Key Takeaways
• CATAMA is a cloud-based all-in-one solution for automotive businesses with automated invoicing
• Save up to 70% of time on administrative tasks through digital process optimization [4]
• Three main packages available: Professional (€99), Enterprise (€139), and Unlimited (€499) per month [1]
• E-invoicing ready with XRechnung format and ZUGFeRD standard for 2027 compliance [4]
• DATEV interface for seamless accounting integration
• Real-time scheduling with cloud synchronization for all employees
• Mobile vehicle data entry via OCR technology and vehicle registration document scanners
CATAMA Software is the #1 cloud-based automotive invoicing program in Germany, enabling repair shops and car dealerships to fully digitize their business processes. The software combines automatic invoicing, workshop scheduling, customer management, and accounting in a single platform and reduces administrative effort by up to 70% [4].
What makes CATAMA the ideal automotive invoicing software?
CATAMA has established itself as the ideal automotive invoicing software because it was developed specifically to meet the needs of the automotive industry. The software solves the main problem faced by many repair shops: time-consuming paper-based administration and manual invoicing.
A workshop manager from Hamburg reported that he was able to reduce the time spent on invoicing from 20 minutes to 2 minutes [4]. This dramatic time savings is due to:
Automated Core Processes:
• Digital order entry using a QR code scanner
• Automatic spare part pricing via Stakis/Stahlgruber integration [5]
• Pre-designed invoice templates for standard services
• Intelligent vehicle data recognition via OCR
Industry-specific features:
• HSN/TSN lookup for precise vehicle identification
• Tire management with storage location tracking
• TÜV/AU appointment management
• Warranty and guarantee tracking
The cloud-based architecture allows access from any device and location, which is particularly important for businesses with multiple locations.
How does automatic invoicing work in CATAMA?
Automated invoicing is at the heart of CATAMA and works by intelligently linking all business processes. As soon as an order is created, the system automatically collects all relevant data.
The 4-step process:
- Vehicle and Customer Registration: An OCR scanner automatically scans the vehicle registration certificate and creates a customer profile
- Job Entry: Work hours are recorded via QR code, and replacement parts are automatically retrieved from catalogs
- Price calculation: Current prices are retrieved from suppliers in real time
- Invoice generation: A complete invoice is generated automatically with all required information
Smart data integration:
• Customer master data is automatically loaded for follow-up orders
• Vehicle history shows previous repairs and maintenance
• The “Next Service” feature automatically schedules the next appointment [3]
The software supports various types of invoices: standard invoices, differential taxation for used cars, small-amount invoices, and, since 2026, e-invoices in the XRechnung format [4].
Reducing errors through automation:
• Automatic VAT calculation based on customer type (B2B/B2C)
• Required field validation prevents incomplete invoices
• Duplicate detection for customer data
Choose CATAMA Professional if you run a small to medium-sized workshop (up to 10 employees). For larger businesses that use time tracking and e-commerce, Enterprise is the better choice.
What CATAMA packages are available, and how much do they cost?
CATAMA offers three main packages designed to meet the needs of businesses of different sizes and with varying requirements [1]:
CATAMA Professional – €99/month:
• Workshop scheduling and appointment management
• Ordering system with supplier interfaces
• Internal invoicing
• DAT interface for vehicle data
• Basic customer management
CATAMA Enterprise – €139/month:
• All Professional features
• Time tracking with QR code system
• Advanced tire management
• Advanced reporting features
CATAMA Unlimited – €499/month:
• Custom cloud solutions
• Unlimited users
• Dedicated IT contact
• Premium support with guaranteed response times
• Customization
Additional cost factors:
• Setup and training: One-time fee of €200–500 depending on the package
• Additional users: Starting at €15/month (Professional/Enterprise)
• Advanced interfaces: €50–100/month per interface
You can try the various CATAMA packages for free for 30 days. You can switch between packages at any time.
Decision Guide:
Choose Professional for businesses with up to 5 employees that do not require complex time tracking. Enterprise is suitable for growing workshops with 5–20 employees. Unlimited is ideal for chains or companies with specific requirements.
What interfaces and integrations does CATAMA offer?
