With a clear goal in mind – greater efficiency, less manual effort, and better customer service – GKN Automotive has consistently digitalized its processes in order management, e-invoicing, and stock inquiries. In this interview, Sales Operation Manager Christoph Casellas y Besa explains how TecCom not only simplifies internal workflows but also creates real added value for customers.
Christoph, can you briefly introduce GKN Automotive to us – what defines your company?
Christoph Casellas y Besa: GKN Automotive is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in drive systems technology and trusted partner to 90% of the world’s global automotive manufacturers. In the aftermarket, we offer drive shafts, boot sets, suspension springs, and power steering pumps, among other things, under our well-known brands Spidan and Loebro.
We are particularly proud to be the only drive systems manufacturer to bring OE technology directly to the aftermarket – and we’ve been doing so for over 35 years.
GKN Automotive was founded as early as 1759 in Wales, United Kingdom. We combine centuries of tradition with strong innovative power. This is demonstrated by our five global technology centers, our commitment to electromobility, and our pioneering role in remanufacturing.
How long have you been working with TecAlliance – and how did it start?
We have been using a wide range of TecAlliance solutions – from TecDoc to TecCom – for many years. Our collaboration with TecCom dates back to the very beginning – GKN Automotive was not only one of the first customers, but also a founding member. In fact, TecCom was originally established right next door to us!
From the outset, our focus was on enabling optimal interaction between industry and trade.
Today, we use almost the entire TecCom portfolio: from order management and e-invoicing to real-time stock inquiries. We have also already transitioned to the new TXML 5.0 data format.
Our goal is clear: to meet our customers’ expectations regarding transparency, up-to-date information, and speed – while further increasing our level of automation. Manual effort is reduced, and at the same time, we can offer our customers more self-service options. That’s how we stay competitive.
What has TecCom specifically improved – for both GKN Automotive and your customers?
In the past, our employees spent hours on the phone providing information or taking orders – or waiting by the fax machine for incoming requests. I, myself, worked in customer service at the time – and the phone never stopped ringing: “Is the item available? What are the shipping costs?”
Today, around 92% of our order volume and approximately 79% of our invoicing are handled automatically via TecCom.
This saves time, reduces manual errors, and significantly simplifies things for our customers: they can check stock levels, place orders, and view prices – without having to wait.
Onboarding new customers has also become much easier. My colleagues in customer service confirm this. New customers can now connect via TecCom and start ordering immediately – from anywhere in the world. Our product managers are pleased that new items can be activated quickly and easily for customers. And our logistics team benefits as well: thanks to detailed information, the warehousing process on the customer side is much more efficient.
How do you assess the return on investment?
Of course, comprehensive digitalization requires initial investments.
But the ROI becomes tangible when you realize that we now handle a significantly larger volume
At the same time, we deploy our resources more effectively: our employees now focus on optimization and customer support – instead of manually entering data. It also allows us to build stronger, more meaningful customer relationships.
What does your partnership with TecCom mean to you?
Our collaboration with TecAlliance is a real success factor. We have a direct line – when something doesn’t work, we simply pick up the phone and solve it together. This was particularly helpful during the switch to TXML 5.0: together with our IT partner in India and the TecCom experts, we implemented the project smoothly.
It’s not just about software – it’s about jointly developing solutions that truly benefit the market. That’s co-creation at its best.
What would you recommend to other companies that are still hesitating?
The days of faxes and Excel spreadsheets are over. Today’s customers expect fast and transparent processes – and TecCom delivers exactly that. Those who invest now are preparing for the future. Especially in a world with limited personnel resources, automated TecCom solutions offer a clear competitive edge.
And TecCom is not just an IT tool – it’s a genuine business enabler.
One final question: TecCom is celebrating its 25th anniversary – what does that mean to you?
As a founding member, GKN Automotive has been involved from the very beginning – and I can proudly say that I’ve been there from day one. For me, it’s an incredible achievement to see how a shared idea within the industry has evolved into a solution that now shapes the aftermarket.
All of us – manufacturers, distributors, and TecCom – benefit from being connected through a single platform. This creates valuable industry knowledge – a true asset whose importance can hardly be overstated.
Want to strengthen and digitalize your customer relationships too?
