CATAMA is a cloud-based industry software specifically tailored to the processes in automotive and caravan businesses. As software for caravan dealers and workshops, it combines workshop orders, customer management, vehicle history, inventory management, and invoicing in a single system. This eliminates the need to juggle different tools, and businesses gain significantly more time for their core business: servicing vehicles and customers.
Key facts:
- Industry focus instead of standard solution: CATAMA maps caravan-specific requirements such as special conversions, equipment details and vehicle histories in a structured manner.
- Central system: Workshop, sales, warehouse, accounting and customer communication all come together in one interface.
- Seasonal management: Scheduling and resource planning help to effectively manage peak times during the caravan season.
- Scalable: CATAMA is suitable for small one-man workshops as well as for branch operations with multiple locations.
- Cloud solution: No local server required, access from anywhere, automatic updates.
- CRM functions: Reminders for inspections, retrofits and service intervals strengthen customer loyalty.
- Interfaces: Connection to accounting software, parts suppliers and other systems is possible.
- Training and support: CATAMA offers introductory training and ongoing support for new users, free of charge.
What makes CATAMA so special for caravan dealers?
CATAMA differs from generic workshop solutions through its clear industry focus on automotive and caravan businesses. While standard ERP systems often require cumbersome customization, the processes of a caravan workshop are already pre-designed in CATAMA.
Specifically, this means:
- Vehicle data for complex vehicles: Motorhomes and caravans have significantly more features requiring documentation than passenger cars. Body type, layout, gas and electrical installations, special modifications, accessories – all of this can be recorded in a structured manner in CATAMA and accessed at any time.
- Seamless process chain: From the initial customer inquiry through reception, workshop planning, and parts ordering to invoicing and after-sales service, everything runs within a single system. There are no breaks in the media flow between paper, Excel spreadsheets, and separate accounting.
- Seasonal characteristics: The caravan industry has pronounced seasonal peaks (spring before the travel season, autumn for winterization). CATAMA supports the planning of these peak periods with workshop planner and appointment scheduling functionsthat make capacities visible.
Decision rule: Anyone using more than five different tools for workshop, warehouse, customers, and invoices loses several hours per week due to duplicate data entry and search times. CATAMA consolidates these processes in one place.
shows more about the general advantages of industry-specific solutions industry-specific software for automotive workshops.
What features does CATAMA offer specifically for motorhome workshops?
CATAMA covers the entire value chain of a caravan workshop – from initial consultation to final delivery. The following functional areas are particularly relevant for motorhome businesses:
Workshop orders and order management
Each order is created centrally, linked to the vehicle and customer, and progresses through defined status steps. The team can see at any time which order is at which stage – whether they are waiting for parts, whether the customer has been informed, or whether the final inspection is still pending. Further details on workshop planning and time tracking can be found in the corresponding guide.
Vehicle management with caravan specifics
A comprehensive file can be kept for each vehicle: floor plan, body type, installed accessories, gas system inspections, leak tests, and the complete repair history. All information is immediately available for follow-up visits.
Customer management and CRM
Customer data, communication history, open quotes, and past orders are all accessible in one place. Automatic reminders for upcoming inspections or service intervals ensure that no contact point is missed. Further information is available there for those interested in learning more about the advantages of centralized vehicle and customer management .
Parts and inventory management
Availability and stock levels are directly visible in the order process. This reduces downtime because missing parts can be identified and ordered early. The automotive inventory management and warehouse control system is directly integrated into the workflow.
Professional documents and billing
Offers, cost estimates, order confirmations, delivery notes, and invoices are generated directly from the system – with a consistent layout, legally compliant, and ready in just a few clicks. E-invoices in the XRechnung format are also supported.
| Functional area | Benefits for caravan workshops |
|---|---|
| Workshop orders | Clear order status, fewer questions within the team |
| Vehicle file | Caravan-specific features and history documented |
| CRM & Reminders | Service intervals and follow-ups automated |
| Warehouse management | Real-time parts inventory, reduced downtime |
| Document creation | Standardized offers, invoices, delivery notes |
| Workshop planner | Capacity planning for seasonal peaks |
Can I also use CATAMA for small workshops?
Yes. CATAMA is specifically designed for small businesses. The software offers various editions that differ in functionality and price. Even a one-person operation can start with the entry-level version and upgrade to more comprehensive packages as needed.
When CATAMA makes sense for small workshops:
- The company regularly manages workshop orders and needs traceable documentation.
- There are returning customers whose vehicle history is important (typical for caravan businesses).
