Big-Picture Thinking

Sometimes in the rush to compete in the new digital frontier, it’s easy to miss the big picture. Our cover story in this issue reminds us all to take a step back. “Remember, the first step to acquiring technology is not about technology at all. The first step is to identify the business problem you’re trying to solve. Once you know that, then you start investigating technologies to achieve it,” says Andrew Cotter, Chair of the ELFA Operations & Technology Committee.

Cotter and other tech experts share sage advice for taking a strategic approach to applying technology to your business in Critical Operations. They also offer a preview of the packed agenda for the Operations & Technology Conference, Sept. 16–18 in Chicago. If you’re looking to network and discuss critical ideas, trends and IT solutions facing our industry, we hope to see you there!

And, while we’re talking technology, do you know that, about a year ago, the association created a high-level committee whose charter is to explore various tech-related initiatives and assess their impact on the broader equipment finance industry? The Technology Innovation Work Group, chaired by Deb Reuben, is an executive-level body charged with monitoring and analyzing various digital strategies and techniques—from blockchain to AI to machine learning to autonomous devices—and communicating to ELFA members how these initiatives can help their organizations better serve their customers and bring about operational efficiencies. This group is rolling out a Tech Innovation Leadership Series and more—stay tuned!

A Look at Independents

Another hot topic we examine in this issue is the state of the independent equipment finance sector. According to a new study from the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, it’s a good time to be an independent. Hear what members from this sector have to say about the traits that set them apart and the secret to their future success.

Also, don’t miss highlights from the 2019 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity. Find out how independents—and all sectors of our industry—fared over the past year in this comprehensive report. Look at the big picture, and then drill down into the data using new digital tools, including the Interactive SEFA Dashboard and the MySEFA personalized data tool.

Cast Your Ballot

It’s time to vote for ELFA’s officers and directors for 2020. To participate in this important process, please go here for more information. We also encourage you to participate in the Business Council Steering Committee elections.

As you can tell, summer is very busy here at ELFA headquarters, 1625 I Street—right around the corner from the big house on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! Thank you as always for your continued support and participation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or you’d like to get more involved.