Dealership Management System

A Dealership Management System (DMS) is a bundled system created specifically for car dealerships but also adapted for Boat, RV, and Power sports dealers. These systems often contain software that cater to the needs of the finance, sales, parts, inventory and administration components of running the dealership. One of their functions can be automating tax returns. [cite web

url=http://wardsdealer.com/dealermanagementsystem/columns/auto_old_irs_rule/
date=2007-10-01
accessdate=2008-01-09
work=Ward's Dealer Business
author=Fortier, Wayne
title=Old IRS Rule Creates New Fuss]

DMS software typically includes support for all aspects of running a dealership such as:
* Tracking vehicle inventory
* Tracking sales
* Finance and insurance calculations
* Menu Selling Systems
* Tracking customers (and customer follow up)
* Accounting
* Managing dealer website
* Calculating employee commissions
* Purchase order tracking
* Parts inventory
* Work order management
* Appointment scheduling

A typical DMS installation includes a central server which stores all data, allowing multi-user access for as many as 50 or more client computers. Some installations may include thin clients. Other DMS providers use a centrally-hosted, or application service provider model.

Some new car dealerships used to be forced to use a certain DMS by their affiliated automotive manufacturer. This, however, is no longer the case due to the Block Exemption Regulation.

Major DMS providers include Reynolds and Reynolds, Automatic Data Processing, and DealerTrack.

External links

* [http://www.articlewisdom.com/Article/Automotive-dealer-management-systems--are-you-using-your-tools-correctly/619 Using The Tools YOU Have]
* [http://www.sys2.com Systems 2000,Inc Dealer Management Software]
* [http://www.talkingmotors.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=31&Itemid=181 UK DMS Suppliers/Vendors]
* [http://www.gemini-systems.co.uk Gemini Dealer Management Systems]
* [http://www.dmservices.co.uk/ The "Navigator" - Dealer Management System from DMS]
* [http://www.dragon2000.co.uk/ Dragon2000 Automotive Software for the Motortrade]
* [http://wardsdealer.com/dealercommentary/dms_vendors_test/ DMS Vendors Put to the Test]
* [http://www.pinewood.co.uk Pinewood DMS Provider]
* [http://www.ebbon-dacs.com Ebbon-Dacs New Generation DMS provider with Microsoft technology]

References