From current trends to future excellence: Navigating 2024 trends in the truck and bus industry 

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The truck and bus industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a multitude of trends that are reshaping business landscapes globally. Businesses operating in this sector must adapt to these trends to remain competitive, enhance operational efficiency, and meet evolving customer expectations.  

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into key trends such as business processes, Artificial Intelligence (AI), customer preferences, digital retailing, enhanced security, electrification, sustainability, connectivity, data analytics, and more.  

We will explore the impacts of these trends on truck and bus businesses and outline actionable strategies to ensure they stay on top of these dynamic changes. 

Top 2024 trends for the truck and bus industry

From current trends to future excellence: Navigating 2024 trends in the truck and bus industry  2

  1. Digitalization of business processes

Trend: The digitalization of business processes involves the widespread adoption of technologies such as cloud computing, software solutions, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to optimize and streamline operations. 

Impact: This trend leads to improved efficiency, transparency, and communication within the truck and bus industry. Real-time monitoring allows for better decision-making, reducing delays and increasing overall productivity. 

Action: Businesses should invest in integrated software solutions that cover various aspects of fleet management, supply chain, and logistics. Telematics and IoT devices can be implemented to collect and analyze data, providing valuable insights into vehicle performance and operational efficiency. 

  1. AI and automation

Trend: The integration of AI involves leveraging algorithms and machine learning for tasks such as predictive maintenance, route optimization, and even the development of autonomous vehicles. 

Impact: AI and automation contribute to improved operational efficiency by predicting and preventing maintenance issues, optimizing routes for fuel efficiency, and potentially reducing labor costs through autonomous technologies. 

Action: Businesses should explore AI applications that align with their operational needs. This may involve implementing predictive maintenance systems, route optimization algorithms, and gradually incorporating autonomous technologies. Employee training programs are essential to ensure a smooth transition to automated processes. 

  1. Customer preferences and digital retailing

Trend: Evolving customer preferences are shifting towards digital platforms, influencing the way truck and bus businesses interact with and serve their customers. 

Impact: Businesses that adapt to these preferences by enhancing their online presence and providing real-time tracking options can build stronger customer relationships, improve satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge. 

Action: Investment in user-friendly mobile apps, responsive websites, and digital communication channels is crucial. Additionally, businesses should explore real-time tracking solutions to provide customers with visibility into the status of their fleet, fostering transparency and trust within their respective businesses. 

  1. Enhanced security

Trend: With increased connectivity, there is a growing need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and connected vehicle systems from potential threats. 

Impact: Failure to address cybersecurity concerns can lead to data breaches, system malfunctions, and damage to a company’s reputation. Secure communication is essential to ensure the integrity and safety of the entire truck and bus ecosystem. 

Action: Businesses must invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions, conduct regular security audits, and implement secure communication protocols. Employee training on cybersecurity best practices is crucial to create a culture of security awareness within the organization. 

  1. Electrification and sustainability

Trend: The shift towards electrification is driven by environmental concerns and regulatory changes. Sustainable practices, including reducing emissions and adopting green technologies, are becoming integral to the industry. 

Impact: Embracing electrification and sustainability practices can lead to reduced environmental impact, compliance with evolving regulations, and improved brand image, attracting environmentally conscious customers. 

Action: Companies should evaluate the feasibility of integrating electric vehicles into their fleets, invest in charging infrastructure, and adopt sustainable logistics and transportation practices such as route optimization and efficient energy use. 

  1. Connectivity and data analytics

Trend: Increasing reliance on connectivity, telematics, and data analytics for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making. 

Impact: Businesses gain valuable insights into vehicle performance, driver behavior, and supply chain efficiency. Data analytics enable informed decision-making, leading to operational optimization and cost savings. 

Action: Investment in telematics devices, IoT sensors, and advanced data analytics tools is essential. Businesses should establish robust data management practices, ensure data security, and harness the power of analytics to improve operations continuously. 

  1. Regulatory compliance

Trend: Ongoing changes in regulations related to safety, emissions, and data privacy create a dynamic regulatory environment for the truck and bus industry. 

Impact: Adherence to these regulations is crucial for avoiding legal consequences, financial penalties, and maintaining a positive brand image in a socially conscious market. 

Action: Staying informed about regulatory changes, implementing compliance management systems, and conducting regular audits to ensure adherence to standards are essential steps. Collaborating with industry associations and regulatory bodies can provide valuable insights into upcoming changes. 

  1. Adaptive business models

Trend: The need for adaptive business models that can respond to changing market conditions, emerging technologies, and evolving customer demands. 

Impact: Businesses that embrace adaptability are better positioned to navigate uncertainties, capitalize on new opportunities, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. 

Action: Foster a culture of adaptability within the organization by encouraging innovation, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace change. Regularly assess the business model, explore new revenue streams, and stay agile in responding to market dynamics. 

