Here are six building blocks and 50+ action items for a successful DMS conversion.
I have worked with over 1,000 dealers on their DMS and dealership software projects during the last ten years. Many of them decided to switch DMS providers, which I list for you below.
Most dealers’ attention is high when negotiating with their DMS partners but drops once the ink on a contract dried. That’s, however, when the real work begins. In our infograph, you can find an overview of what is essential when converting to a new DMS:
- clearing your existing DMS obligations
- leading your people and the DMS change
- managing and mapping the DMS project
- supporting the DMS conversion and setup
- re-building the DMS infrastructure
- embracing DMS success management
For more details, please download our infographic. We created this resource as a tool for your vendor reviews and to plan for “what’s next.”
List of Vendors
Company
Solution
What We Like
Adam Systems (Karmak)
- ADAM Systems is Karmak's DMS for Franchised and independent auto and powersports dealers
- Lower price without long-term contracts and proprietary equipment
- Microsoft Windows-based platform makes it easier to learn and use
Contacts
Advent Resources DMS
- Owned by the Gill family with 30+ year history of serving small and big dealerships in the US
- Strong F&I and other front-end capabilities including eSignature and eContracting, and CRM
- Web-based DMS with modern architecture on a Linux operating system and API engine
Contacts
888-923-8368
https://www.adventresources.com
Auto/Mate AMPS
- High value DMS with dealer-centric culture and -friendly price and contractual terms
- Deep integrations and automations with DealerSocket CRM and other modules
- "Designed By Car People For Car People" - most employees had worked in dealerships prior
Contacts
877-340-2677
https://www.automate.com
Autosoft GO (replacing FLEX DMS)
- Great dealership value solution with vision to deliver a customer-centric DMS platform
- Dealer-focussed culture with consistently high(est) dealer and employee satisfaction ratings
- Cloud-native DMS with intuitive one-screen navigation and agile, mobile delivery
Contacts
844-888-8200
https://autosoftgo.com
CDK Global Drive (soon Drive Flex)
- Wide suite of core and layered apps for Business Office, Fixed Ops, Front-End, Dealership-wide
- Strong enterprise capabilities incl. centralized accounting, parts warehouse, and more
- OEM DCS certifications for all brands makes this the DMS for big and diversified dealers
Contacts
847-397-1700
https://www.cdkglobal.com/us
DealerBuilt LightYear
- Intuitive UX with easy top head navigation and action side bar for quick hits/shortcodes
- Strong DMS core capabilities incl. the new ceDMS features for Service engagement
- No third party integration fees for any dealership bolt-on software providers
Contacts
888-808-0733
https://dealerbuilt.com
DealerStar DMS
- Family business developed by DMS consultant Sandi Jerome
- Web-based Dealer Management System for smaller (single) rooftops
- Dealer investment opportunity to participate in company's growth
Contacts
360-406-5062
https://www.dealerstar.com
Dealertrack DMS 2.0 (Cox Automotive)
- One of the early web-based DMS without need for server technology (or much other gear)
- First mover on bringing Performance Managers to DMS for stronger dealer support
- Deep integrations with other Cox Auto tools like VinSolutions, Xtime, Vauto, Dealer.com
Contacts
Dominion VUE DMS (replacing ACCESS)
- First true cloud-native DMS in the industry with agile, mobile and secure Azure deployment
- Microsoft DNA delivers user-friendly navigation for highest dealership learn- and usability
- Strong integrations with Dominion Dealer Solutions familiy of brands (e.g. Dealer Specialties)
Contacts
877-421-1040
https://www.dominiondms.com
PBS v10 (replacing PBS Aristo Gold, Dubuque DDS, DPC Systems)
- Single database architecture with real time data transmission and warehousing
- Bundled DMS offering for dealers to reduce third party bolt-ons (like CRM, reporting)
- System-wide workflow management with holistic enterprise view of a guest
Contacts
Quorum XSellerator
- Dealer-centric culture and relationships reflected in company board and leadership team
- Popular Quorum bolt-ons with DealerMine CRM and BDC, and Autovance retail tools
- Value DMS with bundled performance packs, Communicator, Q Analytics and Power Lane
Contacts
888-267-6180
https://xsellerator.com
R&R ERA Ignite (replacing ERA and (UCS) Power)
- Windows-based navigation and forced workflows make Ignite users stick to the DMS and process
- Powerful core DMS features and layered apps like DocuPad, GoMoto, Add-on Auto, Appraisal Lane
- High dealership operational IQ in R&R Sales, Support, and consulting for meaningful assistance
Contacts
937-485-2000
https://www.reyrey.com
Serti Dealership System
- Multi-lingual DMS for English and French-speaking franchised dealers in North America
- Comprehensive DMS with wide layered apps like CRM, F&I, Leasing, and Service suite
- Specialized for both Automotive Franchised and Heavy-Truck dealers
Contacts
Tekion Automotive Retail Cloud (ARC)
- Strong ambition to reinvent DMS and become a DealerTech platform for dealers, OEMs, consumers
- Great UX and navigation through the ARC DMS with no institutional knowledge needed
- Offering innovative features like zero contact sales/service, telematics, predictive maintenance
Contacts
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