Why Automotive OEMs Should Have Return Material Authorization?

No OEM wants to hear that a customer is dissatisfied with their product because of any defect. Handling such returns in a systematic and timely manner will be extremely beneficial for OEMs to keep their business running smoothly and, most importantly, keep customers satisfied. In this article we'll talk about, how an OEM can manage spare parts return through automation.

In automotive sector, customers return part to receive a replacement or refund if the part is under warranty. But as of now, this process is done manually. OEMs don't have a system to verify the return goods, as if they are genuine or not. This is where Return material authorization comes into play. It is part of warranty management software from Intellinet. Under this process, OEMs can schedule the automatic return of their spare parts from dealers end. It will include, shipping notification, verification of returned parts and issuing a subsequent replacement.

Why OEMs Should Have RMA Process?

Without an effective return material authorization, OEMs will end up spending and losing a hefty amount on return and that should not be the primary focus of an OEM. A well-built setup is needed that can increase efficiency and can establish expectations of return policies and follow-up automatically. OEMs need a formal process to identify and track the defective parts through their serial number or VIN number. This automation will not only save time and money or OEMs but it will allow OEMs to perform R&D on the original defected parts and quickly resolve the issue.

How RMA Works?

After integrating the module in your existing setup, OEMs can send request to dealers for returning the defected parts, for which claim approval is pending. Now, through the same channel dealer can prepare a list of parts to be sent to OEM. On the other hand, OEM will get instant notification of the same. Moreover, dealers need to fill all the necessary details on the Return Material Authorization portal like, date of part sale, item number, and reason of return and detailed description of the issue. These details will help OEM to verify and validate the parts and process refund.

Best Practices Of RMA

If an OEM wants to be productive, it's not a good idea to carry out the process of paper. This is the era of technology and OEMs need to implement advanced software and modules on board to carry out the process in an effective and efficient way. Have a look at some best practices of Return Material Authorization:

• Fully automated process that eliminates the chances of error.
• Allow easy collaboration between dealers, OEMs and internal departments.
• Define the shipping destination of returned parts to perform R&D.
• Internal teams at OEMs can identify trends in quality according to various predefined trends in quality according to various predefined parameters and can approve or reject claim as per inspection result.
• Returns will be only approved by quality and accounting team or by any other authorized person in organization.
• Real-time report sending and receiving
• Instant notifications.
• Additional documents can be attached on RMA portal by the dealers to make verification process easy.

The aim of intellinet is to make parts return process simple and transparent for OEMs. This return material authorization will require minimum efforts and maximum results. Just integrate the software and it will start working instantly. Also, with an internal functionality called call-tag automation, OEMs can choose their shipping partner also. With such functionalities on board, OEMs will be able to make customers happy and can retain them in long run.

Hope you have understood the working of this module. If you still have any other query or doubt regarding the module, you can freely connect with team Intellinet at their website portal, www.intellinetsystem.com