A365- A transformative force for unparalleled potential to navigate trends

In the ever-evolving landscape of the truck and bus industry, businesses seek not only solutions to current challenges but also a robust platform that propels them toward future success.  

Annata’s A365, built upon the extensive Annata and Microsoft Dynamics 365 technology stack, is a  fully cloud-ready Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that stands out as a surefire method for businesses to navigate industry trends and ride the waves of change. 

Thriving on the robust Common Data Model and meticulously crafted with Microsoft Azure, A365 is enriched with cutting-edge technologies such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Power Platform and is fortified by the invaluable wealth of decades of industry experience and expertise. 

A365 can serve as a powerful tool for businesses to navigate through industry trends. By providing comprehensive data management, agility, customer engagement tools, integration of AI, security features, support for electrification and sustainability, connectivity and data analytics, and adaptive business model capabilities, A365 empowers businesses to not only ride industry waves but also stay at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. 

Navigating truck and bus industry trends in 2024 with A365 

From current trends to future excellence: Navigating 2024 trends in the truck and bus industry  1

A365 emerges as a transformative solution that not only addresses industry trends but propels businesses toward a future of unparalleled potential. The combination of a robust platform, cloud readiness, cutting-edge technologies, and industry expertise positions A365 as a key enabler for businesses looking to navigate the dynamic landscape of the truck and bus industry. 

To further discover how A365 can benefit your truck and business amid industry trends, reach out to us. Learn more about A365 for truck and bus businesses here.

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Hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle purveyors selects Annata to fulfill global scale ambitions

North America
Manufacturer

In 2020, Annata was chosen by a heavy truck manufacturer to assist in developing their business processes and the systems required to support them. The company has more than 400 employees to support its rapid growth as a leading automotive innovator in zero-emission vehicles and trucks.

After a rapid and intensive validation cycle, Annata was chosen because of Annata’s 20-year automotive industry experience and extensions to the Microsoft Dynamics platform that formed the basis of the manufacturer’s finance and manufacturing systems.

Designed with cloud scalability and agility built in, the solution covered all critical processes. To ensure a complete and compelling customer experience, Annata’s solution will ensure the organization is well connected to customer behaviors, both pre-and post-sale for years to come.

The company decided to engage in a multi-year partnership with Annata after the success of the solution implementation. Annata provided the manufacturer with industry insights and experience to drive more value in all its business processes.

Annata picked for superior material handling performance by Leading North American equipment dealer

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A prominent material handling equipment dealer, with a network spanning over 60 locations across North America, is committed to delivering a comprehensive range of services, including new and used equipment, rentals, parts, service solutions, and training, with a strong emphasis on exceptional customer service.

The collaboration between Annata and Microsoft that led to the successful partnership with the customer was built on a foundation of team expertise and trust, ensuring a strong working relationship.

In their initiative to replace the current system, the company aspired to migrate to a modern, Azure cloud-based platform to optimize their Microsoft Dynamics investment. The primary goals included achieving business transformation, ensuring scalability, and eliminating system performance constraints.

The decision to upgrade to Dynamics 365 stemmed from challenges such as instability, poor performance, and growth limitations experienced in their previous solution installation. 

The overarching objective was to address these issues and enhance the overall efficiency and stability of their operational environment. Annata’s offering stood out with its comprehensive equipment lifecycle functionality, addressing the customer’s specific needs in a tailored manner. System performance and adherence to Independent Software Vendor (ISV) compliance were pivotal aspects that contributed to the decision, assuring the customer of a robust and reliable solution.

Annata’s commitment to ongoing development, reflected in their ecosystem investment and roadmap, aligned well with the customer’s long-term goals. Microsoft’s Proof of Concept (POC) support played a crucial role in demonstrating the capabilities of the proposed Dynamics 365 solution.

The success of the partnership was further cemented by the strong collaboration and partnership ethos shared between Annata and Microsoft, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to meeting the customer’s requirement.

Automotive powerhouse selects A365 for next-level business optimization

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A privately-owned enterprise with a significant presence in the automotive industry, operates as a key distributor for a globally recognized automotive brand. As the largest independent distributor for this brand on a global scale, the division serves a network over 150 independent dealerships.

Previously relying on an outdated “Green Screen” system and managing a complex network of around 200 applications, the company recognized the need for a transformative change. The existing system, developed over 25 years, had become inadequate for evolving dealer needs, leading to technical debt rather than delivering value. To address this, the enterprise sought a modern solution to meet the dynamic requirements of the automotive industry and enhance overall operational efficiency. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 and A365 combination were selected to improve forecasting, streamline vehicle ordering processes, and reduce lead times from inspection to final delivery.

