New Computer System

[variablenet]

Here are the facts. We are a full line GM dealership with an ADP reflections system. About 15 PC terminals, and a dealership with sales on average of about 130 units a month. We are in the process of purchasing another GM dealership that also includes a Ford franchise that will at the time the buy sell is done will not have any system at all. This dealership will have a volume of about 75 units a month. It is located about 150 miles from our current dealership. We have not been happy with the current ADP system and are looking to change. We also would like to be able to access both dealerships systems from either location. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[callbob]

Really need to take a look at alternatives - ADAM, AutoSoft, Automate, Jarvis and several others. I saved a fair amount of money going with one of these in a similiar situation (a GM Store and a Chrysler Store). I am happy with the system and the cost and my people really like it. Will require some research on your part - but well worth it.

[Matt Parsons]

EDS offers a dealer management system that is certified for use in both GM and Ford stores. The system has full functionality for all departments and is fully graphical. At NADA EDS will be offering both a decentralized version of the offering (DMS@NET) where you purchase the server and maintain it for your store(s), and a true ASP where you buy the system on a per seat basis and EDS manages the server environment. We support full conversions of data from an ADP system to EDS.

If you would like more information, you can visit www.edsarg.com, or call us if you would like a sales representative to make contact with you at 1-800-3456-EDS.

[Richard]

Slighty Off Topic; BUT well worth considering. Talk to your managers, and make sure their voice is heard. They are they ones who will have to undergo the pain and agony of any computer changes. I don't work for any of the computer companies, I work for a small dealer, but have been through several computer switches in my years in this business, and every single one has been nothing but problems. Whatever the computer company tells you, take with a grain of salt, in fact, a whole shaker.

[ryanjohn]

Variablenet:

Shopping around only makes sense and will save you money. ADAM has a GREAT Windows application capable of running multiple locations over one server.

You will see a 75% reduction in your IT expense switching from ADP. Contact me for a consultation.

Ryan Johnston
800-676-2262
National Account Manager
ADAM Software

[bobbritting]

[CliffC]

Variablenet,

Could you provide more information about your overall business/IT strategy.

Are you in a highly competitive market?

Do you think your corporate IT strategy would segregate you from your competition?

Have you made a list of your absolute needs from a new system?

Have you made a list of the things you don't like about your current system?

Just looking at the standard vendor list without a comprehensive strategy OR with a strategy which only considers cost will most likely get you a system from the vendor with the best and/or most desperate salesman.


Cliff