AUTOMOTIVE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK EXTENDS HANDS-ON IT TRAINING

“Initially developed to help our members maximize the benefits of Network Intelligence and the Inventory Modeling Tool, the NIS seminars have evolved as our industry-leading IT solutions have advanced to include Business Intelligence, Central Billing Services, eCommerce, and Electronic Order Processing,” said Mike Lambert, president of the Network. “With the Network membership having grown exponentially over the last decade, it’s imperative that our expanded NIS staff brings technology training to our members and suppliers in the field.”

More than 97 participants from 51 Network WDs and over 70 participants from 54 supplier companies have attended NIS training classes. Following the 2011 hiring of Jeff Manning, NIS project manager and classroom instructor, adoption of the Network’s IT services and solutions has increased from 30% to 75% of the membership.

Since November 2011, the NIS staff has hosted eight training sessions in seven cities, with two more events scheduled this year in Chicago and Nashville. NIS is also adding a video training series, so members can not only learn at their own pace but also use this material as refreshers for what was covered in the classrooms.

Operating under the brands of Parts Plus, IAPA, Auto Pride and CMB, the Automotive Distribution Network is one of the largest program groups in the industry. For more information, contact Bob Barstow at Network Headquarters, 3085 Fountainside Drive, Suite 210, Germantown, Tenn., 38138. (901) 682-9090.

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