by cantfind12 » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:24 pm
In my experience watching the utilization of DMS' the diversity of need, application and user ability is enormous. Anyone who can guage that criteria in a real world fashion is invaluable. There is a plethera of programs out there that sell like Velcro and stick like Post-Its. However, I constantly see applications that have incredible potential yet go unused due to lack of training, improper internal protocols or flat out resistance.
My first step would be to asses exactly what you have and to what extent it is being used in a very quantifiable manner. For example, do you have Electronic Special Orders in your parts dept. that are not being used. Are they tied in with a system of notification etc. The same applies to Service dynamics and of course Vehicle Management and Sales applications.
There are so many nuances that are overlooked. I can't speak to negotiating with your provider but, in my opinion, there are many bells and whistles that don't provide much return in a practical sense and can save money if they can be stripped off.