Track 2 -Innovations in Jobber and Warehouse Management Systems

Facilitator:
Nick DiVerde, Mitchell

Participants:
Jim Grubbs, WHI Technologies
Jim Franco, Autologue
Tony Jackson, Activant Solutions

Turn-key systems for jobber and warehouse operations are serving as the foundation for a wide variety of new and innovative capabilities that can be bolted on and integrated with the core system. Whether it’s paperless warehouse, office automation, delivery tracking, business analytics or seamless e-commerce, if it’s innovative, it’s available today. The leading system and solution providers will present a thorough review of the features that are contributing to increased sales and greater efficiency among their customers. This session will be of particular interest to Jobbers and Warehouse operators.

Track 3 - Stretching the “E”
The Application of Technology to Branding, Loyalty and Customer Service

Facilitator:
Dan Jondron, Advanced Digital Strategies

Participants:
Luanne Brown, eTools Developers
John Waraniak, SEMA

The advent of eMarketing hasn’t changed the basic precepts of marketing, but it has increased the ability to directly interact with buyers, craft and distribute marketing messages in near real time, acquire instant and precise feedback and to change campaigns on the fly. As we head into a tighter economic climate, aftermarket business eMarketing implementations have shifted into overdrive.  Our panel of eCommerce experts will review the foundations of successful campaigns and present proven tools to generate positive ROI that you can use today. Learn the foundations of eMarketing, address advanced online advertising techniques and finish up with ways to connect marketing with new product development.

Sales, marketing and business executives are the gatekeepers for technology resources. But it’s something few of them understand. Luckett delivers the C-level overview of what all the techno-babble is about in terms business people will understand and respond to. Serving to set the foundation for the balance of the eForum this keynote address will report on all of the major standards and technology initiatives underway in the aftermarket and place them in the context of the Aftermarket 2012 strategic plan.

POLK Award winner presents their techniques and solutions
Ed Rammel, Dayco

On the bell curve of technology adoption there are pioneers and innovators at one end and laggards at the other. The 2007 winner in the manufacturer category of the R.L. Polk Inventory Efficiency Award has made innovation in inventory practices a priority. Listen as Rammel discusses the ideas that made Dayco a winner and how they transformed many of the data-driven processes in their business.

Protecting Your IP and Managing Your Brand in an Online World
Sarah Bruno, Arent Fox
Anthony Lupo, Arent Fox

In a global, web-enabled marketplace you either put your data “out there” or you might as well close up shop. But how can you protect your intellectual property from piracy? We’ve brought back the IP attorneys from Arent Fox to update suppliers and resellers on this vitally important topic. They will focus on the threats that exist on the Web and the steps you can take to protect your products and your brand.

Standards-Based Technology Success is Not Just for the Big Guys: Stories Of Innovation with Smaller Manufacturers

Moderator:
Gary Molinaro, Automotive Week/The Green Sheet

Panelists:
Donna Snyder, Deka / East Penn
Tim Martin, K&N Engineering
Jesse Jones, MAHLE Clevite
Cameron Evans, Red Line Oil

The companies represented on this panel truly have grown their businesses by learning how to harvest the advantages of technology. Gary Molinaro, Editor of Automotive Week, leads a discussion about the technologies and innovations that have been deployed by small and mid-size suppliers in the aftermarket. Whether it’s the unanticipated benefits of data synchronization or the advantages of communicating with customers in real-time, there’s a lot to learn from these bold manufacturers.

The Industry has funded research into the threat and opportunity posed by vehicle telematics and remote diagnostics. Respected author and consultant, Derek Kaufman, has performed extensive research on telematics in both the automotive and heavy duty aftermarkets. Listen as he presents the findings of an AAIA-commissioned study of Telematics and reports his conclusions and recommendations about how the industry can turn this threatening technology into a business opportunity.

Moderator:
Mike Willins, Advanstar Automotive Group

Panelists:
Mandy Aguilar, The Parts House
Greg Gardiner, Transamerican
Scott O’Toole, Motor State Distribution.
Jon Wyly, Arrow Speed Warehouse

This panel of leaders from the world of distribution has made innovation and technology key parts of their growth strategy. From Puerto Rico, where dial-up is king, to the unique requirements of specialty distribution, these companies have grown by overcoming obstacles and using technology to thrive. Learn more and earn more by listening to these successful distributors from the traditional and specialty channels.

 (Break from 9:30 am – 10; Session repeats from 10 am – 11:30 am)

(Break from 9:30 am – 10; Session repeats from 10 am – 11:30 am)

When it comes to implementing new technology you don’t have to go it alone in the aftermarket. AAIA and AASA have developed software web portals and other tools to simplify the world of standards and technology compliance. Representatives will demonstrate each of the time and money-saving solutions available to the industry. Learn about the Customer E-Commerce Matrix, The Aftermarket Brand Table, the PIES Transformation Utility, the ACES Data Scorecard and the ACES Collaborative Interface. Manufacturers and large distributors will be particularly interested.

(Break from 9:30 am – 10; Session repeats from 10 am – 11:30 am)