Members of the information technology department of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance hosted their counterparts from leading supplier channel partners at the group’s annual Information Technology Summit (IT Summit). The purpose of the event was to engage in a collaborative discussion to improve system-to-system information exchange and communication up and down the supply chain. Seventeen individuals representing Dana, Dura International, Exxon Mobil, Forney, MAHLE, Mevotech, NGK, NTN/BCA, Phillips and TRW, along with several IT providers, were in attendance.
“In addition to strengthening relationships with our channel partners, the Alliance IT Summit allows us to showcase the latest Alliance Technology Suite, both our cloud and mobile innovations geared to help our customers search, find and buy what they need faster than they can [with] any competitive solutions,” said Rick Spugnardi, chairman of the Alliance IT Committee and director of IT Services at Parts Warehouse Inc. “Accomplishing that requires industry standard data, software and connectivity solutions that are understood and compatible with our trading partners. Bringing our supplier channel partners into that thinking and planning process helps us both achieve our collective goals.”
During the event, personnel of the Alliance IT department briefed channel partners about various solutions within the award-winning Alliance Technology Suite (ATS). Exchanges focused on some of the more collaborative elements within the ATS. Suppliers learned how they can improve their inventory planning and improve fill rates by engaging with the Alliance Data Warehouse and utilizing the Inventory Optimization Tool (IOT) and how they can promote better sales by engaging with the Alliance’s ecommerce solution, MyPlaceForParts.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Alliance 2015 Outstanding Technology Partner award to Experian Automotive.
According to Dale Hopkins, vice president and chief information officer of the Alliance, “Experian embodies the spirit of the award in every respect. Their collaborative nature and willingness to go the extra mile contributed to their selection.” Hopkins went on to single out some of the ways Experian assisted the Alliance, including improved release times for VIO data, integration and data support for the Alliance License Plate-to-VIN mobile app and the successful implementation of web-based training sessions of business credit services and their autocheck vehicle history report as a part of the Alliance’s Certified Service Center program.
“We are extremely honored to be the recipient of this year’s Alliance Outstanding Technology Partner award,” said John Gray, president of Experian Automotive. “This recognition by such a forward-thinking group is a testament to Experian’s philosophy of both delivering our clients a high-level of service and providing them with powerful insights into the market, the vehicles and the people who buy them.”
