Automotive Software Glossary: Key Terms Explained
From labor rates to DATEV export to TSE cash register: This glossary explains the key terms related to workshop software, dealer management, and automotive business management—in a concise and easy-to-understand format.
DMS (Dealer Management System)
A Dealer Management System (DMS) is industry-specific software for car dealerships and vehicle retailers that integrates vehicle inventory, sales, service, inventory management, and accounting into a single system. Modern DMS solutions like CATAMA run as cloud-based solutions in a web browser.
Workshop Software
Workshop software supports automotive businesses with scheduling, repair orders, time tracking, and invoicing. It replaces paper-based systems and siloed solutions with a seamless digital workflow from appointment to invoice.
Work Units (AW)
Work Units (AW) are the time units used to calculate repair shop services. Depending on the business, one AW typically corresponds to 5, 6, or 10 minutes. Workshop software stores AWs by activity and automatically applies them to orders and invoices.
Differential Taxation (§ 25a UStG)
Differential taxation under § 25a UStG allows dealers to tax only the difference between the purchase price and the selling price when selling used vehicles, provided that no sales tax was reported at the time of purchase. Automotive software automatically generates the corresponding invoices correctly.
TSE (Technical Security Device)
The TSE is a certified security device that is required in Germany for electronic point-of-sale systems. It signs every receipt in a tamper-proof manner. A TSE-compliant POS system is mandatory for automotive businesses that accept cash payments.
Automotive Invoicing Software
An automotive invoicing program creates quotes, work orders, and invoices specifically for repair shops and car dealerships—GoBD-compliant, with e-invoicing and DATEV export.
E-Invoicing
An e-invoice is an invoice in a structured electronic format (e.g., XRechnung or ZUGFeRD) that enables automatic processing. Starting in 2025, companies in Germany must be able to receive e-invoices in B2B transactions.
DATEV Export
The DATEV export transfers accounting data from the automotive software into the DATEV format used by tax advisors. This eliminates the need to manually enter receipts—saving time and reducing errors in bookkeeping.
HSN/TSN
HSN (manufacturer code number) and TSN (model code number) uniquely identify a vehicle model. They are listed in the Certificate of Registration, Part I, and are used in automotive software for quick vehicle identification.
HU/AU
The general inspection (HU) checks roadworthiness, while the emissions test (AU) checks a vehicle’s emissions. Workshop software automatically reminds customers of upcoming HU/AU appointments, helping to fill the workshop’s schedule.
Tire Storage
For tire storage, the shop stores its customers’ seasonal tires—documenting the storage location, tread depth, and condition. Software such as the CATAMA Tire Manager manages tire sets, generates storage and retrieval receipts, and automatically calculates fees.
Inventory Management
Inventory management handles a business’s items, parts, and stock: from goods receipt through warehouse postings to inventory counts. In an auto repair shop, this includes replacement parts, tires, accessories, and operating supplies.
Workshop Scheduler
A workshop scheduler is the workshop’s digital planning board: appointments, lifts, and staff are clearly scheduled, and capacity utilization is visible at a glance. Appointment changes are made via drag-and-drop.
OCR Document Recognition
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) automatically reads incoming invoices and documents: the supplier, document number, and amount are recognized and pre-filled. This significantly speeds up the entry of incoming documents.
UVV Inspection
The UVV inspection is the regular inspection of commercial vehicles and work equipment in accordance with the accident prevention regulations of the employers’ liability insurance associations. The software sends reminders for upcoming deadlines—which is important for businesses with fleet customers.
Cloud Software (SaaS)
Cloud software (Software as a Service) runs on the provider’s servers and is accessed via a browser. The provider handles updates, backups, and maintenance; billing is based on a monthly subscription. Important for automotive businesses: a data center in Germany to ensure GDPR compliance.
Understanding the Terms – Testing the Software
Try CATAMA free for 5 days and experience inventory management, workshop scheduling, and invoicing in action.