RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).
“We actually had to turn away interested participants for this event, something we regretted having to do,” said Chuck Udell, president of the University. “Inventory management is clearly a hot issue in the industry and there is a high demand for more information.”
The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.
Purchasing formulas, issues that impact inventory turn and fill, the use of computers in purchasing, and key communication of inventory up and down the supply chain also were discussed.
“We were pleased to host this event as it follows up on the Inventory Management Study we spearheaded in 2002 with the support of other aftermarket associations,” said Paul Foley, vice president of AASA. “The University provided an excellent lineup of experts to provide practical applications to address this industry dilemma.”
Speakers at the two-day event were Pete Kornafel, MAAP, secretary/treasurer of CARQUEST Corp., Lakewood, Colo.; Kris Walker, MAAP, executive vice president of Autowares, Madison, Wis.; and Braxton O’Neil, director of store product pricing & classification, General Parts Inc., Raleigh, N.C.
For more information about the Inventory Management Study, contact Foley at 919-406-8840 or [email protected].
More information about the University of the Aftermarket, an operating division of Northwood University, is at www.univaftmkt.org.
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