The Evolution of the Automotive Aftermarket Outlook

The global automotive aftermarket is in a transformative era, driven by disruptive vehicle technologies, shifting consumer behaviors, new business models, and increased vehicles in operation (VIO). Frost & Sullivan’s research has identified the top transformations currently facing businesses in this market; these can serve as both challenges and new growth opportunities. Our new VBook empowers you with actionable strategies to help your business thrive and lead the way forward in the aftermarket industry.

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Deal-Readiness Checklist for Private Equity

In dealmaking, the only predictable thing is that nothing is. Some things you can't plan for - but you can prepare.

The right platform lets you stay competitive while others stay confused. With smarter technology backed up by human expertise, you gain the confidence to move on any opportunity at a moment's notice.

In an uncertain climate, being ready is everything. Find out how ready you are - now.

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Deal Drivers: Americas Q1 2025

You can only plan for so much. Just as the markets were relaxing into post-election certainty, tariffs blew in like an Atlantic squall. But not everywhere is underwater yet. A prevailing appetite for megadeals has seen values actually soar in Canada, Latin America, and the Southern US, though plummeting volumes have drained value everywhere else.

With big strategic deals still very viable, will the market rally in the face of the new economic pressures from the US? See the full outlook in Deal Drivers: Americas Q1 2025, produced by Datasite in partnership with Mergermarket. Map prospective deal activity and gain insights across the Americas, including:

  • Peru
  • Bermuda
  • Canada
  • Western US
  • Midwestern US
  • Southern US
  • Northeastern US
  • Brazil
  • Latin America (excl. Brazil) and the Caribbean

Though cross-border M&A especially faces valuation roadblocks and supply chain woes, leading sectors like TMT and Biotech remain strong, while Canada's Industrial & Chemicals sector is right now carrying the team. Follow the unfolding saga - download the report now.

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Don’t Trust Your Gut: Become a Data-Driven Parts Distributor

Data-focused companies gain unique insights that prevent lost revenue and reduce unnecessary expenses. Leveraging data for strategic decisions optimizes supply chains, enhances customer experiences, and improves business processes. However, many parts distributors haven't yet realized its value. Start with this actionable guide to becoming a "data-driven parts distributor," capable of transforming data into growth. It outlines seven key challenges in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and acting on data, providing practical advice to overcome these obstacles.

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ERP Meets Last-Mile Logistics: Key Features for Building Bigger Profits

Today’s supply chains are increasingly complex. From the time someone places an order to product delivery to payment, there are numerous steps for logistics and finance teams. Integrating enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with specialized last-mile logistics system can streamline this complicated process. While ERP systems are the foundation for business operations, a last-mile logistics system provides the tools you need for real-time tracking, route optimization, proof of delivery, returns management, and more. An automated and streamlined workflow manages much of the work and ensures your data is always up-to-date. Integration creates a unified system that improves customer satisfaction, creates significant efficiencies, and produces demonstrable bottom-line savings.

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Data at the Core of the Aftermarket

The automotive aftermarket thrives on data, driving precision, speed, and customer satisfaction. Manufacturers, parts distributors, and service dealerships need advanced data-centric tools for profitable operations and great customer experiences.

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The Evolution of the Automotive Aftermarket Outlook

The global automotive aftermarket is in a transformative era, driven by disruptive vehicle technologies, shifting consumer behaviors, new business models, and increased vehicles in operation (VIO). Frost & Sullivan’s research has identified the top transformations currently facing businesses in this market; these can serve as both challenges and new growth opportunities. Our new VBook empowers you with actionable strategies to help your business thrive and lead the way forward in the aftermarket industry.

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Ready to Shift Gears?

Elite EXTRA’s software suite is a last mile logistics solution that streamlines and automates logistics operations. Our innovative technology helps businesses save money while keeping up with consumers’ ever-growing demand for quick deliveries. With over 25 years of industry experience, we can offer an all-encompassing feature-set that makes our software extremely configurable to your business's wants and needs.

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How Greif Recovered 20% of Lost Production Time with Accurate Roll Change Tracking

Greif, a global leader in industrial packaging, faced persistent challenges in reducing roll change times despite investing in operational excellence initiatives. Roll changes, which accounted for 20% of lost production time, continued to exceed the targeted two-minute window, often taking 15 minutes or more. Manual tracking methods failed to capture the root of the issue—until Shoplogix introduced a smart, simple solution.

