Steve Gould is the vice president of information systems at Auto-Wares Inc., a distributor based in Grand Rapids, Mich. Last year, Auto-Wares and Interamerican Motor Corp. (IMC) conducted a three-month test of the new Internet Parts Ordering (IPO) Version 2 standard, which will help automate special orders between suppliers and distributors. We asked Gould for a quick update on the company's use of IPO v.2.0.
Can you provide a brief update on your use of the new IPO standard?
We have both versions of IPO working, Version 1.2 and Version 2.0. They both work well with the suppliers we've implemented them with.
Have there been any changes or modifications to how the system works?
IPO is not a "system" per se, but a standard for exchanging inquiry and purchasing transactions over the Internet. There have been many modifications to the IPO standard over the years, but the current Version 2.0 is well engineered and well tested by industry partners. It truly is ready for prime time.
What do you see as the biggest technology challenge facing the aftermarket?
Getting the C-level business leaders in the aftermarket to embrace (that means to provide the focus on, and the funding for) implementing industry standards for data exchange among their channel partners. Compared to other distribution industries, the aftermarket has been slow to remove the inter-channel friction that introduces added costs for all participants.
What new technologies or solutions do you think could have the biggest impact on the aftermarket in the future?
Telematics. Telematics connects the consumer to the entire aftermarket service and distribution chain, directly through the sensors and computers in his vehicle. It truly is the end game in getting the right parts and services to the customer exactly when he needs them.
Steve Gould is the vice president of information systems at Auto-Wares Inc., a distributor based in Grand Rapids, Mich. Last year, Auto-Wares and Interamerican Motor Corp. (IMC) conducted a three-month test of the new Internet Parts Ordering (IPO) Version 2 standard, which will help automate special orders between suppliers and distributors. We asked Gould for a quick update on the company's use of IPO v.2.0.
Can you provide a brief update on your use of the new IPO standard?
We have both versions of IPO working, Version 1.2 and Version 2.0. They both work well with the suppliers we've implemented them with.
Have there been any changes or modifications to how the system works?
IPO is not a "system" per se, but a standard for exchanging inquiry and purchasing transactions over the Internet. There have been many modifications to the IPO standard over the years, but the current Version 2.0 is well engineered and well tested by industry partners. It truly is ready for prime time.
What do you see as the biggest technology challenge facing the aftermarket?
Getting the C-level business leaders in the aftermarket to embrace (that means to provide the focus on, and the funding for) implementing industry standards for data exchange among their channel partners. Compared to other distribution industries, the aftermarket has been slow to remove the inter-channel friction that introduces added costs for all participants.
What new technologies or solutions do you think could have the biggest impact on the aftermarket in the future?
Telematics. Telematics connects the consumer to the entire aftermarket service and distribution chain, directly through the sensors and computers in his vehicle. It truly is the end game in getting the right parts and services to the customer exactly when he needs them.
