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ABOUT US

 

Made for and by Automotive Suppliers 

 

We Are 100% Dedicated to Automotive Supplier Sales

Our vision is to empower every automotive supplier globally with profitable growth, setting the global standard through the capabilities of Digital Automotive.

We are convinced that Sales is the lever to boost profit and growth in the automotive supplier industry. This is why we are focused on that. Working in and with automotive supplier sales is in our DNA. 

We see ourselves not merely as a software provider, but as a trusted partner with automotive insider know-how, sharing our sales experience with you to drive your success. 

Our Story

From Excel to Excellence: The Journey of Digital Automotive

In 1998, my career began at the renowned automotive supplier, Dräxlmaier Group. It was there that I first stepped into the role of a sales manager, diving headfirst into the world of automotive supplier sales. My desk became a hub of activity, with daily visits from my boss demanding urgent reports for the board's ever-pressing needs.

My colleagues and I became what you might call Excel junkies – navigating spreadsheets like virtuosos, rapidly producing the information demanded of us. Yet, despite our proficiency, a startling revelation dawned on us. The repetitive requests for reports, all circling back to the same fundamental inquiries, were draining time and resources: "What is our sales turnover with customer BMW in the next five years?" "How many quick savings must we pay?" "What outstanding payments can we expect from VW?" And so it went.

Recognizing the inefficiency of these ad hoc reports, my colleagues and I embarked on a mission. We sought to standardize and elevate the entire sales department, instigating a transformation that would redefine our practices. Armed with Excel's macro programming capabilities, we embarked on what today might seem a whimsical endeavor, but in those times, it was revolutionary.

 

In 1998, my career began at the renowned automotive supplier, Dräxlmaier Group. It was there that I first stepped into the role of a sales manager, diving headfirst into the world of automotive supplier sales. My desk became a hub of activity, with daily visits from my boss demanding urgent reports for the board's ever-pressing needs.

My colleagues and I became what you might call Excel junkies – navigating spreadsheets like virtuosos, rapidly producing the information demanded of us. Yet, despite our proficiency, a startling revelation dawned on us. The repetitive requests for reports, all circling back to the same fundamental inquiries, were draining time and resources: "What is our sales turnover with customer BMW in the next five years?" "How many quick savings must we pay?" "What outstanding payments can we expect from VW?" And so it went.

PHOTO-2023-08-11-08-49-24 3

After more than 15 years at Dräxlmaier, I ventured out to create something of my own. A fortuitous encounter with Jürgen Sterr in 2014 unveiled a new world to me – the realm of genuine software development. Databases, processes, and automated real-time reports opened up infinite possibilities. This partnership with my Co-founder and friend Jürgen led to the birth of IT Manufactory in Passau, Germany – the driving force behind Digital Automotive.

Reiter-Sterr

Our initial plan was to collaboratively develop Digital Automotive with two prominent CRM providers. Months of intense cooperation led us to a pivotal realization – automotive suppliers required solutions distinct from standard CRM software. It was a turning point that led us to craft our own platform, tailored precisely to their unique needs.

Prototypes found their first home at Continental, and soon thereafter, the pivotal moment arrived. Collaborating with automotive supplier Megatech, we embarked on the journey of refining and expanding Digital Automotive. The growing interest among automotive suppliers fueled our determination, and their insights became the very bedrock upon which our software evolved, now boasting benchmark processes and reports aligned with the automotive sector's demands.

Our initial plan was to collaboratively develop Digital Automotive with two prominent CRM providers. Months of intense cooperation led us to a pivotal realization – automotive suppliers required solutions distinct from standard CRM software. It was a turning point that led us to craft our own platform, tailored precisely to their unique needs.

Prototypes found their first home at Continental, and soon thereafter, the pivotal moment arrived. Collaborating with automotive supplier Megatech, we embarked on the journey of refining and expanding Digital Automotive. The growing interest among automotive suppliers fueled our determination, and their insights became the very bedrock upon which our software evolved, now boasting benchmark processes and reports aligned with the automotive sector's demands.

