Arbor Age

14 Green Media / August 2014 www.greenmediaonline.com SPECIAL FEATURE SPECIAL FEATURE for updates and backing up their data. However, Cloud-hosted systems (where the software vendor maintains the server from a location outside the dealership) are becoming more com- mon, and for good reason. With a Cloud-hosted system, you are no longer responsible for maintaining the server and your data, and if anything should happen to your dealership, your data is safely secured off-site. However, there can be a downside to going with a Cloud- hosted system. If you choose this option, read your customer agree- ment thoroughly before you sign up. While there are vendors out there who guarantee that you will retain the right to your data, even if you cancel service (nizeX is one), there are others who may refuse to give you your data or charge you a large fee to obtain it. If the language is unclear, ask to get an agreement in writing in terms you can understand. You just can't be too careful in preserving your right to your data (before you actually need it). Finally, there's a question of price. Ask the vendor you're evaluating exactly what their software package includes. Some vendors charge additional fees for adding on different "modules" like accounting or inventory, and may also charge additional fees for you to update manufacturer's price fi les. It's also a good idea to fi nd out: What up-front fees will you be charged, and what do those fees cover? Will you be locked into a contract, and if so, what are the terms? What training packages are offered, and what are the costs for each? Will you have to pay an additional fee for tech support? Choosing a business management software system is one of the biggest decisions a dealer can make, and when you know what to look for, you're much more likely to fi nd the software that truly fi ts your needs. TONYA QUICK PRESIDENT PATHFINDER COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC. (BARBERTON, OHIO) 1) What is the latest OPE industry-related news about your company? Tonya Quick: More developments come fall. 2) What are the latest trends and technological ad- vances when it comes to business management software systems for the OPE industry? Tonya Quick: Having a software provider that is innova- tive and able to keep ahead of the technology and having the resources that are able to maintain that technology. 3) Why should OPE dealers invest in a business management software system, and what should be their key considerations when shopping for one? Tonya Quick: A business management system allows the dealer to see what parts are fast moving, what their inventory status is at a glance, having their manufacturer pricing current and up-to-date so as to stay competitive. A key consideration is also the fl ow and ease of use of the software. If it is not easy to fi nd what you want in a few clicks or access the informa- tion you want readily, then the software will not work for your business. Your employees must be able to use the software fl uidly and effi ciently on a daily basis. CHANSE McGUIRE BUSINESS SYSTEM CONSULTANT BASIC SOFTWARE SYSTEMS (TEXARKANA, TEXAS) 1) What is the latest OPE industry-related news about your company? Chanse McGuire: With the recent launch of our amaz- ing data mining and custom reporting tool called ARCHWAY, dealer principles, owners, departmental managers, etc., not only have access to pre-defi ned reports, but also have the ability to customize their own personal reports and monitor them in real time within a dashboard setting. Each dashboard has its own levels of security so that sensitive information is protected. This feature will allow key people in the dealership to see critical business information that affects daily decisions without the need to learn the entire business system to obtain it. Any area of the software may be reported on and drilled down into to fi nd exactly the information needed and pull it all together in one report even across multiple modules. Reports, as well as color charts and graphs, may be created in multiple formats for pre- sentations or exported to Excel and other external software. We have found this capability to be unique in the industry and one that many customers and dealer principles have requested. We are excited about what this technical tool brings to the dealer in today's world of instant information. Continued development and new features are added to ARCHWAY daily to bring a creative and much-needed tool for the OPE industry. 2) What are the latest trends and technological ad- vances when it comes to business management software systems for the OPE industry? Chanse McGuire: The ability to have real-time infor- mation from your business management software system is a driving factor in new technology. Comprehensive reporting… seeing at a glance the status of service jobs, tracking parts sales and service by customer or equipment serial number, techni- cians' productivity, availability of parts, open quotes or invoices, parts on order, and knowing at all times where you are with profi tability in specifi c areas (i.e. service, parts, sales, rentals). Use of mobile technology is helping dealers with access to business management software system information no matter their location, making them much more knowledgeable when dealing with customers on the showroom fl oor, in outside dis- play areas, or when they are away from the dealership altogether.

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