Investing in automation and digitalization is essential for automotive dealerships to thrive. To achieve success, selecting the right vendors is crucial. However, choosing the best vendors can be challenging due to various factors such as cost, capability, and communication. In this blog post, we will discuss six tips to help you evaluate vendors based on their industry knowledge and operational expertise. By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure that your chosen vendors become valuable assets for your dealership’s growth journey.
- Understanding the Business: It’s not enough for vendors to possess technical expertise alone. They must also understand the intricacies of the automotive industry. Look for vendors who demonstrate a deep understanding of your business objectives, industry fundamentals, and emerging trends. Effective communication with key stakeholders in the industry-specific language is vital to establish a strong partnership.
- Accurate Estimations and Relevant Service/ Solution Scope: Avoid falling into the trap of overpromises when evaluating potential vendors. Vendors with operational knowledge in the automotive industry tend to provide more accurate estimations and offer solutions that align closely with your dealership’s specific needs. Look for vendors who can confidently provide achievable targets based on their industry knowledge and experience. This way, you can make the most of your budget and maximize returns on your investment.
- Outcome-Focused Development: Focus on the the delivery of concrete outcomes rather than just features. When selecting vendors, prioritize those who not only meet tight deadlines and deliver solutions but also focus on outcomes that bring tangible value to your dealership. Vendors with industry knowledge understand the pains and gains of your customers or end-users, enabling them to align solution development with your business vision and strategic targets.
- Emphasis on User Adoption: Even the most advanced solutions will be ineffective if user adoption fails. To avoid this, seek vendors who prioritize user empowerment and training. They should offer solutions that facilitate seamless adoption. Additionally, experienced consultants with industry knowledge can provide valuable insights and best practices for successful roll-outs and change management initiatives.
- Efficient and Future-Proof Solution Support: As industry changes and support questions arrise, the importance of automotive industry operational knowledge cannot be overstated. Partner with vendors who possess strong industry expertise and demonstrate a common sense approach to solution support and maintenance. They should help you develop a robust and agile solution, enabling your dealership to adapt quickly to changing requirements and reduce time to market.
- Speaking the Same Language: Effective communication is essential for successful vendor partnerships. Vendors with industry knowledge can converse convincingly with stakeholders and end users using the specific language and jargon of the automotive industry. Ensure that your sales and client success representatives possess industry fluency, as this will foster better collaboration and understanding.
Conclusion: Industry knowledge is a valuable asset when selecting vendors for your automotive dealership. By following these six tips, you can evaluate vendors based on their understanding of your business, ability to deliver tangible outcomes, and commitment to user adoption and support. Remember, knowledge is power, and partnering with vendors who possess industry expertise will enhance your dealership’s digital journey and contribute to long-term success.
