OptiCat to Discuss Production Roll-Out at MEMA Technology Council Fall Conference

Data from suppliers in OptiCat's data repository is being prepared for top aftermarket channel partners, and the status of the application's roll-out will be discussed. The presentation also will discuss OptiCat's tools for suppliers to control who accesses their data and the opportunity to limit data distribution to one delivery point.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — OptiCat, the aftermarket’s newly created manufacturer-owned data cooperative, will present an update on Tuesday, Oct. 12, during the MEMA Technology Council (MTC) Annual Fall Conference — slated for Sunday, Oct. 10, through Tuesday, Oct. 12, in Marco Island, Fla.

Data from suppliers in OptiCat’s data repository is being prepared for top aftermarket channel partners, and the status of the application’s roll-out will be discussed. The presentation also will discuss OptiCat’s tools for suppliers to control who accesses their data and the opportunity to limit data distribution to one delivery point.

OptiCat is sponsoring the conference and will have a display during the two-day MTC event for one-on-one discussions.

“OptiCat will discuss ways to improve product information time-to-market,” said Chris Gardner, MTC group executive and vice president, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). “This is a very timely subject given the imminent rollout of OptiCat’s do-it-once solutions for the aftermarket and the importance of accurate, up-to-date data across many e-catalog platforms.”

The MTC Fall Conference is the only live event that focuses on the needs of technology professionals in the aftermarket supplier industry. Individuals who manage customer service, data services, business support, e-commerce, information services, cataloging, forecasting and supply chain should attend the event.

In addition to the OptiCat presentation, other conference highlights will include:

• “Future Vehicle Technologies and Their Effect on the Aftermarket,” Bill Haas, vice president of the Automotive Service Association (ASA);

• Customer Roundtables featuring representatives of Auto-Wares, National Pronto, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Uni-Select;

• “Digital Defense: Monitoring Your Products, Brands and Part Numbers on the Web”;

• “The Four ‘Cs’ of Enablement — Content, Convergence, Conveyance and Catalog,” Terry O’Reilly, president and CEO of Pricedex Software;

• How to establish a data management services department within a manufacturer’s operations;

• Current state of the repair professional, repair shop and use of e-commerce technology;

• Supplier-only session: e-commerce directory, customer matrix, special ordering; and
• Member Spotlight: Tenneco.

More details, the conference agenda and registration information are available on the Fall Conference page of the MTC website.

The first registration for MTC member companies is free, and additional employees can attend at a discounted rate. Channel partners (warehouse distributors, groups and retailers) can attend for half the normal registration fee.

Pricedex Software is the premier event sponsor and sponsor of the annual “Banquet on the Beach.” Experian Automotive is the Welcome Reception sponsor. Other sponsors to date are Autologue, Axway, Edgenet, GCommerce, MAM Software, OptiCat, R.L. Polk and ShowMeTheParts.