Agreement Promises Full Distribution Network Connectivity

An agreement between two of the automotive aftermarket’s leading suppliers of information systems promises a big leap in Internet connectivity for the industry.
CCITriad, an industry leader in data services, management and information systems for the automotive aftermarket, and Management Information Systems Group, Inc. (MISG), a division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and a leading provider of e-commerce and EDI solutions, today announced a strategic agreement that connects each company’s Internet technology to enable an expanded trading community for the automotive aftermarket.
The agreement provides for integration and connection of CCITriad’s AConneX with MISG’s TransLink solutions. The two companies intend to jointly market the service at industry events and collaborate on standards development within their joint areas of expertise.
The CCITriad-MISG relationship reflects an increasing desire among companies and associations to collaborate and deploy integrated solutions that reduce the inefficiencies of the aftermarket supply chain. Reduced administrative costs, faster sourcing of parts and more accurate billing are some of the benefits users will experience. CCITriad’s AConneX network has more than 4,000 users driving over $1 million in transactions per day. AConneX’s Internet-based services enable service dealers and stores to source, order and track aftermarket parts from warehouses or other stores using the Internet.
With AConneX, stores use one Internet connection to manage multiple trading relationships for order placement and fulfilment, as well as other Internet-based services. All services, including trading relationships, are managed in an online secure environment. MISG’s TransLink will enable warehouse distributors (WDs) that subscribe to AConneX to use the Internet to send purchase orders to and receive advanced shipping notices and invoices from manufacturers. This represents a substantial enhancement to the WDs’ current e-commerce capabilities. MISG’s history of providing EDI services dates to 25 years.
Its TransLink service uses the Internet to facilitate EDI (electronic data interchange) document exchange between thousands of manufacturers and distributors. Transmission of purchase orders, advance shipping notices, and invoices over the Internet significantly increases transaction speed and lowers their cost of processing. Its unique feature — on-net translation — eliminates the need for in-house translation software, and it accepts any type of EDI or flat file.
Together, CCITriad’s and MISG’s collective expertise offers customers a secure, reliable Internet connection that:
— efficiently and cost-effectively manages the electronic data interchange cycle,
— extends the reach and scope of trading partners, and
— enables document transaction accountability and provides secure transmission of information.

“Connectivity is one of the strongest solutions we bring to this market,” said Hoon Chung, general manager of CCITriad’s Automotive Division. “Working with MISG will enhance electronic trading relationships in the aftermarket. Our collaborative efforts in applying the latest technologies will keep our customers at the leading edge in parts service.”
“We see both sides of aftermarket trading relationships benefiting from our agreement with CCITriad,” said Earl Losey, MISG’s vice president of sales. “Manufacturers will be able to send electronic Advance Ship Notices and Invoices to their customers in addition to the electronic POs they currently exchange. Both will realize faster and more responsive parts ordering, more accurate processing and accounting, and overall improved supply chain efficiencies.”
MISG, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C., is a supplier of electronic commerce and EDI solutions, managed network systems and software, trading community management and web services to the automotive aftermarket, original equipment, special equipment and heavy duty market segments.
CCITriad is an industry leader in data services and enterprise systems for the automotive aftermarket, and hardlines and lumber industries. The company offers comprehensive solutions, including content-rich database products, turnkey computer systems, and highly specialized professional services.