EDS@NET perks?

[cslayden]

Our newest store has just been using EDS@NET. Our remaining stores are still running on the basic green screen. As a computer tech, I have had to go between both platforms. I've noticed that some of the views in EDS@NET are not showing all of the necessary information in certain windows. For example: when in DMS@NET and changing vehicle images, some of the options at the bottom of the list and menu options are not viewable in EDS@NET. Are the programmers working on a solution to this? The other issue is many end users are reluctant of leaving their green screen applications.

[Matt Parsons]

I have not heard of this issue that you are having with DMS@NET screens, but will certainly have our product team look into this.

In terms of people migrating from Green Screens to PC's, the transistion is not easy if people don't have basic PC experience. if they do, the transistion to DMS@NET for the vast majority of users is very easy, as the functionality of the system has not changed, just the user interface.

We will let you know what we find on your concern with some of the screens.

[cslayden]

I know the issue with the display so far has only come up with the ordering of Saturn vehicles in DMS@NET. The issue isn't a high problem because the store using this interface is a Volkswagen dealer.

[Matt Parsons]

This may explain why I was not aware of this issue. Saturn currently does not use DMS@NET. They are still using only green screens views of the applications. A project has been underway for several months now to ensure that all screens that a Saturn customer would use are properly coded for DMS@NET, as Saturn has asked EDS to ready DMS@NET for deployment to the Saturn Retail Community. I will pass this information along to the Saturn team working on this project. If you notice this type of issue arising on non-Saturn screens, please let us know so we can correct it.

Thanks.

[Matt Parsons]

CS...

I have confirmed that as part of preparing for the roll-out/availability of DMS@NET to Saturn Retailers, we did a gap analysis in which every DMS@NET panel was reviewed that would be used/viewed by a Saturn retail employee. This analysis yielded a very low number of screens that were not converting properly. EDS is adjusting those screens so that later this fall when Saturn retailers can opt for DMS@NET, all screens will function properly.

P.S., how is the Findlay Mobile Community Center coming along?

[PARTS-OH]

Will all PartslineII customers eventually be using DMS@NET, and at some time no longer be able to use the green screens?

[Matt Parsons]

Good question.

Let me give you a bit of background on DMS@NET. EDS currently only sells the DMS@NET (Graphical/web browser based) version of our DMS to dealerships. We have not sold DEALERLINE XL (Green Screen Version) for several years now.

When we developed DMS@NET, we knew it was important that many existing clients did not wish to migrate all of their users to a graphical (PC) interface all at once. With that in mind, DMS@NET and DEALERLINE XL will and do operate simultaneously within a dealers environment off of a single server (AS/400) platform. That means, that in the parts department, one user could be using a dumb terminal and be performing their work in the green screen view, and the person next to them could be using a PC and performing their work in the graphical view. We think this gives choice to our existing customers to upgrade to DMS@NET at each device, when it makes sense. Usually stores will wait until a green screen eventually stops working, and when they replace the device, they put in a PC with other tools such as Microsoft products (Word, Excel), Internet connectivity, email, etc.

So, in answer to your question. There may be a day when we only support DMS@NET and the graphical view of the applications (like parts), but EDS has not made the decision to stop supporting green screen views of the applications, and I do not forsee this happening in the near future.

P.S., the green screens are always there behind the scenes, and thus if you had a failure of your web browser based 'view' (DMS@NET), your system would revert to a green screen view. EDS specifically built the application this way as a form of redundancy to decrease the risk of your system not being available.

It is all about choice. What do you think of our approach to this issue?

[PARTS-OH]

I think it is line with the dealers needs, as I know many employees are reluctant to use Windows look and feel as opposed to green screen.

[Richard]

Well, to be honest, Parts Department CAN use @Net, but I can't recommend it for general use in Parts. We've been on EDS for several years, and I tried @Net when it became availible to us. As a Parts Manager, there are several screens which aren't availible to you in @Net, especially in the ordering and return areas. As far as counter use, I tried to switch my counter people to it, and they rejected it because of the smaller print and hard to read contrasts as compared to Partsline II, in reg 5250 Emulation mode.
You can use it, but expect productivity drops, which is why i switched back.

[Matt Parsons]

Richard, 1 question and one comment this morning. First, there should be no functionality loss in going to DMS@NET. Every option that exists in DEALERLINE XL is available in DMS@NET plus more. Can you remember any specifics where you felt there were options that were not available to you? I would like for out team to investigate those as the team that developed the product states they brought every option/function forward.

Second, it is interesting to hear you state that the type/font is small. This is something that I have always questioned in that you are right, a smaller font was used in DMS@NET versus our green screen applications. Did all of your team members find it harder to read or just some? I have never heard this from the deployed client base, but when I saw the application, it was one of the first things that I noticed.

Once again, the good news about DMS@NET is that it can be deployed one desktop at a time. That way, as Richard has pointed out, some departments can be using, and others can opt for green screen or green screens running under emulation on a PC. It can go as far to have one counter person using DMS@NET and the person next to them not using, and behind the scenes there is no effect to your database or applications.

[This message has been edited by Matt Parsons (edited 08-22-2002).]