Unlocking the Value

IT key to tapping potential of high tech solutions, Dana Corp. e-business director argues

Traverse City, MI  August 7, 2001  The value of information technology is its ability to provide the information and communication that will unleash advanced product technologies and systems integration solutions, an auto industry supplier's e-business director argued this week.


Kevin Moyer, vice president and director of e-business for auto industry supplier Dana Corp., told an audience of automotive suppliers and original-equipment manufacturers at the 36th annual University of Michigan Management Briefing Seminars that IT can unlock the intellectual property inherent in advanced technology solutions and processes.


Using IT in this way will be important as manufacturing companies shift their focus toward technology and service solutions, Moyer argued.


"With that said," he continued, "information technology must first be fully integrated into the business strategy of an organization if it is going to unleash shareholder value. Then, by getting engineers connected with sourcing people, customers, partners and suppliers, we can create a conduit for seamless idea flow throughout the value chain."


Moyer asserted that the collaboration capability information technology can deliver is where real shareholder value can be created. "But, it's up to architects and users alike to ensure that we develop the people, processes and tools together that will yield the innovation, value and performance our ultimate customers and shareholders crave," he concluded.


Moyer made his comments as part of a presentation and panel discussion titled "Leveraging Information Technology: Using IT to Create Shareholder Value." The session was part of the weeklong Management Briefing Seminars, a gathering of global automotive industry leaders.


Ninety-seven-year-old Dana Corp., based in Toledo, Ohio, is a supplier of components, modules and complete systems to vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. The $12.3 billion company operates some 300 major facilities in 35 countries and employs approximately 75,000 people.

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