Automotive Distribution Network To Hold Technology Forum In Conjunction with AASA 2015 Technology Conference

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Automotive Distribution Network To Hold Technology Forum In Conjunction with AASA 2015 Technology Conference

The AASA Technology Conference agenda will feature a keynote presentation on “Game Changing Technologies” by a leading subject matter expert, highlighting technologies that will directly impact the aftermarket and debunking those that will not be commercialized.

Counterman Staff
By Counterman Staff
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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will examine “Technology Game Changers” at its 2015 Technology Conference. This year, the conference will be conducted in conjunction with the Automotive Distribution Network (The Network) technology forum. The event is scheduled for Sept. 20-22 at the Marriott Suites, Clearwater, Florida.

“Our conference combines general session presentations, roundtable discussions, networking, product demonstrations, thought leadership and breakout/training sessions in an unsurpassed environment to generate the most value possible for aftermarket professionals with technology-related responsibilities,” said Bill Long, president and chief operating officer of AASA. “By holding the conference in conjunction with The Network’s technology forum this year, we will open the conference to more participation by aftermarket channel partners and enhance industry-wide communication and collaboration about existing and future technologies that will drive business throughout the industry.”

The AASA Technology Conference is known for its networking among aftermarket leaders in technology, data management, e-commerce and forecasting, according to Tom Frey, vice president of IT for the Automotive Distribution Network. “Futuristic technology concepts and practical nuggets from respected experts make the conference the can’t-miss event for our industry,” Frey said. “The Network is pleased to join with AASA this year to offer this great opportunity to our partners.”

The AASA Technology Conference agenda will feature a keynote presentation on “Game Changing Technologies” by a leading subject matter expert, highlighting technologies that will directly impact the aftermarket and debunking those that will not be commercialized. General Electric also will present a keynote address at the event, elaborating on its long established use of “the Internet of Things” and machine-to-machine technologies to monitor and predict part failure to better anticipate replacement rates, plan production and manage inventories.

Other agenda highlights will include the Member Spotlight, featuring a member company of the AASA Technology Council (ATC) discussing technology philosophy, platforms and future direction; and the Customer Spotlight, a forum for a leading aftermarket channel partner to share overall company information, data standards/formats required, e-commerce platform and future plans for technology enhancements.

Conference attendees also can choose among four breakout session tracks focused on marketing, heavy-duty, customer-facing and information technology. Breakout session topics will include: Google Search Myths, Telematics for Commercial Vehicle Fleet Management, Leveraging EDI to Grow Othermotive Business, Program Group Product Information Management Systems, Promoting Your Products on Trading Partner Websites and much more.

Details about the AASA Technology Conference agenda, online registration, hotel accommodations and more are available at the event’s website, www.aasatech.com.

Pricedex Software Inc. is the premier sponsor of the 2015 AASA Technology Conference.

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Customer Service: How It’s Done

Customer service should be your number one priority, and it all starts with the greeting.

Eric Garbe
By Eric Garbe
Eric Garbe is a graduate of Columbus State Community College with a degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology. He has extensive independent and dealership field experience as a technician and shop owner and is an ASE Certified Master Technician and former Adjunct Automotive Professor. He has been professionally writing automotive technical articles and documents for many years and in his free time enjoys restoring old cars and creating custom interiors and upholstery.
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This is always an important topic to discuss, because I consider excellent customer service one of the most important tools you can have to earn trust, respect and repeat business from the customers that come through your door. Whether that customer is do-it-yourselfer from across town or the professional repair shop across the street, your business depends on a solid relationship.It’s a subject that I am passionate about, and it’s one that many people are losing touch with. Whether you are communicating to someone in person, on the phone or using some type of social media, good customer service and bad can both exist. You can’t afford the latter, so this is the first in a series of topics which can and should be shared from the front of the shop to the back. No matter which role you hold, you represent the shop and yourself. Customer service should be your number one priority.First on the list is the greeting. From the second a customer walks in the door, they need to know you appreciate them coming in and how important they are to your business. First impressions are everything and here’s the correct way to do it each and every time: look them directly in the eye, smile and say hello!Of course, you can say “Good morning” or “Welcome to Joe’s Autocare,” but it should be a formal greeting and the most important thing is that you have smiled, looked them in the eye and recognized that they have walked through the door.You should always retain a formal greeting until you are on a first-name basis with a customer. Only once you have established that level of relationship is it OK to use the less formal greeting of “Hi,” followed by the person’s name.This greeting does more than just indicate respect and appreciation for someone walking through the door. Most likely there are customers both new and old who are in earshot of your conversation. For newer customers, this continues to build rapport and reinforce their positive view of your shop; they see that you demonstrate respect and treat everyone in the same manner. For repeat customers, even ones that have been coming for years, the greeting is important because the way you treat them is the reason they continue to come.And when a long-time customer comes in and you greet them with “Hi [First Name],” this indicates your appreciation for them and that you’re glad to see them as a person, more than just a customer. New customers that witness this will see that your repeat customers are comfortable enough to be on a first-name basis, another indication of the trust they have in you.

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