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Customer-Focused Innovation Drives CarMax
Brendan, Cole, Dylan
What is CarMax and how are they preparing for futute
Case Overview
- Largest used car retailer in the world as of 2017 with 173 stores
- With advances in technology CarMax has had to improve their online approach
What has CarMax done to use a website affectively
Website
-90% of people buying used cars start their search on the internet
- CarMax created their own website which resembled Amazon's which was easy to use and navigate
How has their app improved their company
Mobile App
- This app has allowed for associates to quickly evaluate the value of a car without leaving the customer or the vehicle
- CarMax also uses the app to send associates to off-site auctions to see if there are cars there worth buying
Auto Appraisal System
- We believe the new auto appraisal system would classify as a personal and workgroup impact.
- We believe this to be true because the app and website not only helps the consumers but also the associates.
- The website allows people to search for the exact car they want and get a real price tag of how much it would be.
- The app allows for instant results of the value of a car which will benefit both the buyer and seller.
- Both the website and app help both parties and saves time and effort.
New Auto Appraisal System
Overall Opinions
Overall the CarMax's IS is precieved highly by the rest of the organization, it seems to be a building stone for the new generation of the company.
Perceptions from others at CarMax
Website
CarMax uses a highly effective "Amazon" like design, centralized vehicle inventory system, customers can search the site and its inventory using their smartphones or computers
Mobile device & App
CarMax uses an app which evaulates and appraises the customers car without leaving the customer or vehicle.
The app lets them buy the best cars at the best prices
Mobile device & app
IT Academy
CarMax IS (information Systems) new hires attend Informaiton Technology Academy, which is an 8-week program where they learn primary technology and tools, as well as the software development process used at CarMax. They also go to CarMax stores and learn how CarMax information systems support customers and employees. The gradeuates are assigned to teams who conduct an open house, presenting their accomplishments infront of CarMax senior managers and board of directors.
Multi-functional Product Teams Require Multip-functional People
Information System Hiring Requirements
- Flexible
- Open Minded
- Self-Driven
- Creative
Personality Traits
- Software Proficiency
- Data Analysis
Technical Skills
Non-technical Skills
- Adaptibility
- Collaboration
- Communication