- Invoices and quotes should look professional and consistent.
When it might still be too early:
- The company only occasionally receives individual orders and manages with a simple invoice template.
Is CATAMA more suitable for large or small caravan workshops?
CATAMA is suitable for both business sizes because the system is modular. Small businesses use the core functions (orders, customers, invoices), while larger businesses additionally activate branch management functions, advanced warehouse management, and interfaces to suppliers.
An overview of the licensing models:
| Edition | Target audience | focus |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Suite | Medium-sized businesses | Advanced planning, warehouse management |
| Enterprise Suite | Large companies, branch operations | Full functionality, multi-location |
| Unlimited | Individual requirements | Tailor-made adjustments |
Details on all packages and prices can be found on the CATAMA product overview.
How expensive is CATAMA compared to other workshop systems?
CATAMA operates on a monthly license fee basis, the exact amount of which depends on the chosen package and the number of users. Current prices can be viewed on the CATAMA website. Generally, CATAMA is positioned in the mid-price range for industry-specific workshop software.
When comparing prices, it's important to remember that the license fee alone isn't very informative without considering the total cost. Many standard solutions incur significant customization costs to adapt to caravan-specific processes. With CATAMA, these features are already included.
A common mistake: Businesses only compare the monthly base price and overlook hidden costs for setup, training, interfaces, or additional modules. It's worthwhile to compare all items in a comprehensive calculation.
How much does a CATAMA software license cost per month?
The specific monthly costs vary depending on the edition and number of users. CATAMA publishes the current prices on its pricing page. Generally speaking, the entry-level version is significantly cheaper than the enterprise version, and there is an option to test CATAMA free of chargebefore making a decision.
What alternatives to CATAMA are there for caravan workshops?
Several workshop software solutions exist on the market that are generally suitable for automotive businesses. These include systems such as KSR EDV, Werbas, and general ERP solutions. The crucial difference: Most of these systems are primarily designed for the traditional passenger car sector and only partially address caravan-specific requirements.
Comparison criteria for selection:
- Are there specific fields for caravan data (floor plan, body type, gas system)?
- Is leak test documentation included?
- Can special modifications and accessories be recorded in a structured manner?
- How well does seasonal capacity planning work?
- Is there industry-specific support?
CATAMA scores particularly well here as software for caravan dealers and workshops because these requirements are anchored in the system from the beginning and do not need to be added through expensive individual programming.
Does CATAMA also support complex warranty claims?
Yes. Warranty claims are part of everyday business in the caravan sector because vehicles often include components from multiple manufacturers (base vehicle, body, fittings). CATAMA makes it possible to document warranty claims, assign them to the respective manufacturer or supplier, and track their processing status.
The complete vehicle history makes it easy to quickly prove which work was carried out and when in case of warranty claims – a clear advantage over companies that have to search for this information in different folders or systems.
What additional modules does CATAMA offer for workshop management?
Beyond its core functions, CATAMA offers various extensions:
- Workshop planner: Visual capacity planning with drag-and-drop functionality
- Time tracking: Directly book working hours against orders
- Form builder: Create your own forms and checklists (e.g. for leak tests or handover protocols)
- Interfaces to parts suppliers: Connection to catalogs such as Partslink24, Stakis or WMKat
- OCR vehicle registration: Scan vehicle registration document and automatically transfer data.
- Cash book: Integrated cash management for cash transactions
The overview of all interfaces shows which external systems can be connected.
Can I connect CATAMA to my existing accounting software?
Yes, CATAMA offers interfaces to common accounting systems. Invoice data, incoming payments, and journal entries can be exported and imported into the existing financial accounting system. This avoids duplicate data entry and reduces potential errors.
For businesses that want to manage their entire accounting in CATAMA, there are also integrated functions such as a cash book, payment tracking, and DATEV-compatible exports. Details can be found on the page for vehicle management with accounting and workshop management.
How does the data migration from my old system work?
Switching to a new system is the biggest hurdle for many businesses. CATAMA supports the migration process with import functions for customer data, vehicle data, and product master data. The typical process looks like this:
- Inventory: What data exists in the legacy system? In what format is it stored (CSV, Excel, database)?
- Data cleansing: Before importing, it's worthwhile to clean up outdated or duplicate data records. This step is often underestimated, but saves a lot of trouble in the long run.
- Test import: CATAMA allows test imports to check data quality before the production import.
- Productive import: After successful verification, the data is finally imported.
