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.
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.
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.
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.
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.