ATUC Talks Tech

Last week, David Long’s All Things Used Cars featured an amazing guest host, Paul Brobson, as well as insights from our friends Brian Krammer, Ben Hadley, Daniel Govae, Tommy Gibbs, Danny Zaslavsky, and Jasen Rice to talk tech in the auto industry. Here’s what we learned:

🫂 Embrace Technology 🫂

Why bother? It’s not going anywhere. Utilizing influential tech is going to be paramount to future success.

Okay, but how?

• Avoid the tendency to lack urgency and solely rely on technology.
• Align your tech platforms and processes with desired end results and goals.
• Be thoughtful. Avoid the tendency to lack urgency and solely rely on technology. Blending effective tech with basic common sense is key.

🚀 Maximize Efficiency 🚀

Why bother? Not all programs play nice together, so it’s important to constantly evaluate your technology stack to ensure it is maximizing your efficiency. A lack of consistent integration can lead to redundancies and delays.

Okay, but how?

• Talk regularly to team members about their tech preferences and encourage them to share new resources and tools that they find useful.
• Research software that could employ a single platform where there may currently be several. This can help foster cross-department communication and reduce costs.
• Don’t get distracted by the shiny features that vendors spotlight. Consider what problems need solving.
• Give it a test drive. Not all programs are created equal. There’s only one way to determine what will work best for you and your team.

👀 Prioritize Accountability 👀

Why bother? You may be missing opportunities if your tech process lacks leadership or oversight.

Okay, but how?

• Dedicate someone to your tech process. They should know the tech programs you use, why you use them, and how they are utilized within and between departments.
• Encourage communication, coordination, and consistency of review from the leadership team.

✅ Check Up ✅

Why bother? Things change! New programs get developed, new folks join your dealership team, and new situations arise (ahem, pandemic, ahem). What works best now may not work best down the line. It’s important to evaluate your current needs to evolve your current tech regularly.

Okay, but how?

• Consider what tech is working and what isn’t. Craft a process for introducing and training new programs and processes.
• Mystery shop your website (more on that below👇).
• Shadow your teammates. Like, don’t be a creep, but just watch them while they work for a day. Which tech are they utilizing most and why? Where do they think improvements can be made?

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