IntellaCar Brings Industry-Defining App to Market and Builds a Long-Term Relationship with Softensity

Overview

IntellaCar is a leading provider of sales-focused mobile applications that are revolutionizing the sales process within car dealerships. The customer-facing, tablet-based sales solution empowers sales consultants with information and selling tools like brochures, videos, inventory and comparison tools designed to drive sales.

On the dealership side, a CMS admin panel and Dealer Hub make it simple to manage access, content and credentials. Recently, IntellaCar added a third-party software called Driverslane to facilitate the online purchase of vehicles within the current system.

Challenge

IntellaCar ran into issues early on when working with an India-based outsourcing firm to develop the app. The disappointing relationship was riddled with communication challenges, inefficient code with thousands of lines, and work that did not live up to IntellaCar’s standards. After just eight weeks, IntellaCar terminated the relationship and looked for a partner that could deliver its vision.

The Solution

After an extensive selection process, IntellaCar chose Softensity as their development partner. The engagement began in 2011 with a comprehensive audit and code review that revealed numerous issues. Softensity’s team worked closely with IntellaCar to develop and implement a new approach. A team with highly specific areas of expertise was pulled in from Softensity’s talented pool of engineering professionals. The work process was clearly defined and a communication plan was implemented to ensure that deliverables and deadlines were met.

Softensity’s team helped develop the app for the first generation iPad, build a new user interface and get the product to market quickly. In addition to flexibility, unmatched skill and the ability to clearly follow directives, Softensity’s team also provided valuable expertise and insight. These abilities led to a long-term relationship, and Softensity has now been a core member of the IntellaCar team for nearly a decade. Over the years, IntellaCar has been able to quickly scale up or down while working with anywhere from two to five developers as specific needs grow and evolve.

“You simply can’t get anyone with these types of skills and expertise in the US for that type of
hourly rate. Softensity has managed to save us a ton of money over the life of our relationship.
This doesn’t even address the cost savings that are associated with other things that you have
to deal with in an in-house team such as training, benefits, turnover, and the need to hire
outside experts for individual pieces of the project.”

                                               -Bruce Polkes, IntellaCar CEO / Co-Founder

The Results

IntellaCar’s robust platform is used by thousands of sales consultants across the nation and has led to hundreds of thousands of auto sales. Studies show that heavy use of the IntellaCar app increases sales by 35-85%, appointment show rates by 35%, customer satisfaction scores by 7 points and close rates by 20%.

With support from Softensity, IntellaCar continues to launch new releases, updates, expanded features and integrations which regularly come out on time and under budget. Among milestone projects, Softensity helped IntellaCar launch a Honda-specific version of the app, which has since been customized for additional brands. Currently, Softensity’s development team is supporting IntellaCar’s integration of third-party software to provide online car buying options, which will continue to propel the car buying experience forward.