RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – More than 80 aftermarket technology leaders networked, collaborated and learned at the 38th annual MEMA Information Services Council Fall Conference, held Oct. 11-13 in Marco Island, Fla.
The MIS Council, a peer group of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, serves as a medium for industry interaction, education and idea exchange regarding matters of common interest to information technology (IT) and e-commerce professionals in the automotive aftermarket industry. It provides industry leadership and information through semi-annual conferences, committee activities, monthly newsletters and IT education.
“The 2009 MIS Council Fall Conference was the only face-to-face forum for aftermarket technology professionals this year,” noted Chris Gardner, MAAP, MIS Council group executive and vice president, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). “The conference’s vital role in the aftermarket was demonstrated by the increase in attendance and the record number of sponsors at this year’s event,” he added.
Participants gained vital insights from leading automotive aftermarket customers – including ADN, O’Reilly Auto Parts, CARQUEST, Advance Auto Parts and National Pronto – who shared their respective visions with suppliers. Interactive breakout sessions spurred lively discussions on how to get critical data flowing better from supplier to channel partners, the group said.
Other conference presentation highlights included:
• Keynote Address: The Strength of the Heavy Duty Aftermarket – Tim Kraus, President and COO, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA);
• 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;
• Collaborative forecasting;
• Compliance: eDiscovery;
• New approaches to the returns management process; and
• Business tracks – business process automation, business intelligence.
Attendees at the annual event were automotive aftermarket professionals who utilize technology and whose responsibilities involve customer service, business support, e-commerce, information services, cataloging, forecasting and supply chain.
The MIS Council Fall Conference was sponsored by Activant, Autologue Computer Systems, Corcentric, Edgenet, Experian Automotive, GCommerce, MAM Software, OptiCat, Pricedex Software, R.L. Polk & Co. and ShowMeTheParts.com.
