Shopping for a windows based DSP

[DTroller]

ASI (AutoSoft) is so much easier to use. No longer do we have to go through 5 different screens to access what we want and gone are the 2 and 3 digits to remember! I love it!

[scotstrong]

Try asking your parts manager how he likes AutoSoft's parts applications compared to ADP.

Scot Strong

[homesleym]

We too are looking at options. Scot, are you saying the Autosoft parts application is not the greatest?

[gregm]

We decided to go with ACS to replace ADP. We have been using ACS for 18 months at a smaller Kia Dealership we have in Southern Indiana (we used to use Autosoft in that dealership). We are going live on ACS (out of Mobile, AL) in January, 2005. We still have two other locations on ADP systems, but we have seen enough good things with ACS to try it in our biggest stores in Kentucky.

[pcalvert]

Try www.pbssystems.com Full DMS with factory comms.Windows based, On Line capable, Real cool product!

[This message has been edited by pcalvert (edited 12-23-2004).]

[pcalvert]

Sorry gang can't spell up here in my igloo:-) www.pbssystems.com

[erict]

We have been on ADAM for a long time, first the DOS system then Windows. The Windows system has many shortcomings and I have pretty much given up on it. I have been looking at other systems (again) for the last 3 months, including Proceed, Arkona, AutoSoft, UCS and Systems 2000. I keep thinking someone out there will develop a full featured system that does not cost a fortune. So far I have not found the silver bullet.

At this point I am seriously considering UCS despite the long contract and high cost because the software seems very full featured and it actually works. Does anyone have any comments on the functionality of UCS?

[TBDet]

We have been with Autosoft for 11 years and have found them to be very cost effective and overall very good to work with. We are still paying less for our whole system in software support fees than we used to pay ADP for support for 1 PS2 pc that did only parts. Ive been out of the market for so long that I cant tell you how many bells and whistles you may be giving up compared to some of the other players in the market but for the price they have done all I need.

[johnny o]

Using only a few good management methods a person can out perform the "bells and whistles" systems. Usually the simpler and often the fewer the methods, the more success you will have.

No matter how incredible the system is; the knowledge to work the programs and having a good understanding of inventory priciples is worth far more. The computer and software are only tools, it is the people who use them that make them useful.

Those that know me , know I love technology and the tools it sometimes provides, however, on this point I have come full circle in my love of systems , it is people who are the keys to success.

In my opinion , there is virtually no computer system (DMS) on the market right now that cannot do the basic jobs as required by the parts team or accounting team or the service team. Continually however, I note if the system is not doing the job it is the users who have not had the nuts and bolts of what the system can do inculcated into thier everyday work. Yet the thrust of most providers is to sell even more equipment and software , when they should concentrate on the individuals who use the equipment on a continual basis in training and public relations , the end result would be product satisfaction , less support staff and product sales as result of custmers who can fluidly use all the tools provided by the vendor. Instead , the answer (knee jerk reaction) by most providers is to hire even more support staff and add anouther programer who can do a re-write or add more bells and whistles ...when in fact the users cannot and do not use most of the tools already written into the software. Why? In many cases most people do not even know what the software can do, or that a routine is already in place. People who use and understand the software are worth money in the bank for those who wrote the software as well as for the dealership.

[This message has been edited by johnny o (edited 01-11-2005).]

[homesleym]

Currently on ADP but looking at opportunities with one of the other smaller companies. Problem is we are a multi franchise dealer, Volvo, MB and Nissan as well as GM. Problem appears to be the integration to factory programs. Anyone have any input? Thanks

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