Enigma teams with DaimlerChrysler, T-Systems on parts and repair platform

Computerworld - Enigma Inc. today announced that DaimlerChrysler AG and systems integrator T-Systems International GmbH 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, according to the statement.
"Daimler has seen what other automotive vendors 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 Burlington, Mass.-based Enigma.
Snow said Enigma is working with two other integrators, ESG Elektroniksystem, and Syntel Inc., 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 catalogs, labor 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 personalization 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 repairshops, DaimlerChrysler will make the Xentry system available as a stand-alone 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," Peter Neugebauer, senior manager for Global Service and Parts/Technical Information Marketing at DaimlerChrysler, said in the statement.