Car Blog

In the past, dealerships operated using different software applications. Team members would log onto multiple platforms to get customer information, view service histories, or schedule appointments. This caused some issues and communications to be noticed. Now, dealerships use a single, integrated tech stack called a dealer management system (DMS).

Data Security

Dealerships have a variety of data that must be kept secure. This includes data related to inventory, sales, financing, and parts. These data can be valuable to thieves if accessed by unauthorized people. A dealer management system has a legal responsibility to protect customer data, and it should evaluate the security of its dealer management system to ensure that it is secure.

One of the biggest threats to data security is human error. This can happen due to greed, laxity, or even negligence. However, there are countermeasures to mitigate the risk. In addition, dealers must educate employees on how to keep data secure. For example, a dealer should have a policy that outlines the importance of ensuring the integrity of its data.

Dealers should choose a DMS that offers secure data storage. Data security is essential for dealerships, as they rely on customer data to stay connected to current and prospective customers. They also use data analytics to stay on top of the trends and needs of customers. Because every department of the dealership uses data, it needs to be organized, secure, and managed. This helps team members validate results and complete their work efficiently.

Data security is vital to dealerships in today’s cyber-secure environment. Even a small incident could have huge implications for a dealership. For example, 84% of consumers would not return to a dealership after having their data compromised. As a result, more than half of dealerships will increase their investments in cybersecurity over the next five years. Even though it is difficult to predict the future, implementing cybersecurity measures into dealer management systems is important for keeping data secure.

Flexibility 

Flexibility is one of the most important features of a dealership management system. It helps dealers to integrate with other systems seamlessly. Using a DMS that can integrate with third-party software can greatly increase the efficiency of a dealership. In addition, a flexible system should be flexible enough to meet the needs of the dealership supply chain.

Dealer management systems have evolved greatly over the past 30 years. However, many industries still need a specialized all-in-one system. A fully integrated DMS integrates all operational areas of a dealership to reduce inefficiencies and improve productivity. The system is capable of supporting all departments in a dealership, which makes it a highly desirable option for nearly every dealership. Any department in a dealership can benefit from a DMS, and any employee can make the most of the system’s features.

Flexibility is also essential in the equipment rental industry. Rental equipment is complex and involves many options, including planning, transport, servicing, and inspection. Dealer management systems should include these functions to help streamline the entire process. Moreover, a flexible system will help dealers avoid losing deals due to system limitations.

The flexibility of a DMS will help a dealership meet the demands of today. It can also help dealers reimagine their operations and change how they engage with their customers. In this way, a DMS will help them meet their future goals and save money.

Integration

Dealer management systems (DMS) are important for dealership operations. A well-integrated system can simplify equipment management, increase operational efficiency, and manage customer data. It should be flexible enough to support new technologies and functionality while remaining secure. In addition, a DMS should offer seamless integration with third-party software and services, such as mobile write-up solutions.

While traditional DMS solutions take time to adapt to the dealership’s unique needs, newer versions provide greater flexibility and faster resolution of issues. These new-generation solutions can help OEMs implement business needs efficiently and help boost trust among employees. For example, dealerships are increasingly embracing omnichannel experiences, meaning their software must be accessible on various devices. For instance, mobile devices allow remote access and can be accessed without a VPN.

Tighter integration enables better alignment between marketing, sales, and third-party solutions. In turn, a connected value chain sends the right message to customers and executes incentives tuned to market and customer demand. In addition to improving customer service, a connected value chain allows dealers to unify the customer experience, gain global multi-channel insight, and optimize their time.

Third-party integration helps automotive dealerships manage all aspects of customer lifecycle management. This includes efficient customer-specific pricing and inventory management and improved availability of products for sales. It also enables dealers to translate value-added customer interactions into standard sales interactions. An example is the return merchandise authorization feature, which helps customers return a vehicle if it is not pristine. This feature can assist in exchanging a faulty vehicle or refunding within the warranty period.