Since 1988, I have enjoyed working with the operating side of auction software systems.

I recall the time when Bob Bruno, then a key factor in Manheim’s tech team, worked with me at what was then Manheim Phoenix to integrate the first handheld check-in device in the industry.

Let’s all keep in mind, folks, that in that period, auctions ran everything manually, including paper invoices on each block — yes, I am that old.

Since that period, we have made substantial progress in adapting technology to the auction process with computers handling the office and accounting aspects of our industry, but we never took a greater leap forward operationally than when Simulcast was made effective with the growth of the Net and related broadband width.

But with all our software and hardware solutions, independent auto auctions had limited access to true operational software that would allow them to create a mobile solution that increased productivity and communications exponentially.

That, however, has finally changed.

Pushing me into the next generation was my general manager Stephanie Gingras, a Women in Remarketing honoree and an IARA Certified Remarketer.

Together, 18 months ago, we took the leap to convert to a very flexible and leading-edge system.

Can I say that the transition was seamless? Hell no. Was the beta testing worth it? Absolutely.

What can I do now that I couldn’t before, you might ask?

— Those old handheld check-in devices and cameras for imaging are gone, replaced by iPads that allow my staff to check in, image and CR units and seamlessly upload to AutoIMS and my website.

— Every lane leader has a tablet, and changes to those lanes and communications to that staff no longer require phone calls, physically walking out to the lot or carrying paper run lists — most of which were antiquated right after they were printed.

—  Every one of our key lot staff has an email address and a company mobile device. Customers can literally bypass our phone system to contact them about any unit or request additional photos.

— Communication with the operating staff is instantaneous and broad-based with limited, if any, two-way radio communication.

— Lane leaders can immediately see changes to lane numbers, cancellations and announcements from DAASW.com as they make their inspections. Sales and marketing review is also seamless in that regard.

— We have apps that reflect all of a dealer’s information and our run lists and automatically assign a bidder number as you enter the building. No one wants to wait in line anymore to get a paper bidder badge or print one from a kiosk and then stick it on themselves somewhere. Just show your bidder badge on your mobile device to the ring man when you buy something.
 

— Our simulcast product functions beautifully on mobile devices as well as PCs.

But the key for independent auctions is what is coming this year; it’s not enough to just scan the VIN as a unit leaves the lot, how about imaging the driver’s ID, as well, for added security?

It’s not enough to have reduced the size of invoices and stored them on the cloud; how about texting and/or emailing them to our customers on a virtual block?

Welcome to no more filing of invoices. Welcome to less paper. Welcome to increased communications and less hardware costs. Welcome to hardware that is interchangeable in all areas and upgradable along with the software.

For years we have been stuck in an IT no man’s land, so it was a thrill to work in a new flexible, if challenging, system that has now expanded our operating side abilities to match our accounting and data side.

We can only thank Integrated Auction Solutions and its great management team of former NAAA president Alexis Jacobs, Greg Levi and Peter Levy along with Mark at AWG and Kelly at Auction VCommerce for integrating high-tech mobile solutions to operating issues that independent auction owners could cost effectively utilize.

As always, just one man’s opinion.
 

Editor’s Note: Jim DesRochers is vice president at Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest. As with any contributed content, the opinions expressed in this and other editorial columns are solely that of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of Auto Remarketing or its parent company.