DMS Blog

Welcome, I’m Allan Stejskal VP and General Manager of DealerTrack DMS. The traditional DMS model was developed in the late 1970s. The original software materialized out of a need to better manage accounting processes and keep track of parts inventory. While the traditional software was revolutionary for its time, the growing needs and demands of dealerships in today’s society have rendered the software outdated and incompetent. Consider, for example, the lack of interdepartmental integration that a traditional DMS system offers. As the requirements of the dealership developed into needing a better way to create deals, sell F&I products, manage vehicle inventory, and run an efficient Service Department, the traditional DMS model evolved by creating multiple databases, causing the need for duplicate data entry and batch processes. Rather than overturning their system and making smart, time-saving changes, the traditional DMS model reacted to change by creating “Band-Aid” fixes and building on antiquated technology. Also consider how the lack of open architecture hinders the efforts of third-party companies to use data stored in the traditional DMS. Integrations offered are cumbersome at best. Typically, the only option when wanting to use additional software providers requires time-consuming double entry. The promise of providing an integrated and efficient software to completely manage all dealership operations has not been reached by the traditional DMS model.