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 way.
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, such as CATAMA, run as cloud-based solutions in a web browser.
Workshop software
Workshop software helps auto repair shops with scheduling, work orders, time tracking, and invoicing. It replaces paper-based systems and siloed solutions with a seamless digital workflow from scheduling to invoicing.
Work Values (AW)
Work units (AW) are the units of time used to calculate workshop services. Depending on the business, one AW is usually equal to 5, 6, or 10 minutes. Workshop software stores AWs for each activity and automatically applies them to work orders and invoices.
Differential Taxation (Section 25a of the Value-Added Tax Act)
Under the differential taxation provision of Section 25a of the German Value-Added Tax Act (UStG), dealers are permitted to pay tax only on the difference between the purchase price and the selling price when selling used vehicles, provided that no value-added tax was shown on the purchase invoice. Automotive software automatically generates the corresponding invoices correctly.
TSE (Technical Safety Device)
The TSE is a certified security device that is required by law in Germany for electronic point-of-sale systems. It signs each receipt in a tamper-proof manner. A TSE-compliant point-of-sale system is mandatory for auto repair shops that accept cash payments.
Automotive Invoicing Software
An automotive invoicing program creates quotes, work orders, and invoices specifically for auto repair shops and car dealerships—GoBD-compliant, with e-invoicing and DATEV export.
E-Invoice
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 tax advisor's DATEV format. This eliminates the need to manually enter receipts, which saves time and reduces errors in bookkeeping.
HSN/TSN
The HSN (Manufacturer Identification Number) and TSN (Type Identification Number) uniquely identify a vehicle model. They are listed in Part I of the registration certificate and are used in automotive software for quick vehicle identification.
HU/AU
The general inspection (HU) assesses road safety, while the emissions test (AU) evaluates a vehicle's emissions. Workshop software automatically reminds customers of upcoming HU/AU appointments, helping the workshop plan its schedule.
Tire Storage
As part of its tire storage service, the company stores its customers’ seasonal tires—documenting the storage location, tread depth, and condition. Software such as the CATAMA Tire Manager manages tire sets, generates receipts for storage and retrieval, and automatically calculates fees.
Merchandise Management
The inventory management system manages an operation’s items, parts, and inventory: from goods receipt to warehouse transactions to inventory counts. In an automotive 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 extracts data from 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. Software sends reminders about upcoming deadlines—which is important for companies with fleet customers.
Cloud Software (SaaS)
Cloud software (Software as a Service) runs on the provider’s servers and is accessed through a browser. The provider handles updates, backups, and maintenance; billing is based on a monthly subscription. Important for auto repair shops: a data center in Germany to ensure GDPR compliance.
Understanding the Terms – Software Testing
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