The six trading groups each use different systems so that the reports must be created in different ways. The process to generate reports for all ITG members can take up to six months for large parts manufacturers; this requires a large investment of time and resources. To simplify and standardise this process, TecAlliance has developed a standardised reporting structure as an additional functionality of the myITG solution.

The new myITG Reporting Structure was developed as a common standard in close cooperation with Autodistribution International, ATR International, Global One Automotive, GROUPAUTO International, NEXUS Automotive International and TEMOT International. It enables sending of sales figure reports to all ITGs in a single format, greatly simplifying the process. “With the new myITG Reporting Structure we enable a granularity of reporting which leads to unprecedented transparency," says Marco Monsees, Vice President Business Development at TecAlliance.

“We at Global One Automotive find that a uniform reporting structure makes communication much easier for all parties involved. With the new myITG Reporting Structure, we can better map, standardise and automate our internal processes. We invite all our partners to implement these structures”, says Kai Ballsieper, Supplier Management Director at Global One Automotive.

Seven major parts manufacturers were involved in the development of the reporting template to make sure that it covers the industry’s needs. Kai Guijo Müller, Vice President Global Accounts - Trading Groups at Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, is highly satisfied with the result. “The myITG Reporting Structure serves as a crucial foundation for managing the ITG business today. It enables us to ensure that the appropriate framework is in place and facilitates the allocation of ITG member structures to Schaeffler's customers. Additionally, an accurate myITG Reporting Structure is essential to generate reliable ITG turnover reports and enable precise bonus settlements. Last but not least, the possibility to display the member structure of all six existing ITGs worldwide makes myITG a very attractive sales instrument for our teams.”

Unprecedented transparency based on an established structure

The myITG Reporting Structure is based on the standardised TecDoc product descriptions (Generic Articles). The approximately 9,900 Generic Articles are categorised for this specific purpose into 32 main product groups and 160 sub-categories. This structure was used because TecDoc Data Suppliers already use it to link their products in the TecDoc Catalogue. Hence, the IT environment of the parts suppliers already supports the use of the myITG Reporting Structure – without any additional major implementation.This saves time and effort. To ensure that the process works as smoothly as possible, TecAlliance supports myITG users with training during the initial set-up process and answers any questions.

“Since our customer data base has been matched with the myITG member structure, the diversity and specificity of reports have reached new dimensions. You can use myITG to manage all kinds of business activities with ITGs. At the same time, companies can improve the report accuracy to unexpected limits. Ad-hoc reports are the new normal with the myITG Reporting Structure”, confirms Müller.

The template is processed offline. Then parts manufacturers submit the completed sales reports to ITGs through their existing communication channels. This way, TecAlliance does not have access to the users' data or systems. This ensures data security, giving parts manufacturers control over their proprietary information. The reporting template is included in the myITG Pro module.

For more information on how myITG facilitates parts manufacturers' collaboration with international trading groups, please visit tec.al/myITG.