Aftermarket Insider Issue 67 - (Page 20)

Kevin Freeland, Chief Operating Officer, explains where Advance sees value in PIES At Advance Auto Parts we work hard to keep the wheels moving for our customers. And, rich electronic content about the products we sell is what keeps the wheels of our business systems moving. Whether it’s a parts catalog look-up at one of our stores or a customer browsing our web site – standardized, rich, complete, current and descriptive content will help make the sale and ensure a satisfying customer experience. Kevin Freeland Chief Operations Officer Advance Auto Parts Advance Auto Parts has participated in the industry technology standards committee for years, contributing to a robust set of standards and best practices that apply to the automotive aftermarket. Recently, Advance made a major commitment to support the aftermarket Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). By requiring that all Advance suppliers adopt PIES as the method of providing product information loads, we expect to realize cost savings and improved efficiency – for Advance and our suppliers.. There are many advantages to having rich product content in synch with our trading partners. Among these are: • Increased sales and reduced new product returns resulting from accurate, complete and timely catalog and product updates • Shorter new product introduction cycles leading to increased sales and competitive advantage • Lower operating costs through reduced order processing errors, more accurate invoicing and reduced shipping errors Information about the products we sell is the fuel that powers our transaction, procurement, logistics and e-commerce systems. We expect nothing but the best, high octane, electronic information from our partners. Compliance with PIES and other aftermarket industry standards is growing in importance as a way we measure our suppliers’ performance. At Advance Auto Parts, we believe that having the best product information in synch with our suppliers is a key strategic advantage – and a great way to keep the wheels moving. To learn more about the Advance Auto Parts Product Information Management (PIM) program write to aappimteam@advance-auto.com. About the author: Kevin Freeland of Advance Auto Parts, Kevin Freeland was appointed Chief Operating Officer in January 2009. Mr. Freeland is currently responsible for Supply Chain, Information Technology, Merchandising and Autopart International. He joined Advance in February 2008 as Executive Vice President, Merchandising, Supply Chain and Information Technology. Prior to joining Advance, Mr. Freeland was the President and Founder of Optimal Advantage, a boutique retail consulting firm. Prior to establishing his own business, Mr. Freeland spent eight years with Best Buy serving as its Vice President of Inventory, Senior Vice President of Inventory and, ultimately, President of the Musicland Division. Mr. Freeland also spent eight years at Payless Shoe Source in a variety of merchandising positions, including his final position as Vice President of Merchandise Distribution. Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) :: 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814 Web: www.aftermarket.org/technology :: E-mail: technology@aftermarket.org http://www.aftermarket.org/Technology/Executive-Perspectives.aspx

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider Issue 67

Aftermarket Insider Issue 67
Contents
President’s Message
Association News
Good Things Happen When YOU ARE HERE!
AAPEX 2010: A Picture-Perfect Show
Toolbox
Toolbox: Going Social
Market Intelligence
Technology Update
Member Profile
Market Intelligence

Aftermarket Insider Issue 67