CJDevents.com

Challenge

For auto show preparation, Chrysler had a process that was extremely complex, involving many organizations and requiring frequent meetings with global agencies and suppliers just to ensure that everyone was working with the most up-to-date information. Paper order forms, reports, faxes and frequently changing requests created a logistical nightmare.

In late 2000, Chrysler made a decision to improve its overall auto show preparation and management process. It sought to create efficiencies, reduce paper, simplify workflow and ultimately save time and money.

Solution

Chrysler tapped EEI Global to develop an application that would move its auto show planning and management online. The result was DCXevents.com, a pioneering Web-based system that launched in early 2001. The system has since grown and evolved; and today it is known as CJDevents.com, supporting the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands of the new Chrysler, LLC.

In developing CJDevents.com, EEI Global first worked with Chrysler to fully define all business objectives for the system. They ultimately set a vision for CJDevents.com to become a “one-stop shop” for all Chrysler event-related information. Next, a set of industry-pioneering system features and performance benchmarks was established. In addition to a powerful set of standard file sharing and event calendar collaboration capabilities, EEI Global developed such advanced features as custom workflow, approval, financial processing and event metric reporting. Finally, EEI Global helped establish a growth strategy for the CJDevents.com system to ensure its ongoing success for Chrysler. EEI Global continues to meet with Chrysler stakeholders throughout each year to drive the development of new innovative features and continuous system improvement.

Results and Benefits

As a result of EEI Global’s work with CJDevents.com, Chrysler has realized significant operational efficiencies and cost savings. "CJDevents.com has really helped simplify a very complicated process," reports Bo Puffer, Chrysler manager, Domestic Motor Shows and Special Events. "Having one place for all vendors to submit quotes and access floor plans saves hundreds of man-hours a year. On-site issues have been cut in half because the communication prior to the shows has been so much better".

Chuck Hitt from Chrysler auto show agency Gail & Rice agrees. "CJDevents.com puts everyone on the same page for the event with the correct information. It's resulted in time savings and cost savings, and it's easy to access to get a total picture of the event. We also benefit from the history that's been built up over the years, which allows us to track events better over time".

Indeed, the success of the site is reflected in the steady growth of its user base, as well as the number and type of shows managed. Starting with just over two dozen users, the site now has more than 300 registered users. Originally designed to manage major auto shows, the site has grown to manage an average of over 850 auto-related events annually.

Growth plans for the CJDevents.com site include the addition of auto event RFP management and detailed event ROI reporting that ties auto shows to sales trends. These additions will provide Chrysler with a true "cradle to grave" management capability over their global event marketing programs, and will continue to make CJDevents.com an industry benchmark for online collaboration & event management.