5 Benefits of a Quality Automotive Management System
Before the creation of dealership management systems, dealerships would use multiple different software and toggle between screens to perform daily functions. You can imagine how time-consuming this was and how it left dealerships vulnerable to mistakes in entering data and gathering information.
Luckily, we have the advantage of today’s robust and innovative DMS, where dealerships can complete work in one hub. Whether it’s sales, service and parts operations, or financial transactions, a DMS allows departments to work in one place. When combined with a dealership management service plugin, the workflow becomes even smoother and productivity optimized.
A DMS plugin with your existing software makes for an excellent overall automotive management system. Here are a few benefits a quality management system provides for today’s dealerships.
1. Automation
Quicker data input with automation features saves time. What would typically take a couple of minutes to enter can be completed with a click of a button. For dealerships, every minute counts. Automation minimizes data entry errors and improves consistency across departments.
2. Data in one place
One of the main reasons DMS exist in the first place is because dealerships needed software where they can access multiple daily functions, including sales, inventory, service, finance, customer data, communication, and more, in a single platform. Data flows seamlessly from one department to another with no need to switch between software.
Although all DMS have this capability, a common constraint is the lack of integrated communication between departments. This is where Workflow 360°’s dealer management service plugin comes in. It works with your existing DMS as an interactive route sheet that supports each department with real-time reporting on vehicles in the service bay, streamlined communication between service technicians and the parts department, and two-way communication with customers.
3. Better customer service
The automotive industry landscape has evolved significantly in our digital era. Not only are dealerships competing with other dealerships, but they are also running the race with online car sellers. Consumers can now purchase a vehicle online and have it conveniently delivered to their homes. With this level of competition, dealerships need to offer an impeccable customer service experience.
Now, what role does a DMS play in this area? With accurate data and a smoother workflow, sales and service reps can make service personalized to each customer. For example, a service rep can pull up a customer’s file, quickly see the communication history, address the customer by name, and offer service based on that customer’s preference. For example, offering shuttle service and making recommendations for other services. Two-way communication with a DMS service plugin allows for quicker approvals and service times.
When it comes to taking care of their vehicle, people will pay for excellent customer service. Regardless of the convenience of e-commerce, the service department can retain customers and help bring in warm leads for the dealership with special offers.
4. Easy to use
A quality DMS is easy to use and has the user in mind. While there are many DMS available with all of the bells and whistles, the software you use to manage a dealership should not cause more confusion for the sake of more features and tools.
If you’re in the process of switching to a new DMS or you’re setting up a DMS for a new dealership, be sure to demo the software to determine how user-friendly it is and identify any limitations. If you’re experiencing constraints with your current DMS, consider a service plugin to help improve the dealer management system process flow.
5. Cloud-based technology
Cloud-based software allows for greater flexibility, convenience, and access to data from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. Furthermore, cloud-based technology eliminates the need for IT and infrastructure support, an added expense for dealerships. You can rest assured that your data is backed-up and protected in the cloud.
At the end of the day, automotive software should save you time. If you’re experiencing bottlenecks with your current DMS, take a look at Workflow 360°’s Production Efficiency Platform in action and how it can improve your processes.
