USA visualised data that we can do something with . I need a supplier to be able to tell us that we have a pretty large battery spend , so we are able to drill down to the details of our battery spend to types of batteries we ’ re ordering , where we are buying them , and which areas of the company are buying the largest amount . You need that clarity in order to be able to find value and efficiencies .”
“ One of the unique things about our space today is how our industry is changing overall . We ’ re aligning our business and what we do with our suppliers while also meeting the internal needs of our customer . If you ’ ve ever been to an auction house , you ’ ll know that usually a bunch of people watch a car come across the block before bidding on it . Now , we simulcast all of our auctions across North America , so people are able to bid online . We ’ re seeing the changing dynamics of that online buyer who doesn ’ t physically come to our auctions . We ’ re working with businesses to look at different ways to deploy our services to our customer base .”
How has technology influenced that , specifically ? “ I would say in two areas .
FACT
ADESA is a wholesale , usedvehicle auction operation with 75 locations and a complete online service offering for auto dealers , manufacturers , banks , finance , fleet , lease and rental companies .
The first area is how you interact and interface with your customer . We ’ ve been trying to move most of our suppliers to some type of digital interface where we can order product . I would almost liken it to what we call the Amazon effect . Nowadays people are used to going online and being able to search and order the things they like and need .” “ The second part of that is the increased level of expectation from the customer . Two-day delivery is standard . ‘ We ’ ll get that to you in a week .’ ‘ Huh ? A week ? Are you in the Stone Age ? I need to go somewhere else ’.”
95
www . supplychaindigital . com