RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The 2009 MEMA Information Services Council (MIS) Fall Conference, slated for Oct. 11-13, in Marco Island, Fla., will feature representatives from AutoZone Inc., O’Reilly Auto Parts and CARQUEST Auto Parts discussing how to simplify and quicken the flow of data from suppliers to channel partners, in their presentation “Turning on the Data Spigot.”
Automotive aftermarket professionals who utilize technology are urged to attend the annual fall conference. This includes those whose responsibilities involve customer service, business support, e-commerce, information services, cataloging, forecasting and supply chain.
“The MIS Council Fall Conference is the only face-to-face forum for technology professionals this year,” noted Chris Gardner, MIS Council group executive and vice president, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). “At this year’s event, aftermarket manufacturers can collaborate on standards and industry initiatives, explore current technology and industry trends, and create open dialogue about innovative ways e-commerce and information technology can impact the aftermarket supply chain.”
Also during the conference, Brad Duncan, CEO of MindQuest, will discuss the new OptiCat e-catalog application that will be owned by the industry and driven by suppliers. O’Reilly, Automotive Distribution Network and National Pronto Association will hold Customer Roundtables with suppliers.
Other conference highlights will include:
• Keynote Address: The Strength of the Heavy Duty Aftermarket – Tim Kraus, president and COO, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA)
• Member spotlight: The Timken Corp.
• MIS Council update – new council vision, mission, name; council activities
• Microsoft SharePoint Server
• S&OP – improving supplier profitability
• Vendor Walks – sponsor demonstrations at their booths
• Compliance: eDiscovery
• New approaches to the returns management process
• Collaborative forecasting
• Business tracks – business process automation, business intelligence
More details, the conference agenda and registration information are available on MIS Council Web site, www.miscouncil.org.
The first registration for MIS Council member companies is free, and additional employees can attend at a discounted rate.
The conference sponsors to date are Autologue Computer Systems, GCommerce, Pricedex and R.L. Polk & Co.
