Why This Program … Why Now?
Data security and data breaches are all over the news and have the attention of your customers. With advances in technology, especially in your customer’s equipment, dealers have more access to sensitive customer data than ever before. These developments have created customer and manufacturer expectations and related legal obligations requiring dealers to pay attention to data security. Dealers and manufacturers came to us to help address these issues, and we have developed a program tailored to dealers that will guide you through this complicated area.
Our Data Security Program has been developed in consultation with dealers over the course of two years. The Data Security Program is the industry standard for dealers and is in the process of being adopted by dealers throughout North America.
The program covers two important areas:
Legal: Agreements that govern customers’ agronomic and other data in your possession (what can you collect, how can you use it, who has access to it, etc.); establish and implement a data security policy (your customers expect this); and limit your liability.
Implementation and Training: Materials that show you how to implement the program and train your employees: How to use the agreements, what organizati onal changes need to be made, what systems and processes need to be improved, what employees can say and what they can’t.
Why Go It Alone?
The North American Equipment Dealers Association’s (NAEDA) top priority is manufacturer relations. We recognize that the most important contract a dealer will sign is their dealer contract with an OEM. NAEDA regularly communicates with OEM’s on contractual and policy issues to ensure balance and fairness in the relationship.
It could cost as much as $40-$60K in professional fees (attorneys, etc.) to develop a program of your own and considerable staff resources to implement it.
Your company could potentially suffer a loss of customer relationships and revenue due to mistrust or misuse.
You run the risk of potential lawsuits and legal costs if your company violates data breach laws.
Insurance does not replace the need for a data security program.
Manufacturers are expecting dealers to address data security and properly protect themselves and the brand.
Does anyone on your staff have time to develop and implement a program?
Data Privacy & Protection: What Dealers Need to Know to Avoid Risk
In this webinar, Formwalt shares tips and tactics dealers can utilize to protect themselves and their customers from precision data disasters, along with what to expect in the future.