The Challenge:

  • Roll changes were consuming up to 15 minutes, well beyond the two-minute target.
  • Manual data collection didn’t capture the true scope of the inefficiencies.
  • Despite consulting support, the issue remained unresolved, affecting production goals and leading to costly overtime.

The Solution:

  • A simple switch was added to the roll mandrel to track roll change times automatically.
  • Real-time alerts were set up to notify the team when the two-minute target was exceeded.
  • Data integration into existing systems enabled continuous monitoring and analytics.

The Results:

  • Roll change times were reduced to under two minutes consistently.
  • 20% of previously lost production time was recovered.
  • Operational visibility improved, enabling the team to manage and sustain performance gains.
  • Greif was finally able to hold the gains, not just get them.

Key Takeaways for Manufacturers:

  • Simple, smart connectivity can uncover and resolve hidden inefficiencies.
  • Accurate, real-time data is essential for sustaining improvements.
  • Small hardware enhancements, when paired with integrated analytics, can lead to significant operational gains.
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How Coveris Transformed Production with Real-Time Insights from Shoplogix

Coveris, a leading European packaging manufacturer, faced challenges with setup inconsistencies and limited visibility into production issues at their Louth plant. By implementing Shoplogix’s OneSignal, they unlocked powerful real-time insights that quickly drove operational improvements.

Key Challenges:

  • Inconsistent setups across 5 printing presses and 17 job changes per day
  • Increased scrap, reduced run speeds, and missed production targets
  • Lack of visibility into root causes of inefficiencies

The Shoplogix Solution:

  • Connected machines in just 1 day (vs. over a month with a competitor)
  • Delivered real-time data on key metrics like scrap, setup time, and run speed
  • Identified inefficiencies in:
    • Mechanical setup
    • Registration
    • Final adjustments

Results & Business Impact:

  • 10% reduction in setup waste, saving £800,000 annually
  • 16% increase in run speed, boosting revenue by £340,000
  • 9% improvement in OEE, raising plant-wide productivity

Why It Matters for Manufacturers:

This case shows how fast, cost-effective smart connectivity can help manufacturers:

  • Gain instant visibility into performance issues
  • Standardize processes and reduce variability
  • Make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability
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How Magna Uncovered Hidden Inefficiencies and Saved $520K with Shoplogix

Even in facilities with mature continuous improvement (CI) practices, hidden inefficiencies can go undetected, costing time and money. Magna International, a leading global automotive parts manufacturer, faced a puzzling productivity gap despite optimized machine performance and seemingly minimal downtime.

The Challenge:

Magna’s CI team suspected inefficiencies during shift transitions and breaks but lacked the granular data to verify it.

The Solution:

After implementing Shoplogix, detailed loss analytics revealed an unexpected cause: employees waiting to use microwaves during breaks, leading to production delays.

Key Results for Magna:

  • 70% reduction in break and shift transition delays
  • $520,000 in annual savings
  • Enhanced visibility into previously undetectable production losses
  • Empowered CI teams to take targeted, data-driven action
Takeaway for Manufacturers:

Even the most minor inefficiencies can have a major financial impact. With Shoplogix’s real-time analytics, manufacturers can identify hidden production barriers, drive engagement, and turn overlooked issues into significant savings.

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How Greif Recovered 20% of Lost Production Time with Accurate Roll Change Tracking

Greif, a global leader in industrial packaging, faced persistent challenges in reducing roll change times despite investing in operational excellence initiatives. Roll changes, which accounted for 20% of lost production time, continued to exceed the targeted two-minute window, often taking 15 minutes or more. Manual tracking methods failed to capture the root of the issue—until Shoplogix introduced a smart, simple solution.

The Challenge:

  • Roll changes were consuming up to 15 minutes, well beyond the two-minute target.
  • Manual data collection didn’t capture the true scope of the inefficiencies.
  • Despite consulting support, the issue remained unresolved, affecting production goals and leading to costly overtime.

The Solution:

  • A simple switch was added to the roll mandrel to track roll change times automatically.
  • Real-time alerts were set up to notify the team when the two-minute target was exceeded.
  • Data integration into existing systems enabled continuous monitoring and analytics.

