Constantly changing and evolving technology has impacted the way fleets operate. In the past couple of years, we’ve witnessed the increased adoption of automatic transmissions, air disc brake systems, collision avoidance, roll stability and telematics on both truck and trailer, among other advances.
These changes have increased driver comfort and placed less wear and tear on fleet equipment, which means longer uptime, resulting in more revenue generated for the fleet. In addition, the quality of premium branded parts has continued to improve, resulting in longer lasting products that extend the service and repair cycle.
When replacement parts are needed, technology is even changing the way fleets source their parts, with an increased usage of electronic parts ordering.
Electronic parts ordering
As a network of truck parts distributors, we see the size of a fleet having an impact on the usage of electronic parts ordering. Our experience shows that fleets with 150 units or less still rely, for the most part, on their local distributor for parts either by phone or from a personal visit by a distributor sales representative. But that is changing.
In the next few years, we believe an increasing number of fleets will take advantage of the benefits that come from the expedited procurement process that can be achieved through electronic ordering. Among those advantages:
- The capability to identify parts without a mechanic or technician background.
- The opportunity to see a detailed photo and/or schematic diagram of the part in question.
- The ability to quickly check parts pricing.
- The rapid acknowledgment of in-stock inventory and shipping status.
The shift to increased electronic ordering will continue as more millennials enter the heavy duty aftermarket. After all, this is the generation that grew up with technology and is comfortable with ordering parts online how and when they want them.
Technology is one of the key drivers in our future growth plans. We are evolving our parts ordering system to make it as automated as possible so the process is more convenient and requires less effort.
Changing buyer profile
With more millennials entering our industry, the profile of buyers will continue to evolve. Millennials will drive technology to meet their expectations of convenient, 24/7 access to information and ordering.
Having millennials coming into the industry is a good thing and a reason we sponsor industry initiatives like GenNext. GenNext is an invitation-only organization of successful individuals dedicated to learning about, and becoming engaged with, the most pressing challenges facing future generations.
In addition, larger national fleets will rely less on technicians making the individual decision on where the parts are purchased. We see purchasing becoming more centralized, sometimes by removing staff from the maintenance process, which places an increased emphasis on the need for technology tools to make the procurement process more efficient.
Investing in technology to make electronic parts ordering easier and more readily available will continue to be a priority as a younger generation, with more of a technology background, significantly changes parts ordering habits.
Role of telematics
We have seen the growth of telematics in light passenger vehicles, SUVs and light duty trucks. The acceleration of telematics in our market of medium and heavy duty trucks is growing each year.
Telematics is playing an important role in identifying the repair cycle on key engine and driveline components.
Progressive independent repair shops and warehouse distributors (WDs) will be beneficiaries of this trend as they will be able to more readily identify the lifecycle of parts and repair. This will help them notify the fleet owner/operator of needed repairs.
Due to its timeliness and predictive capabilities, telematics will have the trickle-down effect of helping make highways safer for everyone.
Summary
Science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke once said: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” We are certainly living in a magical age of technology and the possibilities are endless for the heavy duty trucking industry.
Meaningful, productive change is not accomplished by jumping on the latest bandwagon that may fizzle out. Rather, it is accomplished by examining, adopting and refining the solid ideas and processes that will move our industry forward.
Jim Pennig is vice president of business development for VIPAR Heavy Duty (www.vipar.com). It is a leading North American network of more than 250 independent heavy duty truck parts distributors and service specialists that serve the needs of their customers from more than 630 locations across the U.S. Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Pennig, also a member of VIPAR’s executive management team, has more than 30 years of experience in the heavy duty truck parts industry. He joined the company in March 2006 as director of business development.
