“DST Asks: Do You Get Everything You Need from Your Current Computer System?
We’re going to go out on limb and make the assumption that the goal of your business is to make a profit by acquiring customers, selling and servicing them, and retaining them for generating future revenue. If this is not the goal of your business, there’s no need to read further in this week’s column – although if that’s the case, we would love to hear what actually is the goal of your business.
Activant Solutions, Winsby Group Announce Strategic ACES Data Mapping Partnership
Activant Solutions and Winsby Group have announced a strategic partnership designed to increase the speed of delivery for manufacturer data mapped to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Enhanced Catalog Standard, or ACES. The new agreement combines Activant’s expanded in-house data mapping capabilities with Winsby Group’s new ACES data conversion technology.
Activant Reports Successful Launch of New Jobber Management System Product
Activant Solutions recently launched a new Windows-based Jobber Management System (JMS) designed for small and mid-sized auto parts distributors. According to Jonathan Gear, vice president of marketing for Activant, the new JMS system can serve as a replacement for older (CCITRIAD) systems such as Series 12 or Loadstar.
SBC Recognizes Parts Plus for Technical Innovation
SBC Communications Inc. recently honored Parts Plus for outstanding achievement in Technical Innovation. SBC recognized Parts Plus for its efforts in developing an integrated solution for Internet-based ordering and billing of motor-vehicle parts for the telecommunications company’s automotive-business customers.
Pep Boys Invests in New Distribution Center in California
Pep Boys has announced plans to lease a 600,240-square-foot build-to-suit distribution center in San Bernardino, Calif., at the site of the former Norton Air Force Base, which is being redeveloped for industrial use. The site is now called AllianceCalifornia. Scheduled to open in May 2005, the new distribution center will replace Pep Boys’ existing three-building distribution center complex in Los Angeles.
Two Collins & Aikman Board Members Resign
Two board members investigated internally for insider deals have resigned from auto supplier Collins & Aikman Corp. (C&A), which has lost money three years in a row, and on Thursday reported another first-quarter loss. The quarter’s red ink was slightly less than it was the same period a year ago.
Hankook Raises Prices By 3 Percent
Hankook Tire America Corp. has announced plans to raise prices on its full line of passenger, high performance, light truck and medium truck tires by 3 percent, effective July 1.
Keith Kreft Awarded ETI Founder’s Award
Keith Kreft of Cupertino, Calif., was presented the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) Founder’s Award at the association’s recent board meeting. The Founder’s Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and support of the Institute. It is ETI’s highest honor. Kreft is the 14th recipient of the award since it was established in 1985.
Making Better Business Decisions
Last time we talked about how a cross-functional management framework, driving business improvement at the process level, can dramatically accelerate the pace of performance-enhancing change. This week we’ll talk about how that same cross-functional management framework can improve the quality of business decisions on a day-to-day basis.
Key Safety Systems Forms Shanghai Joint Venture
Key Safety Systems has formed a new joint venture with Yanfeng Visteon Automotive Trim Systems, based in Shanghai, China. With 2004 revenues expected to exceed $1 billion, Yanfeng Visteon is the largest interior trim manufacturer in China, and one of the largest producers of steering wheels.