CEA Business Solutions Series 2000 Demonstrates New Techniques To Improve Business Profitability

22-May-00

During the Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) Business Solutions Series 2000, a two-day conference held May 17-18 in Los Angeles, more than 35 industry representatives showed consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers strategies to tackle product returns and use the Internet to grow profits.The conference covered business issues from online retailing, Web site development and supply chain management to training programs, customer support and business partnerships. Retail representatives from Altrec.com, etown.com, Kmart, MobileToys.com, MobShop.com and Target; manufacturing representatives from Nintendo, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sega, Sharp and Thomson Consumer Electronics; and service technology representatives from AFFINA, BizRate.com, GENCO, ReturnCental.com, Sapient and SiRAS.com, among others., demonstrated their techniques from the front lines to address these business challenges. Some of the techniques speakers discussed included comprehensive call centers; return freight pipelines; automated returns authorization; rich media programs to demonstrate how products work; partnerships between manufacturers, retailers and third-party technology vendors; aggregated customer information databases; infomediary relationships; one-on-one marketing; customer loyalty programs; 3D product presentations and business-to-business Internet applications.""By focusing on real-life experiences, attendees learned from companies who are using new technology to improve their competitiveness both on and off the Net and to lower their costs from returns,"" said Karen Chupka, Vice President, Conferences and Events, CEA. ""The conference is part of CEA's overall efforts to grow the consumer electronics industry and provide our constituents with the tools they need to help their businesses thrive.""Through an examination of in-depth case studies and accompanying panel discussions, attendees to the first day of the conference learned how companies are using training, technology and customer service to reduce their returns. On the second day, attendees heard about e-commerce, supply chain management and mass customization using the Internet. Companies are using Internet technology to enhance their productivity, manage their inventory and increase sales. Beyond getting a look at the competition, attendees met with the companies who can help them streamline their businesses. To see post-show notes and research and to hear audio recordings of the conference, visit http://www.CE.org. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), represents more than 600 U.S. companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology.

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