Client’s story: interview with Somerville Auto

Sommerville Auto operates in the automotive leasing and asset finance industry and is known for its innovative approach to meeting the needs of both consumer and commercial clients. With a strong emphasis on modernization, the company has consistently adapted to industry changes to remain at the forefront of the market. This adaptability and forward-thinking mindset make Sommerville Auto an ideal partner for exploring the integration of advanced solutions like SOFT4Leasing into their operations.

What types of leasing or asset finance do you focus on?

We focus on a combination of consumer and commercial leasing. While we still maintain a significant portion of consumer leases, our emphasis has shifted more toward commercial leasing as the company becomes more fleet-focused. The growing demand for fleet management has naturally aligned with our strategy to cater more effectively to commercial clients, although our consumer leasing operations remain robust and integral to our portfolio.

What prompted you to start searching for new leasing software?

Our previous software was outdated, both in terms of functionality and usability. It was a legacy system (Systematic) with a command-line interface that no longer met the needs of a modern leasing operation. As our business grew and evolved, we recognized the need for a more advanced and user-friendly platform to handle the complexities of our operations. Modernizing our software was essential to keep up with industry developments, improve efficiency, and support our business’s long-term goals.

What do you like most about the SOFT4Leasing solution?

What stands out the most about SOFT4Leasing is its simplicity and effectiveness. It provides the necessary tools without unnecessary complexity, allowing us to focus on running our business. Additionally, its flexibility is a key advantage. Through our partnership with PYA solutions, we’ve been able to customize the solution quickly and efficiently to address our specific requirements.

Are there any areas where the SOFT4Leasing solution could be improved?

While SOFT4Leasing has been highly beneficial, there are areas where improvements could make the system even more powerful. For instance, within Dynamics NAV, the ability to bundle leases for the same vehicle into a single grouping would streamline management. Establishing parent-child account relationships could significantly improve account organization and reporting. Additionally, a better system for handling joint clients would enhance usability. Quality-of-life improvements, such as more informative error messages (e.g., specifying which contract triggered an error during billing runs), would also save time and reduce frustration for our team.

What business goals has the solution helped you achieve?

From a business perspective, SOFT4Leasing has been a game-changer in bringing the company into the modern era. It has significantly reduced reliance on paper-based processes, enabling us to adopt a more sustainable and efficient workflow. Automation has played a crucial role in enhancing our operations, allowing us to save time and allocate resources more strategically. The solution has not only improved our internal processes but has also positioned us to better meet the demands of our clients in a rapidly evolving market.