DST

What DST does

DST (Distribution Service Technologies Inc.) is a privately-held software provider founded in 1987 and headquartered in Lake Forest, California, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solera Holdings Inc. since its December 2013 acquisition. The company serves the automotive and heavy duty aftermarket with a bolt-on software platform that integrates e-Commerce, distribution management, business intelligence, and shop management capabilities into existing ERP and dealer management systems without requiring wholesale replacement. DST's four core products — TurboParts (e-Commerce gateway), TurboPrise (distribution management with order entry, inventory, warehouse management, and GL on IBM i-Series/DB2), TurboSight (real-time BI and data warehousing), and TurboShop (multi-location shop management with web and mobile access) — are built on a common platform and exposed through white-label/embedded OEM portals including Ford eCounter, ACDelco WIP, and Pep Boys PEP Express.

DST's go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting automotive parts distributors, OEMs, manufacturers, and multi-location repair shop chains, complemented by indirect distribution through shop management system partners (Mitchell1, RO Writer, Lankar) that embed DST ordering and catalog capabilities into thousands of independent repair shops. Revenue is generated on a subscription/recurring basis with custom enterprise pricing and annual billing cadence. Per the 2009 Corporate Fact Sheet, sales split approximately 54% E-Business Solutions (e-Commerce) and 46% ERP Systems and Support (distribution and shop management). Major enterprise customers include Ford Motor Company, ACDelco (GM), AutoZone, Pep Boys, Big O Tires, and Heavy Duty America, with additional long-tail SMB and mid-market customers reached through the channel partner network.

DST operates with a lean organization of approximately 49 employees across offices in Lake Forest, CA, Memphis, TN, and Addison, TX. The company claims 25+ years of leadership in automotive e-Commerce technology, having launched the aftermarket's first internet-based parts ordering application in 1999. Its technology stack remains anchored on the IBM i-Series platform via the IBM Advanced Business Partner relationship, with the Epicor (formerly Activant) electronic catalog serving as the primary parts data source. Following the 2013 acquisition by Solera, DST's technology is positioned as part of Solera's North American Parts Platform, serving an ecosystem of over 75,000 customers in nearly 60 countries.

Name

DST

Legal name

Distribution Service Technologies Inc.

Website

https://dstinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DST (Distribution Service Technologies Inc.) provides bolt-on e-Commerce, distribution management, BI, and shop management software for the automotive and heavy duty aftermarket, built on IBM i-Series. It serves parts distributors, OEMs (Ford, ACDelco, Pep Boys), and repair shops via TurboParts, TurboPrise, TurboSight, and TurboShop, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solera Holdings.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Aftermarket Software

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Facilities Management Services (541513)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

B2B/EDI & Supply Chain Process Automation Platforms (HDAEAHAK)

Keywords

• Automotive e-commerce software
• Aftermarket parts distribution
• Supply chain management
• Shop management system
• Business intelligence software

Headquarters

HQ city

Foothill Ranch

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. E-Business Solutions (e-Commerce): Revenue from TurboParts e-Commerce platform and related e-Commerce tools. Approximately 54% of company sales based on 2009 results. Includes private-labeled versions for Ford (eCounter), ACDelco (WIP), and other OEM/manufacturer partners.
2. ERP Systems and Support (Distribution Management): Revenue from TurboPrise distribution management system, TurboShop shop management solutions, and associated support/maintenance services. Approximately 46% of company sales based on 2009 results.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

DST (Distribution Service Technologies Inc.) develops and sells software for the automotive and heavy duty aftermarket, centered on four core products: TurboParts (B2B e-Commerce gateway for 24/7 parts ordering), TurboPrise (distribution management and supply chain system), TurboSight (real-time business intelligence and sales reporting), and TurboShop (web/mobile shop management for repair facilities). The platform is built on IBM i-Series technology and integrates with Epicor electronic catalog data, third-party shop management systems, and major parts distributor networks. DST also delivers private-labeled e-Commerce solutions for OEM partners including Ford Motorcraft (eCounter) and ACDelco (WIP), and provides custom services such as IT facilities management and data warehousing.

