Australia—particularly after the decline of domestic manufacturing—hsy has adapted to meet growing demand.“When I was a child,European cars were rare. Now, you see Volkswagen Golfs, BMWs, and Mercedes vehicles everywhere,” Tippner says. “The market for European car parts has expanded significantly, and we’re growing alongside it.” This shift has been driven in part by affordability. In the 1990s, luxury European cars were far less accessible to the average Australian. Today, the price point for brands like Mercedes has become much more competitive, offering Australian drivers a wider range of options. hsy has expanded its reach as demand surges, placing branches as close to customers as possible to ensure efficient last-mile delivery across major capital cities and along the Eastern Seaboard. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION As the industry evolves, so too does hsy’s approach to technology. The company has significantly invested in digital infrastructure to improve efficiency and customer experience. “We were early adopters in transitioning to a fully digital and paperless ordering system,”Tippner explains.“Years ago, most sales were done over the phone. Now, we’ve moved towards a seamless online ordering experience.” To ensure hsy remains in tune with customer needs, the company has established a Steering Committee composed of leading independent European workshops.“We meet with them quarterly to discuss business plans and get direct feedback on how we can improve. That dialogue helps us refine our strategies and investments to benefit our customers directly.” The commitment to digital innovation extends to hsy’s logistics and inventory management. A recent warehouse management system upgrade introduced digital scanners, eliminating paper-based processes and improving order accuracy.“This has significantly reduced our error rate and ensures that customers receive the right part quickly and efficiently.” SUSTAINABILITY AS A STRATEGIC PILLAR Sustainability has become an increasingly important focus for hsy. The company has introduced several 14 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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