Comment: A digital revolution can take automotive manufacturing into the fast lane

A modern service operations system can ensure your business has the pedal firmly to the floor when it comes to productivity and customer satisfaction, says Chirag Karnik, founder and director of Neyo.

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Businesses in the automotive manufacturing industry may feel like they’re operating at top speed - but numerous issues can hold them back. One of the most pressing sticking points is an outdated service operations system, which can blight all elements of a workplace. Firms are comfortable with familiar processes and mistakenly view upgrading as complex and expensive.

A 2022 survey by Intoware found that almost three quarters (74 per cent) of manufacturing and engineering companies post-pandemic are relying on legacy systems to get tasks done. A modern service operations system can ensure your business has the pedal firmly to the floor when it comes to productivity and customer satisfaction. Embracing the digital revolution as soon as possible should be a priority.

Seamless integration between digital and physical channels

One of the most notable challenges for those in automotive manufacturing is how to strike the perfect balance between their digital and physical channels, particularly when it comes to the customer experience.

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By automating traditional paper-processes, data can be freely shared between the team, lessening the need for manual tasks and allowing for more time to dig deeper. As a result, staff can provide quicker, more detailed insights for customers, which can set your business apart from competitors and encourage future growth.

Via production lines, supply chains and vehicles, the automotive industry is generating massive amounts of data from various sources and managing it, ethically and securely, is a significant challenge, but you can race away from the pack. Integration of a modern service operations system is the key to giving you a competitive edge in the market.

Changes in customer behaviour

There’s no doubt that automotive manufacturers are having to face up to evolving customer behaviour, both in spending habits and perception of the wider industry. This can range from depleted funds due to the cost of living crisis to embracing greener alternatives amid the climate crisis.

This is where an upgraded service operations system can form the foundation of your approach. With your swathes of safely stored data, businesses can analyse customer patterns and reassess their offering if not currently suitable. Being able to react in real-time encourages better understood, happier customers who could potentially make repeat purchases and strengthen the firm. This is only possible, however, with a finely-tuned digital revolution, individual to your company’s needs.

Regulatory compliance

Kicking off your digital revolution is all well and good but the automotive industry operates in a heavily regulated environment; how do you ensure your business is in step with the latest rules as it evolves?

Moving to a cloud-based platform, which situates all your processes in one place, can ensure everything runs compliantly, as well as smoothly. Business leaders can take peace of mind from an external team keeping your firm up to speed in efficiency and regulation. While updating can appear costly and complex, the onboarding process is structured as conveniently as possible, meaning your business can be revolutionised rapidly.

Standing atop the podium

When upgrading your service operations system, it can be hard to know where to start. The perceived outlay of expense and time is often overwhelming. But solutions can be found in specific cloud-based platforms, which are developed especially for automotive manufacturers.

Legacy technology can make you feel like your business is lagging behind numerous competitors. A modern service operations system can have you back on the road in no time at all.

Chirag Karnik, founder and director of Neyo