Product overview

DST (Distribution Service Technologies) offers a portfolio of four core products designed for the automotive and heavy duty aftermarket: TurboParts (e-Commerce gateway), TurboPrise (distribution management system), TurboSight (business intelligence/reporting), and TurboShop (shop management system). These products are built on a common technology platform and share integrations with major distribution and accounting systems. DST also provides custom solutions including private-labeled e-Commerce, IT facilities management, and data warehousing services. The company operates as a Solera Holdings company and has developed private-labeled versions of its TurboParts technology for Ford (eCounter) and ACDelco (WIP).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TurboParts: The aftermarket's easiest-to-use E-Commerce gateway, helping customers improve efficiency and profitability.
• TurboPrise
• TurboSight
• TurboShop
• eCounter
• DST WIP

Products and services

• TurboParts E-Commerce gateway for the automotive aftermarket providing B2B parts ordering, real-time inventory visibility, advanced sales analytics with lost-sales drill-down, customer order patterns, internet specials tied to real-time inventory, and 24/7/365 ordering. Integrates with Epicor (formerly Activant) electronic catalog and third-party shop management systems.
• TurboPrise Distribution management solution built on IBM i-Series (DB2) that links geographically dispersed locations to corporate sites. Modules include Order Entry, Inventory Management with automated replenishment, Accounts Receivable/Credit Control, Accounts Payable, General Ledger with Report Writer, and a fully integrated Warehouse Management System (WMS) with wireless picking.
• TurboSight Real-time sales reporting and data warehousing technology that integrates business systems (internal and external) to deliver critical analytics with pre-programmed analytical views, drill-down capabilities, and a point-and-click interface for custom data browsing. Built on experience working with Ford, General Motors, and IBM.
• TurboShop Fully integrated shop management system with web and mobile access for consumers, e-Commerce, and corporate control for multi-location operations. Features instant customer quotes, VIN verification, integrated inventory ordering from Big O, ATD, TCI, NAPA, CARQUEST, O'Reilly's, AutoZone, service packages, factory suggested maintenance lookups, and integrated accounting to Great Plains and QuickBooks.
• Private Labeled e-Commerce Custom private-labeled e-Commerce solutions allowing companies to deploy branded online ordering platforms using DST's technology infrastructure, including white-label TurboParts deployments for OEM and manufacturer partners.
• IT Facilities Management Strategic IT management services that help remove IT system silos, leverage data, and remove hidden inefficiencies across complex technology footprints.
• Data Warehousing Custom data solutions that transform supply chain data into actionable, real-time business intelligence for monitoring inventory trends, tracking vendor performance, and analyzing distribution network efficiency.
• Ford Motorcraft eCounter Ford Motorcraft-branded eBusiness portal built on the TurboParts engine, providing Ford Authorized Distributors and Quick Lane facilities with exclusive content and 24/7/365 business ordering capabilities.
• ACDelco WIP (DST WIP) ACDelco-branded private-labeled version of TurboParts offered as ACDelco's eCommerce tool in the aftermarket marketplace.
• ACDelco Aftermarket OE Electronic Catalog Browser-based online catalog of ACDelco GM OE Service parts for the aftermarket, allowing searches by VIN, illustration, or year/make/model.
• Pep Boys PEP Express White-label e-Commerce platform for Pep Boys commercial customers to place orders electronically through a TurboParts-powered platform at pepexpress.com.
• InPart Supplier Locator Tool Web-based supplier locator tool for parts sourcing across the distribution network.