- Parallel operation: Many companies run both systems in parallel for two to four weeks to ensure that nothing is lost.
A common mistake: Companies try to migrate all historical data one-to-one, even if much of it is outdated. It's better to focus on active customers, current vehicles, and open cases.
What are the most common mistakes during software implementation?
The technology is rarely the problem – the most common stumbling blocks are of an organizational nature:
- No clear person in charge: Without someone to drive the project forward internally, the implementation stalls.
- Too much at once: Companies that implement all modules simultaneously overwhelm their team. Better: start with the core functions and expand gradually.
- Lack of training: If employees don't understand the system, they won't use it – or they'll use it incorrectly. Investing in training pays off directly.
- No data cleansing before migration: Bad data in the old system becomes bad data in the new system.
- Unrealistic time planning: A complete conversion takes four to twelve weeks, depending on the size of the business. Anyone who wants to do it in one week will only create frustration.
What training does CATAMA offer for new users?
CATAMA offers various training formats to facilitate getting started. These include online training courses that can be conducted remotely, as well as a knowledge base with manuals and video tutorials. For larger companies or more complex requirements, individual onboarding support is available.
CATAMA Support and Contact is the central point of contact for questions regarding implementation and ongoing use.
How CATAMA, as software for caravan dealers and workshops, is changing everyday work
CATAMA's greatest effect is not seen in a single function, but in its interaction: When workshop orders, customer data, vehicle history, stock levels and invoices are all integrated into one system, hundreds of small friction losses per week are eliminated.
Practical example: A customer calls to inquire about the status of their motorhome. Without centralized software, someone would have to check with the workshop, perhaps find the service manager, and possibly even inquire in the warehouse about the ordered part. With CATAMA, the person on the phone opens the order, sees the current status, the delivery status of the parts, and can provide information immediately. This saves time and appears professional.
Further everyday improvements:
- Automatic reminders for due leak tests or gas tests
- Quick quote creation based on saved templates
- Transparent capacity overview for workshop planning during the season
- Uniform documentation that is retained even when staff changes occur
exactly how CATAMA saves time and money.
Conclusion: Is CATAMA worthwhile for caravan businesses?
CATAMA is one of the few software solutions on the German-speaking market that, as software for caravan dealers and workshops, not only covers standard processes but also takes the specific requirements of the industry into account from the ground up. Complex vehicle data, seasonal fluctuations, warranty processing, and the close customer relationships inherent in the caravan sector are already built into the system – without expensive custom programming.
Recommended next steps:
- Start a free trial: via CATAMA registration You can try out the system without obligation
- Clarify internal requirements: Which processes should be digitized first? Workshop orders? Customer management? Inventory management?
- Conduct a consultation: Discuss the specific requirements of your business with the CATAMA team to find the right licensing model.
- Introduce gradually: Start with the core modules and expand the system step by step.
- Involve the team: Train employees early and involve them in the introduction to ensure acceptance.
Anyone who wants to make their caravan business more professional, reduce administrative costs and strengthen customer loyalty will find a well-thought-out and field-tested solution in CATAMA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is CATAMA a cloud solution or is it installed locally?
CATAMA is cloud-based software. No local server is required, and access is via a web browser. Updates are installed automatically.
Can I use CATAMA on a tablet in the workshop?
Yes. Since CATAMA is browser-based, it can be used on tablets, laptops, and desktop computers alike.
How long does it take to implement CATAMA in a typical caravan business?
Depending on the size of the business and the amount of data, you should expect four to twelve weeks, including data migration, training and parallel operation.
Is there a trial period?
Yes. CATAMA offers a free trial to get to know the system before making a purchase decision.
Does CATAMA also work for mixed businesses (cars and caravans)?
Yes. CATAMA is fundamentally designed for all types of automotive businesses. Caravan-specific fields and functions complement the standard car functions.
Is my data hosted in Germany?
CATAMA is a German company. Details regarding data protection and hosting can be found in the privacy policy on the website.
Can I customize quotes and invoices?
Yes. Document templates can be adapted to your own corporate design, including logo, colors, and text elements.
Does CATAMA support e-invoicing (XRechnung)?
Yes. CATAMA supports the creation of e-invoices in the XRechnung format, which will become mandatory for B2B invoices in Germany starting in 2025.
Is there an app for CATAMA?
CATAMA is designed as a web application and can be used via a browser on all devices. A separate native app is generally not required.
Who do I contact if I have technical problems?
CATAMA support can be reached via the contact page and offers help with technical questions and configuration issues.
