Information technology may be a missing main ingredient for boosting auto industry performance and growth, according to an Accenture consulting firm survey.
IT's traditional industry contribution has been in a supporting role, but Accenture says IT can help manage business goals, increase market share and contain costs.
Auto industry people surveyed, including dealers, say their businesses would be better served by using IT in every aspect.
“High performers are already aligning IT initiatives with revenue goals,” says Richard D. Spitzer, global managing partner for Accenture's automotive practice. “In the future, IT will have a dual mission, driving both revenue growth and maintaining delivery excellence.”
More than 80% of respondents believe high-performance IT contributes to successful business. But about 70% don't view their systems as performing at high levels in all areas.
Respondents foresee a gap in two years between the technologies they have and those they will need to drive growth.
“IT has the ability to improve procurement; enhance both rapid product development and back-office efficiency; support more nimble, flexible demand-driven manufacturing; optimize the retail experience; and offer a ‘zero-time lost' service experience,” says Spitzer.
Because of that, auto leaders will ultimately focus their IT investments on business-driven innovations that create value for the business, he predicts.