The enterprise now leverages the full A365 platform, including warranty management and rental services, to optimize its operations. The pivotal factor in selecting this solution was the ability to offer a platform tailored to the automotive industry, providing comprehensive visibility, management, and controls throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. This capability formed the cornerstone of a compelling value narrative, resonating strongly with a diverse group of stakeholders.

The decision to choose Microsoft Dynamics and A365 exemplified a strategic approach, wherein technology was prioritized first, aligning subsequently with the market for a systems integrator. This decision underscored the strategic fit of the chosen technology to the specific needs of the enterprise, setting the stage for a successful implementation and business transformation.

Key automotive importer and dealer adopts A365 for comprehensive operational enhancement

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Founded in 1963 in Latin America, this key player in the local automotive industry has solidified its standing among the top groups in the sector. Over six decades, the company has maintained consistent growth, establishing a robust financial foundation.

Central to their success is a commitment to transparent management, enabling them to overcome challenges. The company prioritizes key strategic pillars, including business sustainability, delivering exceptional customer experiences, nurturing a skilled workforce, embracing technology, and forming strategic alliances. These pillars reflect the company’s comprehensive approach to ensuring long-term success and resilience in the dynamic automotive industry.

To enhance their operations, the company opted for Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations combined with A365 and Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement combined with A365. In the evaluation process, various global and regional players were considered, with the chosen combination ultimately selected based on key factors.

The decision to choose this particular combination was influenced by factors such as embracing new technologies for future growth, an abundance of experienced consultants for technology implementation, a holistic solution with cloud hosting and flexible services, and an excellent cost-benefit Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) ratio.

Additionally, the choice of Annata was motivated by their extensive expertise in the automotive sector, a strong market presence, a robust research and development (R&D) plan, and certification capabilities with a cost-effective Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

This combination of solutions was deemed the optimal choice, aligning with the organization’s strategic goals and ensuring a comprehensive and effective solution for their business needs.

European vehicle manufacturer unlocks competitive edge with Annata

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The European automotive manufacturer was increasingly challenged with their internal reliance on their existing systems as they felt that they were losing a competitive edge by not having the ability to benchmark functionality, performance, and cost. 
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The implementation was complex as it involved replacing three heavily customized, on-premise solutions with a standard, (based on a global template), cloud-based offering. The complexity was further increased as the connectivity in some African countries can be intermittent, and delivering a project across many countries requires a great deal of experience and planning.

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The North American arm of a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, with a 450,000-square-foot bus manufacturing and forklift assembly facility, required an agile solution to manage its supply chain, assembly, dealer orders, and post-sales processes for parts, warranty, and dealer management.   

The existing solution was unable to support these business processes cost-effectively with the same flexibility and agility. Annata’s automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) experience and track record of successful and agile implementations, particularly in the U.S. market were key to winning against other competitors.  

Key decision makers of the manufacturer were primarily of Chinese descent, with some residing in corporate offices in China. Working with Microsoft China, Annata was able to leverage its insight into Chinese business culture and its relationships with the business’s corporate IT.

Annata’s ability to adjust to an unconventional sales process and accommodation for cultural differences, coupled with an implementation approach and agile solution that could grow with the North American arm, was key to winning the business. 

Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer partners with Annata to drive the shift towards sustainable transporting

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A Swedish trucking manufacturer selects Annata and Dynamics 365 to replace their current wholesale and dealer management systems around the globe. By adding A365 to the Dynamics solution, the company is provided with the comfort to cover almost all its operational processes and drive additional benefits by moving to a cloud-based system.

The company’s primary challenge was that it was dealing with large sets of homegrown solutions and legacy vertical solutions with a separate outdated dealer management system that did not communicate with each other. The current on-premise portfolio needed to be replaced with a standard, cloud-based solution, that covers imports, dealerships, aftersales, and service operations, in addition to its rental and fleet-based markets.

Annata, Microsoft, and the manufacturer worked together to build a golden template and blueprint to be used in future rollouts globally. The solution combination adds future capabilities and support for ML, AI, IoT, and more automated business executions, which will have a positive impact on the ROI.

The manufacturer has transformed its dealer management system, replacing its outdated solutions with Annata’s integrated, cloud-based solution using Microsoft’s infrastructure.

RV manufacturer streamlines business processes with Annata

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Annata was chosen as a solutions provider to replace a 20-year-old heavily customized legacy system for an RV manufacturer. The systems in use were not supplying prompt information to the management team and model changes for production were painful to implement. 

The implementation was vital to simplify access to data and increase service levels to its different dealers. The manufacturer selected Annata due to Annata’s global ISV status and strong solution functionalities to manage their critical workload, particularly those that require interaction with their dealer channel.   

Annata’s robust dealer portal solution has improved dealer relationships with a quicker turnaround on warranty claim decisions and processing.

In parallel, the manufacturer can now leverage warranty rules and validations. The dealer portal is a win for the manufacturer in reducing warranty costs while improving dealer and customer relationships.

