SS Tubes, a brand synonymous with high-quality brake and fuel lines for classic muscle cars, has been a mainstay in the automotive aftermarket industry since its founding in 1986. Established by Bob Grosser, the company began by creating specialized brake and fuel lines for Ford Mustangs. Over time, its reputation for precision and reliability allowed it to expand into producing parts for a wide variety of muscle cars, solidifying its position in the market. Today, SS Tubes boasts a catalog of over 10,000 parts, including their core line of products under the "Finelines" label.
Josh Stamper, a seasoned automotive expert with 33 years of industry experience, played an instrumental role in SS Tubes' growth. Originally a customer of the company in 2012, Josh’s expertise and passion for the industry led to a pivotal moment in 2013. When Bob approached him for assistance on a new truck project, the collaboration resulted in the rapid success of a new product line, selling 25 kits a day just weeks after launch. Recognizing the potential for growth, Bob invited Josh to officially join SS Tubes. Since then, Josh has expanded the catalog from 3,200 parts to over 10,000, contributing to the company's remarkable growth trajectory.
Despite its success, SS Tubes faced significant operational challenges in managing its growing inventory and order processing. One critical issue was the lack of seamless connectivity between its ERP software, QuickBooks, and third-party platforms like ShipStation and Shopify. Orders coming in through ShipStation were not automatically syncing with QuickBooks, causing delays and inefficiencies in order fulfillment. Furthermore, inventory updates from the Shopify store required manual intervention, which involved importing files and mapping them manually. This process was not only time-consuming but also prone to human error, potentially leading to inaccurate inventory counts and disrupted workflows.
As Josh explained, “In our market, inventory management is crucial. Every delay or error in the system can directly impact customer satisfaction and sales performance.” SS Tubes needed a solution that would streamline their operations, minimize errors, and save time and resources.
Josh first learned about Connex while researching solutions that could integrate ShipStation, Shopify, and QuickBooks. After evaluating various options, he chose Connex due to its ability to provide customized integrations tailored to SS Tubes’ specific needs. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, Connex offered the flexibility to adapt to their unique workflows, eliminating the need for a costly overhaul of their existing systems.
“Connex stood out because it wasn’t a one-size-fits-all solution,” Josh noted. “Their custom integrations allowed us to connect our systems seamlessly without requiring a $100,000 investment in new software.”
Connex’s customized integration addressed SS Tubes’ key pain points:
Since implementing Connex, SS Tubes has experienced a transformation in its operational efficiency. The automation of order syncing and inventory management has not only reduced human error but also improved the overall speed of order processing. This has enabled the company to meet customer demands more effectively, enhancing its reputation in the market.
“With Connex, we’ve streamlined our operations in a way that saves us time and money,” Josh remarked. “We no longer have to worry about inaccuracies or delays. Everything just works.”
Looking ahead, Josh has ambitious plans for SS Tubes. Over the next 12 months, his primary goals include:
The integration provided by Connex plays a crucial role in supporting these goals. By ensuring the company’s systems remain connected and efficient, Josh can allocate more resources toward innovation and growth.
The partnership between SS Tubes and Connex highlights the transformative power of tailored technology solutions. By addressing the specific challenges faced by the company, Connex has enabled SS Tubes to streamline its operations, reduce errors, and focus on delivering exceptional products to its customers. For Josh Stamper, the decision to work with Connex has not only resolved immediate operational issues but also set the stage for continued success in a competitive market.
As Josh puts it, “Connex is more than just a software solution; it’s a partner in our growth journey. They’ve helped us bridge the gap between where we were and where we want to be.”