AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work
In our last article we raised the issue of conflicting department strategies without really addressing it. Let’s do that now. As an example, what happens when finance drives for lower inventory levels to minimize working capital costs, sales and marketing promises customers more inventory to improve service, and production plans long manufacturing runs with low flexibility to maximize favorable variances? The results will not be pretty.
DST Asks: Do You Get Everything You Need from Your Current Computer System?
The database engine is the foundation of a computerized business system, used to abstract very specific sorts of information about your business and organize it in a way that will prove useful. The database should ultimately be viewed as a representation or model of the business.
Brake Parts Inc. Names Andersen Director of CRM
Brake Parts Inc. has promoted Nancy Andersen to the newly created position of director of customer relationship management for the under vehicle group. A 25 year veteran of the aftermarket, Andersen has experience in export, customer service, accounting, direct sales and administration in all market segments.
Shell Racing Solutions Announces Distribution Agreement
Shell Racing Solutions has signed an agreement with Performance Products LLC to distribute Shell Racing Fuels to the U.S. motorsports industry. Performance Products has 15 years of experience in the U.S. race fuels business. Performance Products has serviced professional race series such as Indy Racing League (IRL) and Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) and will distribute Shell Racing Solutions race fuels to top tier, as well as grassroots and club racing circuits.
Speedway Motorsports Announces Executive Appointments
Speedway Motorsports (SMI) has appointed James Holden, former CEO and president of DaimlerChrysler, to the company’s board of directors. Holden recently completed 27 years in the automotive industry including 19 with DaimlerChrysler, and its predecessor, Chrysler Corp. Highlights of his career include being named president of DaimlerChrysler in 1999 and CEO in June 2000.
Car Care Council Women’s Board Expands Scholarship Program in 2004
The Car Care Council Women’s Board is increasing the number of scholarships it will be awarding in 2004, in an effort to recruit and retain talented women in the automotive aftermarket industry. The Women’s Board will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship and two $500 scholarships to female students who have completed at least one year in an ASE-certified, post-secondary automobile technology program and plan on entering the automotive field upon graduation. In addition, two $500 scholarships will be awarded to high school female students who will attend an ASE-certified, post-secondary automobile technology program and plan on entering the automotive field upon graduation.
Choice of Plant Upsets Steel Workers Union
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. may have violated its contract with the United Steelworkers of America by deciding to build a new line of passenger tires at a nonunion plant in Lawton, Okla., the union said. But the Akron tire maker denies it has broken the contract, and said it has no plans to move production of its new Assurance all-season radial tires to a union factory. The disagreement comes just five months after the two sides signed a new three-year contract, following months of tense bargaining that threatened to escalate several times into a strike or lockout.
WIX Filters and Joe Gibbs Racing Create New Cabin Filtration System
WIX Filters has teamed up with the engineers and staff at Joe Gibbs Racing to create a new cabin air filtration system designed to protects drivers’ respiratory systems from particulate matter, like dust, soot and rubber; noxious fumes, gas and oil vapors, and most importantly, carbon monoxide. WIX Filters currently holds the U.S. patent application for the filtration system on file with the U.S. Patent Office. WIX has entered an agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing to manufacture and sell these U.S. Patent Pending air filtration system units to other race teams, making this technology and protection available to the entire racing community.
Tower Automotive Retirees Will See Health Premiums Soar
About 1,200 retirees of Milwaukee’s Tower Automotive plant who opt to keep their current medical coverage will see their monthly health insurance premiums quadruple, or more. Premiums for some of the retirees have increased to more than $1,000 a month. Company officials say skyrocketing healthcare costs have given them no choice but to raise the premiums.
CCAR Partners with OSHA to Create a Safe Workplace in the Auto Industry
The Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) has formalized an alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address worker safety and health issues in the automotive industry. The alliance not only highlights workplace vehicle safety, but will also focus on abrasive wheel machinery (including associated silica hazards) and ergonomics. The alliance provides CCAR affiliates and others in the automotive industry with information, guidance and access to training resources that will further safety and health for industry workers.