11

Early on, S&P Global Mobility, then known as IHS Markit, infused our operations with insights. In 2020, a partnership was initiated, culminating in a flourishing relationship with Henner Lehne, Vice President at S&P Global Mobility. By 2022, S&P Global Mobility had not only become a vital ally but also an investor in Digital Automotive.

United by a shared vision, our ambition is clear – to establish a standard for automotive supplier sales akin to SAP's prowess in the ERP landscape. Our journey from humble Excel sheets to the pinnacle of excellence stands as a testimony to the unwavering dedication of IT Manufactory and the evolution of Digital Automotive.

PHOTO-2023-08-11-08-49-24 3

Early on, S&P Global Mobility, then known as IHS Markit, infused our operations with insights. In 2020, a partnership was initiated, culminating in a flourishing relationship with Henner Lehne, Vice President at S&P Global Mobility. By 2022, S&P Global Mobility had not only become a vital ally but also an investor in Digital Automotive.

United by a shared vision, our ambition is clear – to establish a standard for automotive supplier sales akin to SAP's prowess in the ERP landscape. Our journey from humble Excel sheets to the pinnacle of excellence stands as a testimony to the unwavering dedication of IT Manufactory and the evolution of Digital Automotive.

DA-Team

Today, Digital Automotive stands on the precipice of expansion, poised to double its size and capabilities every year. With a team of 30 highly motivated individuals – automotive and software experts – we are devoted to delivering a remarkable product that empowers automotive suppliers to grow profitably and be able to act on eye-level with their customers. As we look ahead to the upcoming years, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, ensuring that Digital Automotive continues to lead the way in transforming automotive supplier sales.

Today, Digital Automotive stands on the precipice of expansion, poised to double its size and capabilities every year. With a team of 30 highly motivated individuals – automotive and software experts – we are devoted to delivering a remarkable product that empowers automotive suppliers to grow profitably and be able to act on eye-level with their customers. As we look ahead to the upcoming years, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, ensuring that Digital Automotive continues to lead the way in transforming automotive supplier sales.

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"We welcome you on our journey becoming part of the Digital Automotive family and benefiting from the know-how inside of countless automotive suppliers."
Erik Reiter
Co-Founder and CEO at IT Manufactory

Our Milestones

Future

2030

Surpassed the milestone of serving over 500 automotive suppliers globally with Digital Automotive.

2030

2024

The implementation of an information security management system ISMS was successfully completed. Certification according to ISO 27001 and VDA/ISA TISAX.

2023

  • Digital Automotive becomes part of the S&P Global Mobility Briefings.

  • Hosted the first Digital Automotive Expert Forum.

  • Experienced continuous growth, now with a team of >30 dedicated professionals.

  • Witnessed a rising trend as more automotive suppliers choose Digital Automotive as their preferred solution.

2023

2022

  • Celebrated a strategic milestone as S&P Global Mobility invested in Digital Automotive.

  • Participated first time at the IZB – the international supplier fair in Wolfsburg

2022

Strengthened our team by adding more automotive supplier sales experts.

2022

2021

Launched a dynamic market and sales campaign with a mission to double our customer base annually.

2020

Formed a strategic partnership with S&P Global Mobility

2020

2020

Expanded to a team of 10 experienced software engineers and welcomed new clients to our growing portfolio.

2020

2019

Introduced Sales Management modules, including our acclaimed best-seller, Claim.

2019

2018

Witnessed the launch of our first Sales Planning modules.

2017

Forging a significant partnership, Megatech joins us as a key customer and collaborator in the development of Digital Automotive.

2017

2016

Secured our first customer, Continental and built the first prototype of Digital Claim Management.

2015

IT Manufactory GmbH, the company behind Digital Automotive, was founded by Erik Reiter and Jürgen Sterr.

Experience the Next RFQs and SOPs Powered by Digital Automotive?

In over 25 years of automotive supplier sales management, we have learned the benefits of digitization. Discover an improved process experience with Digital Automotive. We are happy to share our expert knowledge with you.