The Results:

  • Roll change times were reduced to under two minutes consistently.
  • 20% of previously lost production time was recovered.
  • Operational visibility improved, enabling the team to manage and sustain performance gains.
  • Greif was finally able to hold the gains, not just get them.

Key Takeaways for Manufacturers:

  • Simple, smart connectivity can uncover and resolve hidden inefficiencies.
  • Accurate, real-time data is essential for sustaining improvements.
  • Small hardware enhancements, when paired with integrated analytics, can lead to significant operational gains.
Image Screenshoot
View Now

How Coveris Transformed Production with Real-Time Insights from Shoplogix

Coveris, a leading European packaging manufacturer, faced challenges with setup inconsistencies and limited visibility into production issues at their Louth plant. By implementing Shoplogix’s OneSignal, they unlocked powerful real-time insights that quickly drove operational improvements.

Key Challenges:

  • Inconsistent setups across 5 printing presses and 17 job changes per day
  • Increased scrap, reduced run speeds, and missed production targets
  • Lack of visibility into root causes of inefficiencies

The Shoplogix Solution:

  • Connected machines in just 1 day (vs. over a month with a competitor)
  • Delivered real-time data on key metrics like scrap, setup time, and run speed
  • Identified inefficiencies in:
    • Mechanical setup
    • Registration
    • Final adjustments

Results & Business Impact:

  • 10% reduction in setup waste, saving £800,000 annually
  • 16% increase in run speed, boosting revenue by £340,000
  • 9% improvement in OEE, raising plant-wide productivity

Why It Matters for Manufacturers:

This case shows how fast, cost-effective smart connectivity can help manufacturers:

  • Gain instant visibility into performance issues
  • Standardize processes and reduce variability
  • Make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability
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CI Playbook for Modern Manufacturers Unlocking Hidden Opportunities to Accelerate Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement (CI) Managers in manufacturing are under constant pressure to optimize performance, reduce costs, and increase throughput. However, many improvement efforts fall short—not because of a lack of effort, but because they focus on the wrong issues, rely on outdated data, or struggle to engage frontline teams.

This playbook outlines how manufacturers can overcome these barriers by using real-time, machine-level insights to identify true root causes, engage operations, and unlock hidden capacity.

Key Takeaways for Manufacturers:

Solve What Really Matters

  • Avoid wasting resources on the most visible—but not necessarily the most impactful—problems
  • Identify hidden performance drains like speed loss and micro-stoppages
  • Prioritize initiatives based on real-time impact, not assumptions

Replace Assumptions with Accurate Data:

  • ERP targets and spreadsheets often mask inefficiencies
  • Use Top Historical Speed (THS) to uncover true machine potential
  • Set smarter standards and detect speed variability early

Engage Operators in the CI Journey

  • Lack of frontline engagement can stall even the best strategies
  • Empower operators with visual tools, feedback loops, and performance visibility
  • Make CI a collaborative effort between leadership and operations

Results You Can Expect:

Reclaim thousands of production hours

  • Optimize job speeds and eliminate unnecessary slowdowns
  • Increase output—without investing in new equipment
  • Build a continuous improvement culture grounded in transparency and accountability
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How Coveris Transformed Production with Real-Time Insights from Shoplogix

Coveris, a leading European packaging manufacturer, faced challenges with setup inconsistencies and limited visibility into production issues at their Louth plant. By implementing Shoplogix’s OneSignal, they unlocked powerful real-time insights that quickly drove operational improvements.

Key Challenges:

  • Inconsistent setups across 5 printing presses and 17 job changes per day
  • Increased scrap, reduced run speeds, and missed production targets
  • Lack of visibility into root causes of inefficiencies

The Shoplogix Solution:

  • Connected machines in just 1 day (vs. over a month with a competitor)
  • Delivered real-time data on key metrics like scrap, setup time, and run speed
  • Identified inefficiencies in:
    • Mechanical setup
    • Registration
    • Final adjustments

Results & Business Impact:

  • 10% reduction in setup waste, saving £800,000 annually
  • 16% increase in run speed, boosting revenue by £340,000
  • 9% improvement in OEE, raising plant-wide productivity

Why It Matters for Manufacturers:

This case shows how fast, cost-effective smart connectivity can help manufacturers:

  • Gain instant visibility into performance issues
  • Standardize processes and reduce variability
  • Make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability
Image Screenshoot
View Now