5 WAYS DATA HAS CHANGED THE WORK TRUCK INDUSTRY
By Kathryn Schifferle, Work Truck Solutions
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In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, the work truck industry has emerged as a crucial segment with immense potential for stability and growth.
Despite its significance to local, national, and global economies, the commercial vehicle opportunity has often been relegated to the periphery of the automotive dealership.
However, with the erratic economy brought on by the vagaries of supply chain disruptions and the looming labor strikes, embracing the power of data can be the difference between success and struggle for fleets.
Here are five ways data is reshaping the work truck industry, revolutionizing traditional processes, and setting the stage for a more efficient and streamlined future.
No 1. — Enhanced Search and Inventory Management
Buying and selling commercial vehicles has historically been complex due to the diverse array of vehicle types and specialized upfits.
Data gleaned from dealer invoices has emerged as a game-changer, offering specific categorization, and streamlined search functionalities for existing inventory, including vehicle types and unique upfits.
Unlike outdated online platforms that mirrored print catalogs and failed to capture the nuances of work truck configurations, modern data-driven systems empower dealers and customers with a more intuitive and tailored approach to vehicle selection.
No 2. — Simplified Ordering Process
In today’s environment, an in-stock work truck is less likely to be found, especially to the exact specifications needed for the business use case.
But for those businesses that know exactly what they want and need, digitizing data has simplified the ordering process.
When selecting a specific upfit or truck type, “fitment” data (which upfits can be installed on which chassis or vans) can automatically remove options that no longer apply to that custom order.
With the low level of in-stock work trucks and even more rarity of finding one that precisely matches a customer’s specific requirements, custom orders are becoming necessary.
Utilizing data can considerably streamline the process of ordering custom work trucks.
By integrating fitment data, digital platforms can automatically eliminate options irrelevant to a custom order. This evolution eliminates the need for time-consuming callbacks and prevents unwelcome surprises upon delivery, offering a seamless ordering experience for buyers and sellers.
