MAPconnected launches 2026 warranty AI research and summit agenda

MAPconnected has released two 2026 studies aimed at helping manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and service teams identify AI use cases and improve warranty operations. The research will be featured at the Service & Warranty Lifecycle Summit in Detroit on Oct. 19-21.

Why it matters: - Warranty and service teams are under pressure to cut cost, complexity and friction while improving speed, accuracy and customer experience. - MAPconnected's new research package is designed to show where AI can create near-term value and where current warranty processes are breaking down. - The studies are aimed at manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and service organizations navigating the Service & Warranty Lifecycle.

What happened: - MAPconnected announced two 2026 research studies: AI OPPORTUNITY MAP: 10 Top Projects Transforming the Service & Warranty Lifecycle, and WARRANTY MANAGEMENT STUDY 2026: From Operational Burden to Strategic Advantage. - The research is available now, with both studies positioned as a combined view of the future of service and warranty and the operational challenges organizations face today. - The announcement came from Detroit on Oct. 6, 2026.

The details: - The AI OPPORTUNITY MAP identifies 10 high-impact AI projects across warranty administration, claims, diagnostics, technical assistance, dealer operations, field service, quality, supplier collaboration and customer experience. - WARRANTY MANAGEMENT STUDY 2026 includes industry trends, operational challenges, benchmarking information and the dealer perspective. - The warranty study includes 34+ OEM warranty claim-flow screenshots. - The study examines warranty friction through the eyes of dealers and highlights opportunities to reduce cost, complexity and frustration. - MAPconnected members can buy each study for $195. - Non-members can buy each study for $395. - Study purchases are available through the member and sponsor packages page. - The announcement also points readers to summit and workshop information. - MAPconnected is an executive peer community focused on advancing the Service & Warranty Lifecycle through research, benchmarking, networking, workshops and AI innovation initiatives. - MR Insights is the research partner on the studies and is led by Mike Roberts.

Between the lines: - The studies frame AI as a practical operating tool, not just a future-state concept. - MAPconnected is pairing research with an event strategy, using the summit to move from analysis to implementation. - The dealer perspective appears central, which suggests the research is targeting a common pain point in warranty administration rather than only a technology upgrade. - Pam Walter said the AI map shows where new opportunities are emerging, while the warranty study shows where the current system creates friction. - Mike Roberts said the service and warranty organization is at an inflection point and the key challenge is turning intelligence into action.

What's next: - MAPconnected's Service & Warranty Lifecycle Summit runs Oct. 19-21, 2026, at the Westin Southfield Detroit. - An Oct. 19 interactive workshop will focus on mapping the warranty lifecycle, uncovering process gaps and identifying improvement opportunities. - The summit will highlight real-world AI, predictive analytics and data-driven transformation initiatives. - Attendees will also receive practical next steps and a complimentary copy of the 2026 Warranty Management Study. - MAPconnected is positioning the research and summit as a roadmap for organizations trying to move warranty from an operational burden to a strategic advantage.

The bottom line: - MAPconnected is bundling research, peer networking and a live summit to help service and warranty leaders decide where AI can improve performance first.