The manufacturer expects overall improved management reporting for executives and operations. Operational improvements include rationalized bills of materials, costing, and managing production change orders effectively. The manufacturer expects its dealers to have a more efficient process for warranty claims that will result in a reduced payment time, while still preventing fraudulent or duplicate claims.

Swiss agricultural equipment and machinery supplier accelerates cloud migration with Annata

Central Europe
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As an existing customer of AX and Annata IDMS on-premise, the Swiss company decided to start its journey to the cloud in early 2020. Annata’s finance and operations solution was the core of the solution proposed to the company.  

Annata’s full suite of capabilities was implemented and included extensive device management functionalities that support the entire lifecycle of a machine encompassing imports, sales, and lifecycle management with service/work order management, warranty handling, parts management, and rental. 

In addition to a proven solution, Annata was the primary choice due to the strongly committed executive management team which is very much supportive of the strategic project goals.

The project enjoys a high focus at the executive management level and is supported by a strong change management approach aiming to avoid unnecessary customizations. 

The industry competence of the Annata implementation team was well equipped to mitigate challenges typically encountered when setting up new customer solutions in replace of their heavy customized “homegrown” solution.

Annata selected to digitally transform distribution channel of agricultural equipment manufacturer

Central Europe
Manufacturer

With a primary focus on excellent product quality and outstanding customer service, the equipment manufacturer made a company-wide decision to shift their business process to the cloud using Dynamics 365 and Annata’s Finance & Operations solution. 

The solution was rolled out to several major markets within Europe and the Americas in a span of 3-4 years, before offering the industry template to their independent dealer network. Annata was selected as the preferred industry solution partner to move their on-premise solution within their headquarters to the cloud within three months, utilizing its extensive industry and digital competencies in the Annata team. 

As soon as Annata engaged with the equipment manufacturer, it was clear to them that the industry IP was key to their goal to digitally transform their distribution channel.

Coupled with finance and operations implementation expertise, the equipment manufacturer was confident that D365 with Annata was the best to provide industry knowledge to help them make the right process choices and a full set of industry functionalities around the full lifecycle of their equipment.

Mexican subsidiary of an international motor company implements Annata solutions to modernize business processes

Southern North America
Manufacturer

A Mexican subsidiary of an international motor company was utilizing multiple and heavily customized legacy systems which were around 20 years old and did not improve the business. The financial reports generated caused many discrepancies in the business which dampened business decisions. 

The management was looking for an Integrated system that was consistent and easily manageable, in which all users from different departments could manage business processes in a co-dependent and competent manner.  

Annata’s extensive solution provided the Mexican subsidiary with a technology transformation through its transition to digitized workflows.

The new system enabled the company’s dealerships to seamlessly communicate and collaborate with suppliers and service partners, while the company focused on creating an integrated supply chain. 

With Annata’s unified solution, the company benefited from providing accurate, analytical data through the implementation of key functions in cost management, inventory management, warranty management, sales, and service departments. It also provided the company with a range of business data (in real-time) for analysis at a reduced time rate and this provided the organization with major improvements in its management reporting. 

Hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle purveyors selects Annata to fulfill global scale ambitions

North America
Manufacturer

In 2020, Annata was chosen by a heavy truck manufacturer to assist in developing their business processes and the systems required to support them. The company has more than 400 employees to support its rapid growth as a leading automotive innovator in zero-emission vehicles and trucks.

After a rapid and intensive validation cycle, Annata was chosen because of Annata’s 20-year automotive industry experience and extensions to the Microsoft Dynamics platform that formed the basis of the manufacturer’s finance and manufacturing systems.

Designed with cloud scalability and agility built in, the solution covered all critical processes. To ensure a complete and compelling customer experience, Annata’s solution will ensure the organization is well connected to customer behaviors, both pre-and post-sale for years to come.

The company decided to engage in a multi-year partnership with Annata after the success of the solution implementation. Annata provided the manufacturer with industry insights and experience to drive more value in all its business processes.

Forestry equipment global manufacturer selects Annata for company-wide digitization

Europe
Manufacturer

Operating in forestry markets of more than 40 different countries, the manufacturer had an IT landscape that was complex, fragmented, and varied greatly between countries. As part of their future-proofing efforts, they needed a platform to bolster them as they navigated into the future, providing them with the flexibility required to digitize their entire business. 

Annata’s complete set of industry functionalities around the lifecycle of heavy equipment, the strength of the application and platform, as well as in-depth knowledge and vast experience within the industry were reasons why Annata was selected to support them along their transformation journey. 

Annata also displayed strong awareness of future capabilities specific to the manufacturer’s needs aside from proving a strong partnership with Microsoft. 

Annata’s flexibility, scalability, and capabilities to take on the ever-changing environment in the forestry manufacturing industry have since enabled the manufacturer to maintain a competitive edge digitally.