DealersEdge Professional Forums

Our ADP contract is up in all our dealerships and we are considering switching to a fully networked windows based system known as ACS. Manufacturing interfaces appear to be the biggest obstacle. I was wondering about anyone else who may have left ADP or R&R for a smaller "windows based system".

There are a number of systems that have Windows components, or may be ALL Windows applications. However, you'll find that in some areas of the dealership, clicking with a mouse doesn't necessarily make as much sense as using a keyboard for entry. Accounting and the service departments are two areas in particular.

One system I'm familiar with is found at www.dds-live.com. DDS has a mature core system that runs on affordable hardware. Most of the aplications are Windows-based and interact with a rock-solid UNIX-hosted central database system. If you've been using ADP, you probably wont find you're giving up anything to move to DDS, and you'll gain some. They also do not have long term contracts.

There are others, but this is the one I'm personally most familiar with.

Why is it important to be on a Windows based system?

The assumption of a windows based system is more flexibility. Netiher R& R or ADP can be considered flexible. Most of thier system programming is 25 plus yers I understand. I talked to a R&R rep and told me their window based system works well except for parts and serivce where the speed of a snail would be considered fast. I think both systems should be ashamed of their lack of flexibility. But there again, when both companies buy up anyone who is innovative and cutting edge and potentially threaten their market share........................

I have to agree that a Windows based system isn't necessarily the fastest in all depts. I'm in acctg and we recently upgraded to Power workstations on a UCS system. Having to go back and forth between a mouse and the keyboard is a pain the rear. I would prefer just using the keyboard which isn't an option.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED I CAN PASS SOME DEALER CONTACTS ON TO YOU FOR YOU TO CALL WHO ARE USING ACD OR DDS . . .

FYI R&R has brought some inovated tools to market these days ie... clip board computers that are wireless compatable with windows integration. In a nut shell it will allow the relationship to be between the SA , customer and the car( all at the car) instead of being between the SA the customer and the computer. I've been trying to get SA's to work the walkaround for years and this is a real key to making that process work and selling more service. On this system the entire transaction will take place at the car, they use bar code scaners and every thing written or signed is transfered to the printer inside. If you dovetail this with internet driven model specific menus, you've got a formula for some real profit.

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MIKE A.FROM THE BEACH

We switched from ADP to AutoSoft. It's the difference between night and day!

dtroller:

Which ADP system?? Elite,Advantage,Alliance..

Am I correct in assuming that you like Autosoft better than what you had??

Frank

ADP Elite.