A strong and complete dealer management system is a competitive advantage for equipment dealers. But which criteria should you pay attention to? In any case, make sure that you meet these criteria:
1. Future-proof
It often sounds like an empty cry; future-proof. But even when it comes to software, this is of crucial importance. Is the dealer management system at your organization developed by a renowned company like Microsoft? And are you supported by an experienced business partner with a successful track record and many customers in your industry? Then you do not have to worry about the future perspective. The continuity of the DMS you are working with is fine. Do you work with a small, local partner who recently developed the DMS and are you one of their few customers in your industry? Then you need to seriously consider the risks of continuity towards the future.
2. Easy to learn and use
A pleasant user interface, clear menus and screens, and good documentation, help functions and support. All of this ensures that a DMS is easy to learn and use. You do not want to spend too much time and money on resource training. The system must be very user-friendly so that your people can already work with it after a limited period of training. Especially to service technicians you want to offer an application where a few hours of training is sufficient. It is also important for the acceptance of the DMS that no high barriers are created due to the complexity of the system. New employees should also be trained in a short time, so that they are up and running as quickly as possible.
"You want a DMS that has been developed by an experienced business partner that includes new features and incorporates the industry’s best practices. Then you really take a step forward."
3. Flexible
Equipment dealers need a flexible system because flexibility is also what their customers demand. With the purchase of new equipment, with trade-in, with rental, lease and service; if you are flexible and can meet the wishes of the customer, you have an advantage over the competition. For example, can you easily up- and downscale the number of users of your DMS? And add new modules or upgrade to new versions? And what about interfaces with suppliers and manufacturers, this saves a huge amount of time in everyday processes such as parts ordering, equipment configuration and warranty handling. It is also important that your DMS functions well in combination with other software and systems in the organization, such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
4. Industry-focused
Your DMS must be specially developed for the equipment industry. And the partner who supports you in the development, implementation and support must have extensive knowledge and experience in the industry. Only then are you assured of a system that stands out above other systems and truly offers a competitive advantage. You do not want a DMS where you need to explain to a software partner what your needs are, but you want a DMS that has been developed by an experienced business partner that includes new features and incorporates the industry’s best practices. Then you really take a step forward.
