More than 600 independent U.S. and Canadian dealer locations were represented.

During the conference, ASA customers reviewed new product concepts and new interfaces to various tire manufacturers programs. There was also a demonstration of a new handheld pen that uses Bluetooth technology to create electronic images of things like work orders, store them, and transmit them immediately to their destination via cell phone.

The program also included a number of workshops in which customers could learn about new developments in ASA’s Mobility Suite. Additional workshops covered a revision to ASA’s eTireLink, which allows dealers to place orders 7/24/365; the newest release of Analytix’ sales, financial, and inventory modules; ASA’s Wholesale Dealership Program; and interfaces to Bandag, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Wrenchead and Michelin software and extranet sites.

ASA also held breakout sessions to provide information, tips and techniques on its TireMax, TirePro, TireMaster and TreadX software.

Guest speaker Mary Claire O’Neal presented new business communication techniques, and Kevin Rohlwing of TIA gave a presentation on the status of TPMS.

The program included what ASA called a “Solution Center,” with representatives from Open Road, Bridgestone Firestone, Top Dog, Mailmark, Pearl Technologies, PFG, K-Tool, and Okidata available to meet with dealers. Workstations were set up to provide hands-on demonstrations of ASA’s eTireLink, TirePro, TreadX, TireMax, TireMaster, the Mobility Suite, Network Services, Wireless Showrooms, Intellipress, the Wholesale Dealership Program, Analytix, and Website Design. In addition, dealers could meet with their peers and share information on the latest hardware, software and trends.