Auto Dealer Software Data Integration Experts Blog

There are many auto dealer software providers in the industry providing all flavors of dealer management systems at various price points. On the surface they all look the same with accounting, payroll, parts inventory, service management, F&I and auto manufacturer integration.

Proper research is required to make sure you select the right dealer management system to support your dealership. Differences in manufacturer integration are commonly overlooked when considering a new auto software provider. I would like to share with you an example of how integration with the same name could provide very different functionality.

Three auto dealer software providers sell integrated VIN inquiry functionality (e.g. Ford OASIS, GM VISS, Chrysler eVIP, Hyundai Service VIN Inquiry, etc…). All are similar in that they initiate a background request once the VIN and odometer is entered during repair order write-up so that the Service Advisor receives the information while still with the customer. How each process the response is quite different.

There you have it. Three integrated VIN Inquiry solutions that have the same name but offer a varying degree of functionality. I was going to label the solutions as Good, Better, Best, but I wasn't sure which was which. Acceptable functionality for one dealer may not be enough for another dealer. Likewise, functionality that one auto dealer may require is too much for another dealer. So, make sure you don't overlook auto manufacturer integration next time you compare auto dealer software providers.

Rich has over 19 years automotive solutions experience with auto dealer management software. Over his 15 years with Reynolds & Reynolds (then UCS), his responsibilities included dealer management software support, auto dealer software installation, auto manufacturer account management and dealership consulting.

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