The VIPAR Heavy Duty 2019 IMPACT Conference, held Oct. 20-25, 2019, focused on the organization’s commitment to providing “true group value” and was highlighted by the launch of its all-new PARTSPHERE digital ecosystem. The event was well-attended by VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholders, suppliers and industry associates. A tradeshow and product exhibition with more than 130 suppliers provided distributors with the opportunity to learn more about the products and technologies impacting the aftermarket. In addition, more than 1,500 one-on-one meetings were held between stockholders and suppliers.

During the general session, VIPAR Heavy Duty introduced its proprietary PARTSPHERE digital ecosystem and the first three platforms within the technology suite. 

• PARTSPHERE OMS (Order Management System) supports the electronic transmission of orders between distributors, suppliers and national fleet trading partners within the VIPAR Heavy Duty network. The new platform replaces the existing v-Enterprise system and delivers increased efficiencies, enhanced reporting capabilities, and a stable environment for future growth.

PARTSPHERE PIM (Product Information Management) facilitates the storage, management and distribution of aftermarket parts data, including specifications, product descriptions and images for distributors to export and use within their business systems, e-commerce platforms, and other external applications. The introduction of PARTSPHERE PIM reduces redundancy within the supply chain, saving distributors time and personnel expenses by providing rich product content from many suppliers all within a single online resource, ultimately feeding the product information necessary for customers to select the right product for their needs.

• PARTSPHERE CLOUD provides enhanced file sharing capabilities enabling distributors to access product images and digital assets from within PARTSPHERE PIM in order to support growing data needs.

“VIPAR Heavy Duty is dedicated to providing solutions and services to our network that are meaningful and impactful now and for years to come,” said Jeff Paul, VP of marketing, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “The launch of our PARTSPHERE environment and related technology platforms exemplifies our commitment to providing ‘true group value’ to best support our distributors and ultimately our end-user customers.”

The 2019 IMPACT Conference keynote address was delivered by famed college basketball analyst, Dick Vitale. Vitale shared his approach to facing challenges and opportunities in business head-on by drawing on lessons learned throughout his sports career as an educator, coach and analyst.

Dirk Beveridge, an entrepreneur, strategist and advocate of innovation, spoke with stockholders about how to rethink their business model during the Distributor Educational Session. Beveridge’s presentation focused on how to create a culture of innovation and put an obsession with customers at the core of distributors’ value proposition. 

During the Young Leaders Forum and Lunch, Dr. Howard Fero, author of the book “Lead Me Out to the Ballgame,” presented the Ten Bases of Leadership to help young professionals cultivate leadership skills and focus their motivation to create high performing teams.

The 2020 VIPAR Heavy Duty IMPACT Conference will be held Oct. 18-23, 2020, at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes.