Car dealers can explore how to make technology work better for their teams at Automotive Management Live at the NEC on November 11.
Choosing new systems is only part of the challenge. Ensuring they fit dealership workflows and that staff have the skills and confidence to use them will be the focus of “How to ensure technology and your staff work in harmony”.
Kerry Thompson, chief executive of Akeno (pictured left), will join Sohib Ghafouri, director of Infinity Motors and Mark Busby, consultant at Omnia Automotive Consulting and former director of commercial operations at Hendy Group.
Thompson believes dealers need to start with the people using the technology and the problems they are trying to solve.
She said: “Technology on its own doesn’t transform a business – people do.
“We see organisations invest in new systems with the expectation that the technology will solve the problem, when the real challenge is often how it fits into the way people actually work.
“For me, successful transformation starts with being really clear about the problem you’re trying to solve, involving the people closest to it, and then making sure the technology simplifies rather than complicates their world.
“When you get that balance right, technology becomes an enabler of better performance and a better customer experience – rather than just another system people must navigate.”
Making systems work together
Aimed at franchised dealers, car supermarkets and independents, the session will examine how businesses can take advantage of advances in technology without adding complexity to daily operations.
Dealerships face an increasingly crowded choice of dealer management systems (DMS), customer relationship management (CRM) platforms and specialist tools, not to mention rapid advances using automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The pace of development can also outstrip the skills and workflows of existing teams.
Tim Rose, Automotitve Management editor said: “This came up as a big topic when we were discussing with dealers what is causing some of the biggest pressures within their business.
“We all know how transformative technology can be when its implemented in the right way, but we can’t forget the people in the showroom that are so central to nuturing relationships and assisting customers.
“This panel will discuss how to choose the right systems, manage integration and equip staff to use technology effectively.”