The PartsEdge Podcast

Ever wondered how your OEM’s inventory program really compares to other manufacturers—and how much control you actually have over your parts investment? In this data-driven episode, Chuck Hartle breaks down real dealership inventory data from 223 dealerships, 15 manufacturers, and more than $190 million in parts inventory. From productive inventory and automatic stock replenishment (ASR) programs to excess stock and obsolescence, Chuck reveals how manufacturer programs impact dealership inventory performance and where parts managers should be paying closer attention.Chuck dives into the hidden costs of idle inventory, including “forced stock” parts, unfulfilled demand, special orders, excess inventory, and the growing challenge of obsolescence. He explains why roughly one out of every four parts analyzed had marginal sales, how manufacturer compliance requirements can put low-volume parts on dealership shelves, and why shrinking return opportunities have made managing non-program inventory more important than ever. Most importantly, Chuck shares practical strategies for taking back control—from strengthening special-order processes and challenging suggested stocking levels to strategically managing compliance and building an obsolescence reserve. Whether you want to benchmark your dealership against your OEM, reduce idle capital, or improve inventory turns, this episode provides a data-backed look at what’s really happening inside dealership parts inventories.Takeaways:1. Manufacturer Inventory Programs Can Protect Productive Parts—but They Don’t Necessarily Optimize Your Entire Inventory Investment.2. Forced-Stock Parts, Unfulfilled Demand, and Shrinking Return Opportunities Are Major Drivers of Idle Inventory and Obsolescence.3. Parts Managers Can Improve Inventory Performance by Strengthening Special-Order Controls, Managing Compliance Strategically, and Building a Plan to Purge Aging Inventory.Chapters:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction01:50 - The OEM Inventory Showdown03:48 - The Data Behind the Comparison06:47 - Comparing Productive Inventory by Manufacturer08:49 - How ASR Programs Impact Inventory12:33 - What Defines Productive Inventory?13:51 - Understanding Idle & Excess Inventory17:18 - The Problem with Forced-Stock Parts19:20 - Six Causes of Unfulfilled Demand23:02 - Comparing Forced-Stock Inventory by OEM27:16 - Why Obsolescence Has Increased29:41 - The Growing Non-ASR Inventory Problem34:04 - What Manufacturer Programs Really Control36:33 - How Idle Inventory Hurts Performance40:05 - Strategies to Take Back Control41:13 - Managing Compliance & Obsolescence45:02 - Using Return Programs & Parts Brokers46:18 - Benchmarking Your Dealership48:38 - How Your Inventory Stacks UpResources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-Website: https://www.partsedge.comRegister for the next Webinar here!: https://my.demio.com/ref/rMLm7BvTB3gEzyCa

Ever wondered how much your DMS and source structure are really impacting your dealership’s parts profitability? In this highly tactical episode, Chuck brings decades of parts management experience to the table, breaking down how smarter source structures, dynamic day-supply settings, and strategic pricing can give parts managers greater control over inventory, margins, and daily operations. Packed with real-world examples and practical DMS strategies, this session is all about making your system work for you instead of constantly working around it.From separating fast-moving parts from slow-moving inventory to managing accessories, tires, bulk fluids, special orders, and “never stock” parts, Chuck explains how the right source structure can help dealers stock smarter and eliminate unnecessary excess. He also dives into one of the biggest problems facing parts departments: obsolescence—and why unfulfilled demand and “for stock” parts are often the real culprits behind aging inventory. Whether you’re looking to improve pricing accuracy, reduce excess inventory, better control special orders, or get more value from your DMS, this episode delivers the actionable strategies you need to build a more profitable and predictable parts operation.--------------------------------------------Takeaways:1. A Smart Source Structure Gives Your DMS More Power—and Your Parts Department More Control.2. Dynamic Day-Supply and Phasing Criteria Help You Stock Based on Actual Demand.3. Obsolescence Often Starts with Poorly Managed Special Orders, For-Stock Parts, and Unfulfilled Demand.Chapters:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction01:04 - Why Source Structure Matters02:25 - The Problem with Poorly Configured DMS Sources05:45 - The Grocery Store Approach to Inventory09:36 - Breaking Inventory Into Strategic Sources12:11 - Competitive Parts & Retail Pricing15:08 - Managing Accessories18:28 - Managing Tires for Profitability20:49 - The Right Way to Manage Bulk Fluids23:16 - Managing Special Orders24:49 - The Challenge of Non-Stock Parts29:04 - Managing Recall & Campaign Parts30:58 - The Problem with For-Stock Inventory36:09 - Understanding Obsolete Inventory40:10 - The Benefits of Dynamic Source StructureResources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelioWebsite: https://www.partsedge.com

