Car dealership Audi South West has revamped its showroom ordering and back office to enable speed in information sharing.

The systems are based on a multiprotocol labelling systems (MPLS) IP virtual private network provided by ntl:Telewest Business, which enables customers to order new vehicles or accessories onsite and view all elements of the transaction in real time.

The new structure is a progression from the previous mix of point-to-point communications services between locations, which connected to manufacturing and supply sites in Germany and was slow and malfunctioning, negatively affecting the in-store ordering experience and use of other business applications.

Audi South West’s new network provides the base for any further communication systems the chain may introduce in the future, such as IP telephony.

“This is much more than improved communication links, this is fundamental to offering our customers a flawless experience when they buy from us,” said head of IT at Audi South West, Mike Davidson.

“We want to put them behind the wheel of how they buy a car from us, or upgrade their current Audi. Next-generation communications technology is the bedrock of that capability,” said Davidson.