IBM Broadens Suite of RFID Services for Mid-Size Industrial Businesses
IBM announced this week an expansion of its services for companies seeking help with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Over the past several months, IBM has developed RFID services for industrial companies, such as those in the automotive, aerospace and defense, manufacturing, chemicals and petroleum, forest and paper and electronics industries, and for mid-market companies, which IBM defines as those with less than 1,000 employees. The services, which are available now and officially unveiled Tuesday, include consulting, development of a business case, technical proof of concept, pilots for the client and trading partners and full system implementation.
Retailers Hope Customers Will Tune in to Ads As They Shop
Customers rushed in and out of a Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts store on a rainy afternoon this week. Most walked without pausing past two televisions flashing above the cash registers and three sets hanging in the middle of the store. Televisions advertising the latest car gadgets, Advance promotions and daily sports and weather updates aren’t new for the Roanoke, Va.-based automotive parts chain. They first were installed in some Advance stores five years ago. Now they’re in all its stores.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for MEMA’s Triangle Award
As MEMA celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2004, its coveted Triangle Award will mark its 30th year. Another industry leader may join the ranks of its recipients during AAPEX. Nominations for the 2004 Triangle Award are now being accepted.
aftermarketNews.com Celebrates Five Years in Business
This month, aftermarketNews.com (AMN) , the industry’s only daily source of online news and information, celebrates the five-year anniversary of its launch. Since its initial launch on Sept. 13, 1999, aftermarketNews.com has provided readers with the most up-to-date, relevant industry news and information available.
AASP-MN Announces Fall Educational Offerings
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN) has released its schedule of fall educational programs. AASP-MN will host an educational program on “Inflatable Restraint Systems,” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minn. AASP-MN will host an educational program on “Inflatable Restraint Systems,” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minn.
CARDONE Industries Launches New Online Parts Catalog
CARDONE Industries recently launched its new CARDONE WebCat online catalog. The CARDONE WebCat utilizes self-filtering searches designed to eliminate the dead ends that can occur while searching the web for auto parts. Users can browse the catalog by application, product line or part number to find the appropriate parts. CARDONE has launched WebCat as a free service for all users following the successful unveiling to direct customers of a version of CARDONE WebCat that contains more robust capabilities.
Russell Automotive 2004-2005 Automotive Performance Catalog Now Online
Edelbrock has announced that the 2004-05 Russell Automotive Performance Catalog, filled with more than 300 new fluid transfer products and updates, is now online at: www.russellperformance.com. The 2004-05 edition features increased selections for sport compact cars, including items such as brake lines, fuel lines and other specialty fittings.
MEMA’s Information Services Council Publishes RFID White Paper
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Information Services Council (MIS Council) has written and published a white paper on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).
Executive Interview with Tom Ward, President, Snap-on Diagnostics
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tom Ward, president of Snap-on Diagnostics, a global business focused on improving technician and workshop productivity around the world. Join us as Ward gives us an inside look at Snap-on Diagnostics, including information on some recently launched products. Ward also talks about the trends and challenges in automotive diagnostics and repair and how the division works to address these issues.
Herman Trend Alert: Education Will Be the Competitive Edge
More Americans are complaining that their jobs are going to foreign nationals. Indignantly, they point to American companies giving preference to citizens of other countries — the work to be performed in the U.S. or in some other country. The accusations charge that the employers are choosing the foreign alternative to save money, that the foreigners will work more cheaply than Americans. Our research has uncovered a much different situation.