The year 2000 is a very special one in TecAlliance's history: the Internet had developed more rapidly in the years before than anyone could have predicted. E-commerce was already part of everyday consumer life, and in March 2000 the dotcom bubble burst. In the B2B sector, the first online trading platforms emerged and it became clear that sooner or later companies would have to handle all processes electronically and automate them in order to remain competitive. The "TecCom" project started right here and the young start-up developed an industry solution that linked replacement parts manufacturers and wholesalers in the automotive aftermarket, allowing them to automate order processing.

20 years ago, TecCom GmbH was officially founded at Automechanika Frankfurt. The young company could draw on the experience and expertise of twenty leading parts manufacturers in the automotive aftermarket. They had jointly initiated the project and founded the company together.

In 2013 the companies TecCom, TecDoc and AuDaCon merged under the umbrella of TecAlliance GmbH. Since then, the B2B platform Order Manager has been an important part of our comprehensive portfolio, which, in addition to the TecDoc Catalogue and current vehicle and spare parts data based on the TecDoc standard, includes comprehensive repair and maintenance information as well as integrated solutions and consulting services for fleet management and market and data analysis in the automotive aftermarket.

From an idea to a globally recognised industry standard

Claude Lotrian, today Vice President Data Manager Trade at TecAlliance, still remembers the exciting early days and the pioneering work that all employees did back then. “In 2000, the idea of a B2B platform for electronic order processing that connects all parts manufacturers with all buyers in the international automotive aftermarket was really new and somehow revolutionary. And as always when it comes to completely new ideas and groundbreaking changes, not everyone was convinced of the advantages. Many wholesalers were skeptical about e-commerce. For us it was a great advantage that our shareholders were very strong and influential companies in the aftermarket. They were convinced of our vision and their commitment and support were an important factor in our success”, says Claude Lotrian.

The name of TecAlliance's B2B platform for order processing has changed several times since then: From TecCom to TecOrder, from Order-to-Invoice to Order Manager. One thing has always remained the same: The promise to optimise the supply chain between trade and industry with this software solution, so that all parties involved can save costs and time and increase the quality of service. Today, Order Manager is more powerful than ever and is used by more than 35,000 wholesalers and 280 suppliers worldwide.

Twenty exciting years

 Even though after twenty years one can no longer speak of a "young start-up", the TecAlliance Business Unit Order Manager has still retained some of the “spirit” of the early days. One of the employees from the very beginning is Thomas Wagner, who as Senior IT Solutions Engineer still ensures the smooth operation of the Order Manager today. “I was already working on the TecCom project when the company had not even officially been founded,” reports Thomas Wagner. “Right from the start, it was always something very special to be involved in this idea. At every Christmas party we could say with full conviction: An exciting year lies behind us, an exciting year lies ahead. I am very pleased that I was able to contribute to this success story and I am looking forward to future developments,” says Thomas Wagner.

Here you can find more information about our solution Order Manager...