AUSTIN, TEXAS — What do mountain climbing and supply chain technology have in common? More than you’d imagine, according to Terry Ross, vice president of product development for Activant Solutions.
Automotive parts distributors striving for operational excellence through supply chain technology can learn a trick or two from adventurers who have conquered the world’s most treacherous mountains, says Ross, who will present the opening address at next week’s Aftermarket eForum. The Aftermarket eForum takes place Aug. 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago.
Ross likens the process of building an effective IT architecture to the challenge of planning and executing a difficult climb. “It seems hard because it is hard,” Ross will tell the more than 325 aftermarket executives registered for this year’s event. “There’s no question it’s difficult and often uncomfortable, but it’s absolutely necessary given the competitive challenges facing this industry.”
The only e-commerce conference dedicated to automotive aftermarket issues, the Aftermarket eForum is presented by the Automotive Aftermarket Industries Association, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, Specialty Equipment Market Association and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. Activant is a primary sponsor of the annual event.
Ross’s presentation, titled “Chimneys, Chutes and Chickenheads – Scaling the Supply Chain Technology Challenge,” will help distributors chart a logical, “back-of-the-envelope” strategy for achieving their short- and long- term operational goals through a variety of supply chain technologies.
“Like any serious climber, the aftermarket distributor needs a clear, frank understanding of the value and potential risks associated with every move,” Ross says. “It’s a complex process, but you should be able to easily map out a viable strategy by focusing on the activities, information flows and workflows that deliver the biggest bang for your buck.”
For more information on the Aftermarket eForum or to register for the event, contact AAIA at (301) 654-6664, or [email protected].
An online registration form is available at: www.aftermarket.org.
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