent dealer network. Annata was selected as the preferred industry solution partner to move their on-premise solution within their headquarters to the cloud within three months, utilizing its extensive industry and digital competencies in the Annata team. 

As soon as Annata engaged with the equipment manufacturer, it was clear to them that the industry IP was key to their goal to digitally transform their distribution channel.

Coupled with finance and operations implementation expertise, the equipment manufacturer was confident that D365 with Annata was the best to provide industry knowledge to help them make the right process choices and a full set of industry functionalities around the full lifecycle of their equipment.

Mexican subsidiary of an international motor company implements Annata solutions to modernize business processes

Southern North America
Manufacturer

A Mexican subsidiary of an international motor company was utilizing multiple and heavily customized legacy systems which were around 20 years old and did not improve the business. The financial reports generated caused many discrepancies in the business which dampened business decisions. 

The management was looking for an Integrated system that was consistent and easily manageable, in which all users from different departments could manage business processes in a co-dependent and competent manner.  

Annata’s extensive solution provided the Mexican subsidiary with a technology transformation through its transition to digitized workflows.

The new system enabled the company’s dealerships to seamlessly communicate and collaborate with suppliers and service partners, while the company focused on creating an integrated supply chain. 

With Annata’s unified solution, the company benefited from providing accurate, analytical data through the implementation of key functions in cost management, inventory management, warranty management, sales, and service departments. It also provided the company with a range of business data (in real-time) for analysis at a reduced time rate and this provided the organization with major improvements in its management reporting. 

Hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle purveyors selects Annata to fulfill global scale ambitions

North America
Manufacturer

In 2020, Annata was chosen by a heavy truck manufacturer to assist in developing their business processes and the systems required to support them. The company has more than 400 employees to support its rapid growth as a leading automotive innovator in zero-emission vehicles and trucks.

After a rapid and intensive validation cycle, Annata was chosen because of Annata’s 20-year automotive industry experience and extensions to the Microsoft Dynamics platform that formed the basis of the manufacturer’s finance and manufacturing systems.

Designed with cloud scalability and agility built in, the solution covered all critical processes. To ensure a complete and compelling customer experience, Annata’s solution will ensure the organization is well connected to customer behaviors, both pre-and post-sale for years to come.

The company decided to engage in a multi-year partnership with Annata after the success of the solution implementation. Annata provided the manufacturer with industry insights and experience to drive more value in all its business processes.

Forestry equipment global manufacturer selects Annata for company-wide digitization

Europe
Manufacturer

Operating in forestry markets of more than 40 different countries, the manufacturer had an IT landscape that was complex, fragmented, and varied greatly between countries. As part of their future-proofing efforts, they needed a platform to bolster them as they navigated into the future, providing them with the flexibility required to digitize their entire business. 

Annata’s complete set of industry functionalities around the lifecycle of heavy equipment, the strength of the application and platform, as well as in-depth knowledge and vast experience within the industry were reasons why Annata was selected to support them along their transformation journey. 

Annata also displayed strong awareness of future capabilities specific to the manufacturer’s needs aside from proving a strong partnership with Microsoft. 

Annata’s flexibility, scalability, and capabilities to take on the ever-changing environment in the forestry manufacturing industry have since enabled the manufacturer to maintain a competitive edge digitally.