Arbor Age

www.greenmediaonline.com Green Media / August 2014 15 As dealerships grow and add locations, you have the ability to view, sell, or transfer parts and equipment between store locations. This is vital in helping them not miss out on sales and meet the customers' needs. 3) Why should OPE dealers invest in a business management software system, and what should be their key considerations when shopping for one? Chanse McGuire: OPE dealers should invest in a busi- ness management software system for many reasons. First and foremost, as smart as we are, we need help to keep up with a growing business. Many times, you don't know what area of your business needs the most attention until you track it with a business management software system. The system can save you many hours and potentially lost revenue if used correctly. You will detect the losses and turn them into gains just by utilizing the time-saving capabilities of a business management software system. Second, you must consider the needs of your custom- ers and how you may best meet their needs through your business management software system. Your software solu- tion should: • Make the owner's job easier, more cost effective, save valuable time, and give you a clear picture at all times of your profi t margin and what is being done real time in each de- partment. • Provide all the tools that your employees need to do their jobs well in all areas (i.e. service, parts, equipment, sales, rentals and accounting). • Provide tools for marketing. • Communicate and manage relationships with manufac- turers and vendors. • Help you streamline daily activities and processes. • Grow with you as you expand and add new services, new locations and users. • Provide FREE access to continual training classes for existing and new customers, new employees and those just needing refresher classes. • Provide technical support for questions when using software. HEATHER BLESSINGTON CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER ARI (MILWAUKEE, WIS.) 1) What is the latest OPE industry-related news about your company? Heather Blessington: With the 2013 acquisition of Duo Web Solutions, ARI has unveiled a full suite of digital market- ing services, which includes website management, social media services, content optimization (SEO), e-mail marketing, pay- per-click advertising and advanced analytics. These services complement ARI's data-driven suite of software tools, which includes dealer websites, lead management/marketing auto- mation and PartSmart, ARI's industry-leading eCatalog parts lookup tool. 2) What are the latest trends and technological ad- vances when it comes to technology-enabled business solutions for the OPE industry? Heather Blessington: Mobile is really driving innovation. With more than 58 percent of American adults now owning a smartphone 1 , it is more important than ever for dealers to have a mobile-optimized website. In addition, mega-retailers like Amazon and Zappos have sculpted consumer expecta- tions when it comes to online shopping. If a customer can't fi nd a product on your website, they're going to assume you don't have it in stock — this is true for OEM units, as well as replacement parts. To help dealers meet these high consumer expectations, ARI is unveiling an all-new website platform for OPE dealers later this year, which will give OPE dealers the ability to meet consumers' online shopping expectations, no matter their device of choice. 3) Why should OPE dealers invest in technology- enabled business solutions, and what should be their key considerations when shopping for a provider? Heather Blessington: It's fi rst important to gain a full understanding of what you need — when you're shop- ping for technology products, it is easy to get distracted by impressive lists of features and functionality, but if the tool doesn't meet your initial need, you won't be satisfi ed in the long run. Once you've refi ned your list of requirements, narrow your selection to two to three vendors that meet your specifi ca- tions and schedule an appointment with a sales rep for a full product demo. In addition to evaluating the software's user experience, this is your chance to get a taste for the provider's level of customer service, and while price is always going to be an important factor, don't let it solely guide your purchasing decision. Ask these key questions to clarify your vendor choice: • Will the software integrate with my existing DMS and other business systems? • Is this solution dedicated to the outdoor power equip- ment industry, or is it a one-size-fi ts-all? • What happens to my data at the end of our relationship? • How long have you been in business? • What other dealers are using your product? Can I talk to one? ■ 1 http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/mobile-technology- fact-sheet/

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• From the Editor
• Tree Care
• Special Feature
• Business Management
• Fleet Management
• Product Round-up
• Ad Index
• Turfgrass Management