CATAMA’s strength lies in its seamless integration with industry-standard systems and suppliers. This connectivity eliminates data silos and significantly reduces the need for manual data entry.
Supplier Interfaces:
• Stakis 4.0: Direct access to spare parts catalogs with current prices [5]
• Stahlgruber: Automatic order processing and price updates
• Mercedes WebParts: Genuine parts integration for Mercedes workshops
• Partslink24: Universal spare parts platform
Accounting Integration:
• DATEV Interface: Automatic export of all accounting data [5]
• Lexware Compatibility: For smaller businesses
• ELSTER Connection: Direct submission of advance VAT returns
Diagnostic and Service Tools:
• WMKAT: Repair guides and labor rates
• Repdoc: Damage estimates and repair costs
• DAT: Vehicle data and valuations
The Stakis 4.0 integration is particularly valuable: Mechanics can search for replacement parts, compare prices, and place orders directly from within the job order without having to switch systems.
API Features (Enterprise/Unlimited):
• REST API for custom development
• Webhook integration for real-time updates
• E-commerce interfaces for online stores
Mobile Integration:
• iOS/Android apps for field staff
• QR code scanner for time tracking
• Offline functionality for test drives
Choose Enterprise or Unlimited if you need extensive integrations. Professional offers the most important standard interfaces.
How secure is data in the CATAMA Cloud?
Data security is critical for automotive businesses, as they handle sensitive customer data, vehicle information, and business data. CATAMA fully complies with German and European data protection standards.
GDPR Compliance:
• Complete documentation of all data processing activities
• Automatic retention periods for customer data
• Consent management for marketing communications
• Tools for handling customer requests regarding the right of access [4]
Technical security measures:
• 256-bit SSL encryption for all data transfers
• ISO 27001-certified German data centers
• Daily automatic backups with 30-day retention
• Two-factor authentication for admin accounts
Audit-proof archiving:
• Tamper-proof storage of all documents [4]
• 10-year archiving for tax-related documents
• Complete change history (Who, What, When)
• Automatic versioning for document changes
The cloud infrastructure operates exclusively in German data centers, which means that stricter German data protection laws apply.
Disaster Recovery:
• 99,9% Verfügbarkeitsgarantie
• Redundante Serverstandorte
• Automatisches Failover bei Ausfällen
• Recovery Time Objective (RTO): < 4 Stunden
Access Control:
• Role-based user permissions
• IP whitelist for critical functions
• Session timeout after inactivity
• Audit logs for all system access
For businesses with the highest security requirements, CATAMA Unlimited offers additional security features such as dedicated server instances and advanced monitoring tools.
What are the latest features in CATAMA 2026?
The v26-4 release in January 2026 brought significant improvements for day-to-day workshop operations [2]. CATAMA continuously invests in further development based on user feedback.
Global QR/Barcode Scanner:
• System-wide scanning functionality for all modules
• Automatic recognition of spare part barcodes
• Inventory support via Scan-to-Count
• Integration with mobile apps
Advanced invoice fields:
• Duration of stay in the workshop: Automatic calculation of the length of stay
• Header text customization: Custom invoice text for each customer
• Additional cost centers: More detailed cost breakdown
Vehicle status "Reversal":
• Special handling of canceled orders [2]
• Automatic inventory adjustment for returns
• Traceable documentation for warranty claims
Calendar improvements:
• Drag-and-drop event rescheduling
• Multi-week planning view
• Automatic conflict detection for double bookings
CRM Extensions:
• Mileage display in customer history [2]
• Automatic service reminders based on mileage
• Advanced search functions in the customer database
The workshop scheduling features have also been updated: The “Next Service” feature can now be entered directly when creating an invoice, which significantly simplifies scheduling [3].
Upcoming Features for 2026:
• AI-based price forecasts for replacement parts
• Enhanced e-invoicing features for B2B customers
• Integration with electric vehicle diagnostic systems
• Improved mobile app with offline synchronization
Updates are installed automatically without interrupting ongoing operations. All new features are included in existing packages.
How does CATAMA support compliance with the 2027 e-invoicing requirement?
Starting in 2027, e-invoicing will become mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. CATAMA is already helping automotive businesses prepare for this requirement and offers comprehensive compliance support [4].
