In the current dynamic environment of the automotive industry, dealerships stand at the crossroads of revolutionary changes. The conventional dealership model is being reshaped by evolving consumer behaviors, new business models, and technological advancements.
For progressive dealer groups, the reliance on outdated systems is no longer viable. By adopting state-of-the-art dealer management systems (DMS), these groups can lead the charge towards innovation. Selecting a DMS or assessing an existing one requires careful consideration to thrive in this shifting landscape.
Integrating Omnichannel Experiences
Adapting to industry and consumer trends is crucial for dealerships. A modern DMS should support this adaptation by enabling a blend of digital and physical customer interactions.
Pinewood DMS, with its role-based applications and digital tools, exemplifies how technology can facilitate an integrated omnichannel experience. Features such as digital signatures, and customisable media tools have propelled Pinewood DMS users towards digitising their customer interactions.
“We haven’t used a physical job card for over a year. Pinewood enabled us to go paperless because it cuts out the need for a job card. You can sign everything on the tablet, the Technician can write everything they need to on a job card on their phone.
The job progress screen has everything on it that a job card needed. Which saves time. You’re never losing a job card. You will never lose a job. It also saves space, not needing to store paper in boxes upstairs.” – Green 4 Motor Company
Choosing the Right System: All-in-One vs. Bolt-On
The choice between an all-encompassing solution and multiple add-on systems is pivotal. A comprehensive DMS like Pinewood offers all necessary functionalities within one platform, eliminating the need for additional software.
“Having one system to replace lots of different ones was fundamental for us. Pinewood DMS has revolutionised our workflows, fundamentally changing how we operate – more efficiently and effectively. With Pinewood, you’re constantly moving forward.” – DM Keith Motors
Legacy systems and the piecemeal integration of separate software can hinder a dealership’s ability to adapt to industry changes. Dealerships should weigh the implications of training, managing multiple vendor relationships, subscription costs, and more.
Innovation as the Key to Avoiding Stagnation
Modern, cloud-based DMS solutions are at the forefront of innovation, ready to adapt to industry shifts. Legacy systems, in contrast, often require disruptive, costly updates.
Pinewood DMS stands out for its commitment to innovation, providing features that others only begin to offer as new. This underscores the importance of choosing a DMS provider that not only promises but delivers on innovation.
“It was time to move on, time for a change, so we moved to Pinewood… We wished to provide our customers with an integrated digital experience, online bookings and payment facilities, and access to their cars’ progress through our workshops online. This makes our customer experience more enjoyable and paperless.” – Blackwater Motors
Conclusion
Embracing change with a sophisticated dealer management system is imperative for dealerships. While third-party partnerships enhance a DMS by integrating additional functionalities, reliance on these for core industry-specific features may indicate a system’s deficiencies. A well-crafted DMS should offer comprehensive capabilities on its own, reducing the need for external integrations and providing dealers with a streamlined, efficient solution for navigating the evolving automotive landscape.
