Polk Inventory Efficiency Award Goes Global

R. L. Polk & Co. is inviting all aftermarket organizations to apply for the 2008 Polk Inventory Efficiency Award. The Polk Inventory Efficiency Award recognizes and rewards outstanding process improvements relative to inventory efficiency in the automotive aftermarket. The purpose of this award is to educate, inspire and motivate the industry to address one of the largest problems it faces. To win, the initiative must pertain to a project within any global operations. Eligible projects must also have been implemented within the past 30 months; have a measurable business impact; be innovative; and improve processes and/or collaboration.

From AAIA AutoFacts

To win, the initiative must pertain to a project within any global operations. Eligible projects must also have been implemented within the past 30 months; have a measurable business impact, be innovative, and improve processes and/or collaboration.

Over the past three years, there have been some very impressive winners. In the Retailer/Distributor category, NAPA Auto Parts was the 2007 winner for creating a best-in-class inventory classification system aimed at making stock adjustments in its company stores daily. Parts Depot was the award recipient in 2006 and O’Reilly Auto Parts was recognized in 2005.

In the Manufacturer category, Dayco took the honors in 2007 for implementing data and technology standards across its entire enterprise, resulting in inventory reductions and increased fill rates. The Affinia Group received the award in 2006 and Federal-Mogul Corporation was honored in 2005.

The Polk Inventory Efficiency Award provides an opportunity to be recognized within the automotive aftermarket as an industry leader in managing inventory at all levels.

Winners of the award receive:

• An engraved Polk Inventory Efficiency Award;

• A video detailing the winning initiative;

• The use of the Polk Inventory Efficiency Award in advertising for one year at no charge;

• A $1,000 donation in the company’s name by Polk to the Global Aftermarket Scholarship Fund; and

• Prominent exposure in advertising, articles and news releases throughout the year.

The submission deadline is March 5. Winners will be presented at the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), May 20-21, in Chicago.

Apply today, or nominate another aftermarket manufacturer, distributor and/or retailer that you believe has made improvements in inventory efficiency at http://usa.polk.com/Industries/AfterMkt.

For questions or additional information, contact Bryan Funke at 1-800-Go-4-Polk.