Adaptability and flexibility are more important than ever to success in the vehicle parts trade. The market is changing rapidly. Not only original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) but also niche companies, specialized suppliers and competitors from abroad intensify the competitive field. An efficient ERP tailored to the automotive industry helps independent aftermarket (IAM) suppliers adapt to these new conditions.
Digitalization, connected cars and carsharing are changing the service requirements facing the IAM. Customers rely on suppliers with the best price/performance ratios, lowest error rates and fastest delivery. But the choice is wide. OEMs are entering the market as vehicles become more durable, with e-mobility reducing the amount of wear and the increasing average age of cars now at nine years. The market emphasis has seen a shift to new parts rather than new vehicles. OEMs seek to make up the shortfall by flanking into the spare parts market.
New market participants have also embarked on differentiation strategies by specializing in vehicle data analysis or delivery and logistics. Companies serving a niche market pose an additional problem – examples include e-commerce and digital business models. One thing is certain, and that is the need for flexible IT in the IAM trade to react quickly to the many and varied challenges.
ERP for automotive industry for flawlessness and efficiency
A powerful ERP geared to the automotive industry increases efficiency from order creation to route planning and delivery, optimizing delivery times for IAM suppliers to meet the needs of specialized companies. ERP solutions also bring about substantial improvements in transparency, while smooth integration of document and customer relationship management systems improves customer relations. A high degree of networking helps tap into the potential of automation throughout the value-added chain. Central data repositories provide great opportunities for standalone self-reliant data volume analysis. A powerful system plays an essential role in securing a long-term position on the market.
