CRM technology isn't new. They all do the same thing, right? Manage tasks, schedule follow up calls, mail letters, and other basic things. Sure, they all do that by the year 2000 standards, but this is 2009! The CRM of 2009 can do so much more and do it much more intelligently.
CRM Technology for car dealers continues to rapidly change. The problem is, most car dealers don't even know about it. They are locked in to long term contracts. Contracts with products that in technology years would easily be considered dinosaurs.
The best way to purchase any type of software product is from a vendor that sells it as a monthly service with no contract or strings attached. You also want to ensure that the vendor is still heavily investing in the technology to continue improving it. Because the second they stop improving, is the second it becomes a dinosaur. You aren't looking for a vendor, you are looking for a partner.
I know several of the major CRM vendors who don't even have an R&D budget. They haven't improved the software recently and nor do they have any plans to. Where does that leave your dealership in terms of keeping up with the technology?
Has your out dated CRM solution got you stuck in a low gear?
OK, time for me to get back to working on the automotive CRM solution of 2010.
Matt Watson
Chief Technical Officer
VinSolutions
http://www.vinsolutions.com
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
VinSolutions and Dealer Track’s Arkona DMS Integrate
VinSolutions integrates with DealerTrack’s OpenTrack, a program providing seamless, secure connection to the DealerTrack Arkona dealer management system (DMS). The integration interfaces with customer, vehicle, F&I, general ledger, service and parts data, providing a secure, bi-directional connection between our mutual dealer clients and the DealerTrack DMS.
Overland Park, KS, June 11, 2009 – VinSolutions announced today they have completed their integration with DealerTrack’s Arkona DMS. Providing a seamless, secure connection for their mutual dealer customers enhances efficiency and productivity. “We are constantly looking for ways to supplement our offerings and make our clients’ lives easier,” said Doug Kinney, CEO of VinSolutions. “Allowing us to provide our mutual clients with secure, bi-directional access to their data sets in a cost-effective open platform does both.”
The OpenTrack program allows for secure data encryption and either batch or real-time data processing, and interfaces with customer, vehicle, F&I, general ledger, service and parts data. “With OpenTrack we are truly delivering on our promise to the marketplace that the DealerTrack DMS will be an open and cost-effective platform,” said Raj Sundaram, senior vice president of the Solutions and Services Group at DealerTrack. “This is a win-win for all parties.”
Dealers using DealerTrack’s DMS can access this feature by clicking on the “Push to DMS” button in VinSolutions’ desking module.
About VinSolutions (http://www.vinsolutions.com)
An industry-leading developer of Internet-based desking, automotive CRM software, and Internet lead management (ILM) software, VinSolutions provides 24/7 dealership sales and marketing information to their clients anywhere Internet access is available. In addition to CRM, ILM and Inventory control products, VinSolutions builds custom dealership Web sites, uploads inventory photos, offers their clients quality training and consulting services, as well as valuable customer support. VinSolutions is GM, Ford, Chrysler, Subaru and Audi certified and has working relationships, alliances and integrations with several automotive software service providers such as Kelley Blue Book, CarFax, AutoSoft, Inc., Autodata, RouteOne and DealerTrack.
About DealerTrack
DealerTrack’s high-value software solutions for the automotive retail industry enhance efficiency and profitability across every department in a dealership. DealerTrack’s Dealer Management System (DMS) delivers flexible and cost-efficient functionality to manage dealership data and operations. Its Inventory Management, Sales and F&I, and Compliance solutions help optimize dealership inventory, increase sales and protect against legal risks. DealerTrack operates a leading online automotive credit application network, which includes approximately 19,000 dealers and over 730 financing sources. For more information visit www.dealertrack.com.
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