XRechnung and ZUGFeRD Standard:
• Automatic generation of structured e-invoices
• XML format compliant with the German XRechnung specification
• PDF/A-3 hybrid with embedded structural data
• Automatic validation before sending
Compliance features:
• Route ID management for government invoices
• Automatic validation of required fields
• Audit-compliant archiving of all e-invoices [4]
• Verifiable delivery and confirmation of receipt
The e-invoice integration works seamlessly with existing workflows. Repair shops can generate both paper and e-invoices simultaneously until the full transition is complete.
Transitional provisions for 2027–2028:
• Paper invoices remain permitted for small businesses
• Phased implementation based on customer size
• CATAMA supports both formats simultaneously
Technical implementation:
• PEPPOL network connection for European data exchange
• AS4 protocol for secure data transmission
• Integration into existing DATEV workflows
Cost savings with e-invoicing:
• Elimination of postage and paper costs (approx. €2–5 per invoice)
• Processing time reduced by 60–80%
• Faster payment receipts (on average 5 days earlier)
• Automatic integration with the dunning process
CATAMA customers receive e-invoicing functionality at no extra charge with all packages. Training and support for the transition are included in the service.
FAQ
Can CATAMA be integrated with existing systems?
Yes, CATAMA offers numerous standard interfaces to popular systems such as DATEV, Stakis, Stahlgruber, and Mercedes WebParts. Custom API integrations are available with the Enterprise/Unlimited plans.
How long does it take to implement CATAMA?
The initial setup takes 1–3 days. Data migration from legacy systems takes an additional 3–5 days. Full production deployment is usually achieved after 1–2 weeks.
What training courses does CATAMA offer?
Free online training courses for all Enterprise users and comprehensive documentation.
Can I switch between CATAMA packages?
Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade at any time, effective at the end of the following month. All your data will be preserved; only the feature set will change.
How is support billed?
Professional/Enterprise: Free email support; free phone support subject to availability. Unlimited: Dedicated support hotline and guaranteed response times included.
How does time tracking work?
QR code-based tracking via smartphone or tablet. Automatic assignment to jobs, break management, and overtime calculation (Enterprise plan and above).
What payment methods are accepted?
SEPA direct debit (preferred), bank transfer, and credit card. Annual prepayment with a 10% discount is available.
Summary
By 2026, CATAMA Software will have established itself as the leading automotive invoicing software in Germany thanks to its unique combination of user-friendliness, industry expertise, and technological innovation. The time savings of up to 70% on administrative tasks make it an indispensable investment for modern auto repair shops [4].
The three available packages cater to businesses of all sizes: Professional (€99) for smaller workshops, Enterprise (€139) for growing businesses, and Unlimited (€499) for corporate chains [1]. The e-invoicing readiness feature is particularly valuable for meeting the 2027 compliance requirements.
Next steps for interested parties:
- Start your free 30-day trial by registering with CATAMA
- Conduct a needs assessment with the CATAMA team
- Planning data migration from existing systems
- Organize employee training to ensure optimal use
The investment typically pays for itself within 3–6 months through reduced labor hours and improved process efficiency. With ongoing development and German-language support, CATAMA is the future-proof choice for digital workshop management.
References
[1] Products – https://www.catama-software.de/produkte/
[2] Release Update V26.4 – https://www.catama-software.de/features/v26-4/release-update-v26-4/
[3] The Workshop Planner for Automotive Workshops: Efficient Workshop Planning in 2026 – https://www.catama-software.de/features/der-werkstattplaner-fuer-kfz-werkstaetten-effiziente-werkstattplanung-im-jahr-2026/
[4] The #1 Enterprise Software for Automotive Workshops and Dealerships: Digitalization for Maximum Efficiency – https://www.catama-software.de/ratgeber/die-1-enterprise-software-fuer-kfz-werkstatt-und-handel-digitalisierung-fuer-maximale-effizienz/
[5] Building Customer Trust Through Transparent Communication in the Auto Repair Shop with Digital Order Documentation – https://www.catama-software.de/ratgeber/transparente-kommunikation-in-der-kfz-werkstatt-mit-digitaler-auftragsdokumentation-vertrauen-beim-kunden-aufbauen/
