Things to Consider When Buying a DMS

Include key employees in the evaluation of a potential DMS, if required. This enables them to see how their everyday tasks could be improved.

FREMONT, CA: A dealership's decision to purchase a Dealer Management System (DMS) can be both exciting and stressful. People usually think of a long-term advantage, but when it comes to analyzing, purchasing, and implementing a DMS, they cannot tell if the light at the end of the tunnel is sunshine or a 250-ton locomotive. Some common threads that can make the whole process simpler for everyone involved are given below.

Have A Clear Vision of The Problems the Company is Trying to Solve

To begin, what specific issues does one hope to address by implementing a DMS? Do they have an incomplete picture of their financial situation? Is it difficult to tell which departments produce good outcomes and which one’s cost money?  Is the existing system generating more work than it is reducing? Are inefficiencies causing a business to miss out on sales opportunities or employee hours? It is useful to know the answers to these questions, but the more precise one can be, the better. What are the ways in which the current system is causing a firm too much work? Where does the company face the most difficulties? What would it mean to the firm and its team if they could solve them?

A Successful Application Involves Partnering

A company knows its dealerships and team members' specific requirements better than anyone else. As a result, the overall success of DMS implementation lies on the company's and employees' shoulders. A firm’s DMS implementation team has guided several other dealerships through this phase. So, plan on collaborating with them, and they will prove to be a valuable asset to the firm. Their mission is to ensure that the team has a good experience with minimal disturbances. Keep in mind that maintaining transparent, truthful, and frequent lines of communication between the teams is the most important key to a smooth transition. This means that everyone is following the same route and arriving at the same place.

Empower the Team and Get Buy-In

Employees are also resistant to change. It is a proven fact. While an obstinate employee can sabotage the implementation of a new DMS, there are ways to make the odds work in the business’s favor. First, include key employees in the evaluation of a potential DMS, if required. This enables them to see how their everyday tasks could be improved. It also allows them to express their thoughts so that they can be answered ahead of time. Second, hand over control of the project to them. Some workers are opposed to change because they believe it is beyond their control. However, if key workers are empowered during the implementation process, they will understand the importance of a smooth transition and will strive to eliminate disturbances. Third, make it enjoyable and run some small competitions. Change can be frustrating, but having a little fun helps everyone remember that there are benefits to change.