Understanding Automotive KPI’s: Part One

Understanding Automotive KPI’s Part One Holding Your Digital Vendors Accountable with Simple KPIs in the Automotive Industry: A Guide for Success Part One Introduction In part one of this guide we’ll discuss the importance of KPI’s and why they should be used. Part two will cover examples of those KPI’s and how to measure them. In today’s digitally driven automotive industry, dealerships rely heavily on digital vendors to enhance their operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Whether it’s managing inventory, streamlining processes, or improving online marketing efforts, digital vendors play a crucial role. However, holding them accountable can be challenging without proper metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in place. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of setting simple KPIs and discuss how adhering to the standards set by the Automotive Standards Council can help in this pursuit.

1) The Significance of KPIs in the Automotive Industry

KPIs serve as benchmarks for measuring the performance and effectiveness of various aspects of a dealership. By defining clear KPIs, automotive dealerships can assess the success of their digital vendors and ensure they are delivering value. Here’s why KPIs are essential:

• Performance Evaluation: KPIs provide measurable goals, allowing dealerships to evaluate their vendors’ performance objectively. They enable companies to identify areas of improvement and make data-driven decisions.
• Quality Assurance: KPIs act as a yardstick for assessing the quality of the services provided by digital vendors. They ensure that the vendors meet the set standards and deliver on their promises.
• Cost Optimization: By monitoring relevant KPIs, automotive dealerships can identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize their spending on digital vendor services. It enables better resource allocation and budget management.

2) Setting Simple KPIs for Digital Vendors

When establishing KPIs for your digital vendors, it is important to focus on simplicity and relevance. Here are a few guidelines to consider:

• Alignment with dealership business Objectives: KPIs should directly align with the business objectives and the desired outcomes. For instance, if your goal is to increase online sales, a relevant KPI could be the conversion rate on the website or the percentage increase in online sales.
• Measurability: Ensure that the KPIs can be measured accurately and consistently. Choose metrics that can be easily tracked and provide actionable insights. Avoid vague or subjective indicators that may not yield meaningful results.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Where possible, select KPIs that can be monitored in real-time. This enables prompt identification of any issues or deviations from the desired performance, allowing for timely interventions.
• Limited Number: Avoid overwhelming yourself or your vendors with an excessive number of KPIs. Instead, focus on a few key indicators that truly reflect the performance and impact of their services.

3) Leveraging the Automotive Standards Council

The Automotive Standards Council (ASC) is an organization that sets standards and provides certification programs for the automotive industry. Engaging with ASC can significantly contribute to holding digital vendors accountable. Here’s how:

• Benchmarking: ASC establishes industry standards and best practices that vendors should adhere to. By selecting vendors who comply with ASC standards, automotive dealerships can ensure they are working with reputable and reliable partners.
• Certifications: ASC certifications, such as the ISO/TS 16949 Quality Management System certification, indicate that vendors meet internationally recognized quality management standards. Seeking vendors with such certifications ensures a higher level of accountability and quality assurance.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The ASC facilitates collaboration among industry stakeholders, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Engaging with the ASC allows dealerships to stay updated with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices, enabling them to set more informed KPIs and expectations for their vendors.

Conclusion In the dynamic and fast-paced automotive industry, holding digital vendors accountable is vital for sustainable growth and success. Simple yet effective KPIs enable dealerships to evaluate performance, optimize costs, and make informed decisions. Leveraging the standards set by the Automotive Standards Council adds an additional layer of accountability, ensuring vendors adhere to industry best practices. By implementing these strategies, automotive dealerships can forge stronger relationships with their digital vendors, drive efficiency, and deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.