With so many systems operating in dealerships, the sheer volume and wide range of data gathered is phenomenal, but information contained here, there and everywhere is pretty much useless.
Hence, the daily dealer struggle to manage multiple systems and the almost impossibility to gain overall visibility and control of vehicle inventory and sales.
Some dealers have ‘solved’ the problem by overlaying intelligence and reporting solutions whereby data from multiple systems such as the DMS, online marketplaces and lead generation tools, is literally sucked out to provide an overview.
Sounds great
Suddenly dealers have one overall picture of their business and inventory. Oversight, control and the ability to make decisions based on facts becomes a reality rather than waiting for the end of month spreadsheet which takes hours or even days to compile.
Except it’s not operational.
The granular detail isn’t always available without accessing individual systems but the bigger issue is that since these are just reporting tools, nothing can be changed or uploaded. An employee must update respective systems manually and repetitively which also makes the process prone to error.
This is why we don’t think the overlaying of reporting tools to garner insights for enhanced control of inventory for more informed decision making is the solution.
So, what’s the answer?
Implement a system that automatically takes data from all other integrated systems and pools that information to create one rich depository source of each vehicle in group stock:-
- More or less real-time details of a vehicle’s whereabouts and status (sold, on a test drive, reserved online, undergoing repair, on a transporter, etc)
- Rich, consumer-friendly descriptions gathered from multiple sources including value-added optional extras
- Latest pricing, mileage and specification avoids discrepancies and delivers online conformity
- Updates made in one place automatically feeds online marketplaces, dealer and manufacturer websites
- Reduces time to market, improves stock turn and increases sales
We call it ViHUB and it provides what we refer to as the ‘simple view of the truth’. Once in place, inventory management from source to sale will never have been simpler.
But first, we recommend undertaking an audit and assessment of all systems and their usage to fully understand the applications in place, cost of licences and identify duplications.
Where do we sign-up?
We run a three-month free trial so you can see for yourself how ViHUB can transform your operation, increase stock turn and ultimately boost profits.
We think dealers need more than just oversight in the form of reports, no matter how detailed. Only an operational hub that connects systems and provides an automated two-way flow of information after the initial input, offers the best solution.