Chris Craig, FixedOps Content Developer at RockEd, joins Kaylee Felio to dive into the launch of Rocket’s powerful new training curriculum for parts departments. They get gritty on why parts managers and associates have been overlooked—until now.From microlearning and gamification to actionable reporting and industry certification, Chris Craig breaks down how RockEd is changing the game for parts teams across the country. If you’re ready to fix the foundation, turn inventory faster, and give your team smarter tools, this episode brings the insights, energy, and optimism you need.--------------------------------------------TakeawaysMicrolearning Empowers Busy TeamsGamification Drives EngagementIndustry-Recognized CertificationChapters00:00 Military training and education04:21 Balancing Army duties and work06:40 Rocket's microlearning solution for dealerships10:40 Understanding the parts manager role14:25 Accessing Rocket Preview Mode17:17 Rocketified learning platform overview20:18 Checking out the RockEd appKaylee FelioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelioWebsite: https://www.partsedge.comChris CraigLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-topher-craigRockED Websitehttps://www.rocked.us/technician-skills

On this Parts Edge Podcast episode, Kaylee Felio sits down at the NCM Fuel the Future Fix-Op Summit with Derek from NUMA. Together, they dig deep into the tech transforming parts and service departments: proactive AI that turns every customer touchpoint into an opportunity for retention, revenue, and hassle-free communication.Derek shares how NUMA’s “co-pilot” approach fixes the industry's biggest headaches—poor communication and missed service appointments. By streamlining inbound calls and digitizing the parts counter’s to-do list, NUMA empowers managers to get out of the weeds and focus on growth, customer satisfaction, and turning inventory faster. The result? Fewer bad reviews, loyal customers, and a serious impact on the bottom line.From fixing the foundation of internal dealership workflows to bringing sales and service together, this episode is packed with gritty, realistic advice for managers who want inventory (and customer experience) to be anything but a guessing game.--------------------------------------------TakeawaysCommunication drives retention and revenue.AI frees your team for high-value tasks.Integrating sales, service, and parts leads to better customer experience.Chapters00:00 AI tool for car dealerships03:35 Challenges in service advisor roles08:07 Streamlining service with the NUMA app11:23 Increasing dealership service retention13:30 Podcast guest introductionWebsite: https://www.partsedge.com/profilequizKaylee FelioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelioWebsite: https://www.partsedge.com

Kaylee Felio sits down at the Fuel the Future FixedOps Summit with Roger Gutierrez from Biggers Auto Group to dig into what it takes to run a growth-focused dealership—and why fixing the foundation in service and parts is more critical than ever. From smarter scheduling and AI to sharper sales skills for the parts team, this episode is packed with practical advice and gritty optimism for every parts and fixed ops leader.Roger reveals what it’s like to step away from the grind and immerse himself in innovation, lessons learned on managing people and process, and the powerful impact of clear communication—both with teams and customers. If you’re ready to turn inventory faster, give your managers better tools, and make every hour in the department count, this conversation is for you.--------------------------------------------TakeawaysInvest in Sales Training for Parts Teams: Equip your parts staff to sell complete jobs, not just parts, to strengthen reputation and customer satisfaction.Fix the Foundation With Process and Communication: Tighten up scheduling and status update processes—these “basics” keep customers happy and teams accountable.Face Weaknesses for Lasting Growth: Embracing vendor solutions or new technologies can be uncomfortable, but honest feedback and visibility are crucial for improvement.Chapters00:00 Learning about AI and data management06:07 Importance of knowledgeable parts staffWebsite: https://www.partsedge.com/profilequizKaylee FelioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelioWebsite: https://www.partsedge.com