UCS Computer System

[RK]

Folks, some of the smaller PC based vendors are beginning to get some good results with their software. Take a look at Automate.com.

[Bert]

"It is what it is!"
An old axiom, but still makes sense in the dealership computer environment. While I disagree completely with FrankB in regard to a dealership loving a DSP, the relationship with the DSP is generally built from customer facing associates of the DSP--not from a corporate programmer.
All DMS providers have good and bad applications, some are better in variable while others are good with fixed, but, the end result is getting the job done for the customer as it applies to his individual daily challenges of understanding and utilizing the technology. It may be named UCS, R&R, ADP, or Adam, but "it is what it is!"

[Robert G. Britting]

I have monitored these Forums for several months, very interesting and informative for myself an Independent Represenative for a non Big3 DMS provider. I agree that if you want to promote/brag about your product do not be afraid to let everyone know who you are. Even EDS - (one of the little guys around here) is willing to provide a Forum for all those willing to comment. If you are a "TOP REP" for R+R or ADP, or XYZ (and have not been caught in the recent layoffs) let us know who you are, and be open for Questions and Comments. See you at NADA!

[This message has been edited by Robert G. Britting (edited 10-25-2001).]

[chevsm]

Having been a user of all 3 systems, I have seen the good and bad of each. Started wih R&R 10 years ago. Good system and easy to use for average person. Spent 3 years with a UCS system. Hard to get used to at first, but actually has some advantages over R&R. Then spent 6 months on ADP. What a joke. There were so many problems, our CFO made a
great disappearing act because he was so tired of hearing all the complaints over the system he bought. Huge money spent. More money spent. Oh, you want to look up a customer by their name? We will have to write you a program to do that! What a joke. Do you remember the old SCTV show where the people opened the windows and threw the TV sets out into the street? That is what we were ready to do. I got so tired of it, I quit. Had a job offer at a great store with super owner/management. Had ADP system. I declined the job. Went to a very small store with R&R. Been very happy ever since.

[chevsm]

Having been a user of all 3 systems, I have seen the good and bad of each. Started wih R&R 10 years ago. Good system and easy to use for average person. Spent 3 years with a UCS system. Hard to get used to at first, but actually has some advantages over R&R. Then spent 6 months on ADP. What a joke. There were so many problems, our CFO made a
great disappearing act because he was so tired of hearing all the complaints over the system he bought. Huge money spent. More money spent. Oh, you want to look up a customer by their name? We will have to write you a program to do that! What a joke. Do you remember the old SCTV show where the people opened the windows and threw the TV sets out into the street? That is what we were ready to do. I got so tired of it, I quit. Had a job offer at a great store with super owner/management. Had ADP system. I declined the job. Went to a very small store with R&R. Been very happy ever since.

[chevsm]

Having been a user of all 3 systems, I have seen the good and bad of each. Started wih R&R 10 years ago. Good system and easy to use for average person. Spent 3 years with a UCS system. Hard to get used to at first, but actually has some advantages over R&R. Then spent 6 months on ADP. What a joke. There were so many problems, our CFO made a
great disappearing act because he was so tired of hearing all the complaints over the system he bought. Huge money spent. More money spent. Oh, you want to look up a customer by their name? We will have to write you a program to do that! What a joke. Do you remember the old SCTV show where the people opened the windows and threw the TV sets out into the street? That is what we were ready to do. I got so tired of it, I quit. Had a job offer at a great store with super owner/management. Had ADP system. I declined the job. Went to a very small store with R&R. Been very happy ever since.

[DJWCPA]

I have worked with all of the big 3 computer systems and have found each one has its good and bad points. Surprisingly, they are very expensive compared to systems that I have worked with in other industries. Even more surprising is the fact that I have seen few major improvements over the years. I have consistently been disappointed by each of these companies. They all have failed to live up to their promises. I would love to hear of any dealers who have had positive experiences with PC based software. A better alternative to R&R, ADP & UCS must be out there.

[JT]

Coming into the car business from other industry two years ago with an extensive background as a computer user, all of the big three systems seem like a rip-off.

First-off, the average computer IQ of the computer users in the car business is very low and these systems are the primary reason. It seems as if the sole purpose of the architecture in these systems is to be atypical from all other software available and this is probably more a result of the ancient software behind these programs than anything else. A PC based system that can capitalize on the average consumers knowledge of computers would help immensely. But the second negative here is the belief expressed in an earlier post that the dealership should build their processes around the capabilities of the system. This is such hogwash. I have been an MIS for several years with several different companies and I can tell you that the first rule of any computer system should be "Does this make me more efficient?" If it doesn't, scrap the damn thing and use a legal pad and pencil.

R&R and ADP systems fail this test miserably. You can't find two out of ten people in any dealership that understand how they work and use them to their fullest potential. Count me among those that believe you are ten times better off with a small firm and a Windows-based PC system, with hardware you can purchase off the shelf. It will be cheaper, easier to upgrade and it will make you more efficient instead of a slave to the system.

[FSWood]

For those who express the desire for an alternative, here's the answer to your prayers: a small, responsive company with a true windows DMS. Buy their software, buy your hardware off the shelf, connect to the Internet, empower your employees, all is good. The name? PBS Systems. I don't work for them but have 2 dealerships (one GM, one CDJ) with their stuff and couldn't be happier. Contact me with any questions - swood@98over.com

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[SJSABIN]

I have been in the car biz for over 14 years, (my first DSP was Oakleaf, how many names did that change since the early 80's) I recently started using ADAM software (the DOS Version; Windows upgrade is comming soon) I was so used to working with the "big 3" that I forgot I wasn't a "customer number" and that I was a real person. When I call adam support (which is rare), not only am I greated by a pleasant voice, but I only need to say my dealership name and if someone is not available immediately.. then within a few minutes I get a call back. I also agree that a PC based system is SO MUCH better than the others.. and which all the franchises doing most of the communications this way, isn't it better to go that route too..

And if that doesn't make you think about converting, just check out the difference in buying just software, using exhisting PC's and the price difference in the monthly support! You will NEVER GO Back!!