Quantifiable outcome

• DST WMS reduced operational overhead in the warehouse by 30% and enabled inventory turns to more than double while maintaining high fill rates
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Solera Holdings Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 12 December 2013DST was acquired by Solera Holdings Inc. in December 2013. Solera is a global provider of software and services to the automotive and related decision support industries. DST's technologies strengthen Solera's 'North American Parts Platform' for automotive supply chain connectivity. The management team and current DST staffing remain in place.
• Pep BoysmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 February 2012Pep Boys selected DST as exclusive partner to provide online order placement service for its Pep Express eCommerce customers using pepexpress.com, enabling commercial customers to place orders electronically through DST's TurboParts-powered platform.
• AutoZonemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 October 2010AutoZone, America's leading automotive replacement parts retailer, formed a technology partnership with DST to provide AutoZone commercial customers with best-in-class electronic ordering solution. DST's TurboParts enables commercial customers to check parts availability and prices, and place orders through leading shop management systems including Mitchell SE and TurboShop.
• ACDelco (GM)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2010DST was selected by ACDelco to build, maintain, and distribute the North American 'Aftermarket OE Electronic Catalog.' DST also private-labeled TurboParts as WIP (WIP System) for ACDelco's aftermarket network, providing them with their own proprietary e-Commerce engine.
• Ford Motor CompanycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2009DST was selected by Ford Motor Company as exclusive developer and supplier of e-Commerce application 'eCounter' for Ford Authorized Distributors (FADs), as well as for hundreds of Quicklane Tire and Auto Center facilities. Built on DST's TurboParts engine, eCounter features exclusive Motorcraft-branded content and functionality.
• Big O TiresminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2005Selected by Big O Tires as the endorsed franchisee system for TurboShop throughout their retail network. This allows DST to reach hundreds of independent tire and auto service franchisees through a channel partner relationship.
• Heavy Duty America (HDA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2002Selected by HDA as ERP system for truck parts distributor membership, extending DST's technology into the heavy duty commercial vehicle aftermarket through this channel partnership.
• IBMcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2001DST is named an IBM Advanced Business Partner, leveraging IBM i-Series (DB2) technology as the foundation for its e-Commerce and distribution management solutions. This strategic partnership brings IBM's enterprise platform capabilities to DST's automotive aftermarket customers of all sizes. DST's strategic partnership with IBM supports e-Commerce initiatives with IBM i-Series technology.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• CDK Global: CDK Global is a broad incumbent dealer management systems provider for automotive dealers and OEMs. While primarily focused on dealership DMS, it overlaps with DST's OEM e-Commerce and parts platform capabilities at the dealer-facing layer.
• Reynolds and Reynolds: Reynolds is another broad incumbent in automotive DMS and dealer technology. Its dealership and OEM-facing platforms overlap with DST's OEM-branded e-Commerce positioning at the high end of the dealer ecosystem.
• Genuine Parts Company (NAPA): Genuine Parts owns NAPA, a major distributor that integrates with DST's TurboShop and TurboParts for ordering. NAPA's commercial parts platform and technology ecosystem broadly parallels DST's distributor software focus at scale.
• AutoZone (Commercial division): AutoZone is both a major DST customer (commercial ordering partnership) and a broad incumbent operating its own commercial parts platform. Its commercial/inventory technology stack overlaps materially with DST's distribution and parts-ordering value proposition.

Direct peers

• Identifix: Identifix is DST's sister company under Solera, providing Direct-Hit vehicle diagnostic and repair information. The two integrate tightly (Identifix diagnostics + DST parts ordering), and Identifix's repair-shop customer base is substantially overlapping with TurboParts' downstream audience.
• Mitchell1: Mitchell1 Manager SE is a leading shop management system for independent auto repair shops. It directly competes with DST's TurboShop while simultaneously integrating with TurboParts — a relationship analogous to DST's positioning against Epicor.
• R.O. Writer (Progressive Automotive Systems): R.O. Writer is a shop management system for repair, quick lube, and tire shops. It is both an integration partner with DST's TurboParts and a competing platform for shop-level management functionality that DST addresses with TurboShop.
• Epicor (formerly Activant): Epicor's Industry Software Group supplies DMS, e-Commerce catalogs, and supply chain software to automotive and heavy duty aftermarket distributors — the same customer base and product categories as DST's TurboPrise and TurboParts. Epicor is also DST's catalog data provider, making it both a partner and overlapping competitor.

Emerging players

• Tekmetric: Tekmetric is a cloud-based shop management and workflow platform serving independent auto repair shops. It competes head-to-head with TurboShop for the same SMB and mid-market repair shop segment with a modern SaaS model.
• Shop-Ware: Shop-Ware is a modern cloud-native shop management SaaS for independent repair facilities. It targets the same end customer as TurboShop with a newer technology stack and is one of the leading next-gen challengers to legacy shop management systems that DST integrates with.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/DST-Inc-Distribution-Services-Technologies/145193457113

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DST