Cordys Alliance Partner Flexyz develops retail application based on Cordys software

Car-service chain Kwik-Fit has selected Cordys as the basis for its new application architecture: a platform for linking and developing new and existing applications. Cordys’ Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) will form the foundation for the development and introduction of new products and services. Flexyz, Kwik-Fit’s application development and hosting partner, will be building the entirely new retail application for Kwik-Fit. The application will allow Kwik-Fit to benefit from additional functionality. Among others, the new application environment offers greater flexibility in introducing new services such as a full service check and windscreen repairs. It also supports customer administration within all branch offices. The deployment of Cordys technology enables Kwik-Fit to offer these types of services in a quicker and a more efficient way, to improve the level of service it provides its customers with and, in doing so, to realise its ambitious objectives.

Customers can stop by at Kwik-Fit for maintenance as well as new products for their car. The combination of garage and retail activities requires a dynamic environment in which new services can be quickly developed and introduced. For this reason Flexyz was commissioned to replace Kwik-Fit's existing PC environment with a more dynamic and faster application environment.

The requirements for the new applications included quick implementation, additional functionality, transparency into the cost structure and the possibility to extend the solution to branches across other countries. Thanks to its partnership with Cordys, Flexyz was able to make Kwik-Fit a competitive offer and to deliver a flexible solution within the agreed period.

“Cordys allows us to quickly develop and introduce applications that help us provide our customers with better service,” comments Bonno van der Putten, Kwik-Fit's General Manager. We have a ‘No appointment necessary, ready while you wait’ policy. A promise that can only be delivered on if a reliable application environment is in place. The Cordys / Flexyz offer met all our requirements, also with an eye to future expansion.”

“Cordys offers the best possible environment in which applications can be developed, quickly and cost-effectively,” says Iwan Faber, Flexyz' General Manager. “We have also spotted application hosting opportunities. Our partnership with Cordys allows us to efficiently move through complex software cycles. Cordys will become our standard development environment.”

Comments Frits Felix, Vice President Cordys Europe: “The Cordys platform offers the possibility to realise and manage a solid integration between processes and applications. The combination of our platform and Flexyz’ expertise has provided Kwik-Fit with a dynamic and perfectly suitable solution. The company is provided with a dynamic environment that enables the quick development and addition of new applications.”

Kwik-Fit

Since its founding, over 30 years ago, Kwik-Fit (www.kwik-fit.nl) has grown into the largest European car-service chain: it has 2,300 service points and 11,000 employees. All its activities in the Netherlands are controlled from the central office in Harderwijk, a division of the Kwik-Fit Europe B.V. holding. There are 180 Kwik-Fit branches in the Netherlands, and this number is still growing. In the United Kingdom, the company also goes by the name of Kwik-Fit. The German branches operate under the name of Pitstop while the French branches have opted to operate under the name Speedy.

Flexyz

Flexyz (www.flexyz.com) is a relatively young company that specialises in the development of flexible tailor-made solutions. The company is characterised by its strongly innovative spirit. Its focus lies on the delivery of high-grade solutions that are centred round the expectations of the customer. Founded after the Internet hype, Flexyz strives to build lasting relationships with its customers.

Cordys

Cordys (www.cordys.com) helps companies to create more efficient and collaborative business environments by enabling IT systems to be integrated with new business processes, using Web-services. Cordys uses an event-driven ESB to simplify IT structure while providing an integrated platform within which new functionality can be readily created and deployed. This enables IT systems to rapidly respond to changes in business processes and to new business initiatives. Cordys makes existing IT systems future-proof, at acceptable costs and at a company's own pace.

Cordys is a global software company headquartered in Putten, the Netherlands, which employs over 575 people in offices across the Americas, Europe, China and India.