ADP

[mguerriero]

The problem with Arkona and many other PC based software is that NONE of them support Jag. I just recently received emails from Arkona and they are just now going live testing with Ford. We also would be looking at a very large PC investment because about half our facility hardware are green screens. Then we need to have the personnel required to maintain 200+ PCs. While the monthly computer fees may be lower, I am noticing large inhouse "support fees" that we would have to contend with. How have you handled the switch to PCs successfully and did you notice a large increase in PC replacement and inhouse support costs?

[jdaniel]

Your concerns about supporting PCs are valid- we're on R&R (also because of the makes we carry) but our PC count has crept up to around 60. Since it looks like their computer at home the end-users don't understand why you don't let them add programs, etc. at will- if you let them they will kill your equipment with non-productive programs, usually introducing spyware at the same time. To prevent this you need a real network with (most likely) a Windows Active Directory deployment to control users and machines- then there is the issue of patch and service pack deployment- and on and on. And don't even get me started on the bandwidth and other implications of web-access PCs open up.
Depending on your location, you might be able to pick up an entry-level computer tech for short money to handle the routine issues so you can focus on the bigger ones, but that requires management understanding of the issues of security, stability, etc.


------------------
Jack Daniel, MCSE+I, CCNA
Systems Admin
South Shore Imported Cars

[richardwright]

I would say PBS would be a good system, however I don't beleive it would benefit multi-franchised companies. We are a small independant set up on a terminal server, so it works rather well for us. It never hurts to ask though.

[kquinn]

We just went through the same process a year or so ago and are a multi franchise group including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Jaguar, Toyota, Lexus, Landrover.
None of these systems are perfect, in the process I looked at the big 3 (ADP, R&R and UCS) and various others including Arkona. We did narrow it down to the big 3 because of factory communications and some limitations of the smaller PC based and web based systems.
The important thing to remember especially at your size is that you should get "enterprise pricing" (ask them about this).
Be willing to walk away from any product and resolve yourself to that and then get the best pricing.
Whomever you land with (of R&R and ADP) will have service problems and software systems that are archaic and being milked for as long as we are willing to pay top dollar.
Don't let them tire you out...you represent major dollars to them. Don't settle for anything less that 35% discounts (from list) on monthly fees and 50-60% discounts (from list) on upfront costs. In fact depending on your size more may be appropriate.
I would be happy to share my experience with you for free if you are still in this process.

Good Luck
Kevin Quinn
CFO
Performance Automotive Group
(402) 964-4291

[Paradise]

My overall view is R&R is the most efficient and friendly of all systems. I am biased..have worked on various systems and wanted to take hammer to all but Reynolds.
WOuld put Reynolds feet to the fire on fees.
The field is getting more competitive..I would think they would do all they could to maintain or snare a large account ..such as yours.

[les]

As someone who designed software that required major process changes within the day-today operations of a dealership (bbcn.com and the concept of recurring bidding of all purchases), I would recommend that as you consider any new DMS, you make sure that you look beyond just the hardware and software.

Does the new system support process changes that you want to make to make your business more profitable? If these process changes are not able to be system monitored, and in some cases, mandated, what are the chances of your people falling back to the old way of doing things?

Does the system talk to the rest of the world and, whenever possible, without human intervention, allow this communication to take place? Your DMS is no longer an island and as such, how easy is it to talk to your customers via the Internet, post your inventory, allow customers to see their information. This is a new role for the DMS and as such, if it requires manual input from someone, the chances of it getting done decrease.

What items does the system do automatically to take a workload off your employees? Can it automatically talk to the factory for information contained within their systems? Can it automatically send Emails to customers based on trigger events such as a repair order being completed? When it gets information from an outside computer, does it automatically update information in your DMS system (especially if the information came from your manufacturer) - or does someone have to print, read and rekey the information?

As you consider new systems, look beyond the DMS and look at the processes in your dealership that you want changed - and how will your new DMS help to ensure those changes take place? What your DMS did 5 years ago when you purchased it, is no longer as important as what will it do today and tomorrow, as a part of a network tying your dealership to your manufacturer and your customers.

Also, it is inevitable that your green screens are going away and not necessarily a bad thing. PCs can help your workers become more productive in many ways, but as you said, they bring with them new challenges. However, if you look into the future, you need to really be sure that green screens have a valid role in how your dealership operates. You may find that where you are going and what green screens can do are not the same. Also, what direction are your manufacturers going with regards to communications with them and are green screens part of that future? I would hazard a guess that the direction is towards the Internet and increasing amounts of color and graphics.

Never forget the impact of existing processes - and the challenge you have in making changes to the processes. In many cases, the changes needed by the dealership are not always perceived as being the right changes by the people who actually make them. I would contend that if you are not looking at the major vendors (UCS R&R ADP), you are probably more focused on price and less on the ability to have your dealership operate the way you want it to. And, you should look at all of these vendors from the perspective of your new system helping you implement the changes you feel need to be made to be successful in the future. If you do not, then your new system will cost more than just the money you pay to the DMS vendor.

You seem to have come to some sort of decision that your ADP system is not going to take you where you are going so, it would seem that a little time looking at all of the alternatives (R&R and UCS) will be a wise investment for a decision with long term implications.

[Richard]

I wish all the other DMS providers would do what EDS has done, provide a forum within this forum for their systems. It would be easier to find the information you need, and keep from having threads throughout all the forums about R+R this, ADP That.......

I know some of their reps are on this board...how about stepping up like Matt has?