AAPEX show looks at 'technical tipping point'

Jan. 1, 2020
If you haven't invested in your company's technology standards, "the time to wait is long past," advises Scott Luckett, VP of technology solutions and standards for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

Discussion is one of many accredited educational AAPEX events.

AAPEX AAPEX education technology education data communication seminars

If you haven't invested in your company's technology standards, "the time to wait is long past," advises Scott Luckett, VP of technology solutions and standards for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

This year, however, the industry has reached a critical "technical tipping point" — enacting vital data and communication standards — and is gaining some traction in this area, according to AAIA.

Luckett will deliver a presentation discussing this technology tipping point in "2008 – A Technical Tipping Point for the Aftermarket," at this year's Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nev.

The discussion takes place Nov. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Sands Expo Center in room 303/304 in the Venetian Hotel.

The lack of accurate product and cataloging data has long been a problem, leading to costly errors in the supply chain. But the industry's investments, says Luckett, are paying off.

"The premise of the session is we have finally, after a decade of developing and proselytizing technology best practices and standards, gained significant traction," says Luckett of the Nov. 3 session.

"Today there are fewer electronic formats that a supplier has to support than there has been in decades," he adds. "Businesses are beginning to see an ROI (return on investment) on their technology standards-based investments."

Luckett will point out how the information needs from customers are growing ever more sophisticated and how the adoption of industry standards reduces returns and improves profit margins. Additionally, Web applications also have changed the way we do business, connecting supply chain partners in unique ways, never before deemed possible.

Luckett's presentation is one of many educational seminars to take place at this year's trade show. The educational element of the show has been expanded and tailored to professionals in various segments, and the sessions are approved by the University of the Aftermarket for CEU credit toward AAP and MAAP certificates.

Other topics include: "Selling to the Chinese Aftermarket: Getting It Right," by representatives from China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE); "2009 Aftermarket Outlook," by David Portalatin, of The NPD Group, Inc.; "Telematics: A Major Threat or Opportunity for the Automotive Aftermarket?" by Derek Kaufman, C3 Network, Inc.; and "Obtaining Access to Vehicle Service Information and Tools: A Global Update," by Aaron Lowe, VP of government affairs for AAIA.

Some of the programs will take on a more technical beat, like "Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN) Roundtables: Shop Owners Sharing Tips and Techniques" (registration required); "Toyota's Advanced Hybrid Technologies – Are You Prepared to Support Them in Your Shop?" by Mark Saxonberg and Ed Ralbovsky, Toyota Motor Sales USA; and "The Current Hybrid State of Affairs," by Craig Van Batenburg, from the Automotive Career Development Center.

Registration is required for attendance to many of these sessions, which will take place in the Sands Expo Center in the Venetian Hotel, unless otherwise indicated. AAPEX takes place Nov. 4 through 6. For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com.

Sponsored Recommendations

Best Body Shop and the 360-Degree-Concept

Spanesi ‘360-Degree-Concept’ Enables Kansas Body Shop to Complete High-Quality Repairs

How Fender Bender Operator of the Year, Morrow Collision Center, Achieves Their Spot-On Measurements

Learn how Fender Bender Operator of the Year, Morrison Collision Center, equipped their new collision facility with “sleek and modern” equipment and tools from Spanesi Americas...

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Coach Works implements the Spanesi Touch system

Coach Works Uses Spanesi Equipment to Ensure a Safe and Proper Repair for Customers