DMS Systems, Data, Security, I.T.

Ryan5680 asks whether the Web Based version of DealerTrack supports switching to a non-GUI (command-line) interface using the Control+E shortcut that works in other versions, noting that DealerTrack support was unable to confirm this capability. The thread addresses a specific technical feature question relevant to users who may prefer or need command-line functionality in their DMS system.

A startup is recruiting dealership test users for a hiring/screening platform that leverages Facebook data to create quick job applications and predict sales candidate success, with features including applicant ranking, hiring workflow management, background checks, and resume reviews. The company is seeking dealer feedback on product functionality and integration with existing dealership processes to refine the tool before wider market launch. The thread appears incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence, so no clear conclusion or community response is evident from the provided content.

jmiller announces that his company recently achieved Auto/Mate certification and will be a Platinum Sponsor at the Auto/Mate User Summit in Chicago in September, inviting DealerRefresh members to visit their booth. Jarrett indicates he won't be attending but requests that jmiller pass along a greeting to a former colleague. The thread is primarily a networking announcement with minimal discussion or substantive conversation.

Dealers discuss unmet software needs in the automotive industry, with the most developed idea being a texting platform designed specifically for dealer operations—enabling lead management, appointment reminders, customer photos, and video sharing while protecting BDC staff privacy without requiring opt-ins or compliance disclaimers. Other requests include affordable lead generation, executive dashboards with forecasting capabilities, and automated sales assistance. The thread reveals a gap between generic CRM/texting tools and dealer-specific workflow needs, particularly around customer communication that balances compliance with operational efficiency.

Dealers discuss troubleshooting an Oki Data 3410 printer that won't print despite appearing correctly installed and configured in their DMS system. One user reports successfully getting it working and saving $3,000 versus a Reynold's price, but never shares the solution, leaving multiple follow-up requests unanswered. The thread provides no resolution or helpful technical guidance for configuring the printer with Reynolds ERA server settings.

Reynolds and Reynolds implemented restrictions limiting data pulls to 8 AM–7 PM business hours and caused issues with bulk export functionality, preventing dealers from running early morning reports and forcing repetitive CAPTCHA verification. After dealer complaints escalated through vendor channels to Reynolds' RCI Certification Group, the company reversed both restrictions, restoring dealers' ability to export data outside standard business hours. The thread reflects dealer frustration with vendor-imposed limitations on their own data access and the effectiveness of coordinated complaints in reversing unpopular policies.

A dealer discovered they were being charged by Reynolds for a dial-up diagnostic modem that hadn't been used in over 7 years, highlighting the importance of regularly auditing DMS vendor invoices. The thread emphasizes that dealers should proactively review their monthly bills to catch unnecessary charges and verify they're only paying for equipment still in active use. The issue was resolved once identified, reinforcing that due diligence in billing oversight can result in cost savings.

Dealers are struggling to automate frequent inventory exports from Reynolds DMS to third-party platforms like IOL, as Reynolds has significantly tightened security access and shut down previously certified vendors' export methods. Multiple solutions that once worked—including Datacaster and DealerVault—have become unreliable or limited to once-daily exports, forcing dealers to resort to manual FTP uploads. The key insight is that Reynolds appears intentionally restrictive rather than technically challenged; they've rejected dealer requests to pay for certified access and are actively banning accounts for routine multi-daily exports, suggesting this is a deliberate business decision to control data access rather than a security implementation issue.

Dealership professionals discuss practical applications of tablets—particularly Microsoft Surface Pro devices—on showroom and service floors, with emphasis on inventory navigation, seamless CRM integration, and customer-facing presentations. Key insights include the critical importance of reliable technology performance in front of customers, the advantage of Surface Pro's full Windows capabilities over iPads for dealership-specific software, and specific use cases like vehicle inspection documentation with photos and digital signatures in service departments. The consensus emerging is that tablets work best when paired with proper infrastructure (dedicated access points) and positioned as hybrid tools that bridge mobile flexibility with desktop-class functionality.

Bryan Bernstein asks for feedback on reliability issues with CDK Express Scanning, particularly crashes involving the SPIED.EXE process. Jeff Kershner resurfaces the thread after it was lost during a server outage, but no substantive responses or solutions are documented. The thread remains essentially unanswered with no clear resolution or widespread user feedback provided.

A DealerTrack user is reporting that the system automatically flags all customer quotes containing non-stocked parts as lost sales, with no apparent way to correct or adjust these records. The user is seeking guidance on configuration settings or functions that would prevent this unwanted behavior and allow for more accurate sales reporting.

CDK Global has released a mobile app called Service Connect Mobile that allows dealers to manage support cases, access knowledge resources, receive alerts, and contact their account manager directly from iPhone or Android devices. The original poster highlights the convenience of mobile access to CDK support but notes uncertainty about whether the app carries an additional fee. The thread appears incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence before any dealer feedback or discussion develops.

CDK Global, a major DMS provider spun off from ADP, is exploring a potential sale with private equity firms, with a reported valuation around $7.8 billion. Forum members speculate on which firms might have the capital and industry presence to acquire such a large company, with mentions of the firm behind DealerSocket (which owns AutoStar DMS) and Shift as potential buyers. The general consensus is that a private equity firm is the most realistic buyer, given the deal's size and the limited number of automotive industry investors with sufficient capital.

Dealers are debating data integration strategies for their DMS systems—specifically whether to use a centralized cloud service to aggregate and distribute data to multiple vendors, or allow each vendor direct DMS access. A critical concern emerged that major DMS providers (Reynolds, CDK/ADP) are increasingly restricting data access and implementing new per-vendor fees ($300/month) rather than maintaining open, affordable data sharing, with some providers like DealerSocket emerging as more accessible alternatives.

A vendor announces an automated tool to bypass Reynolds & Reynolds' CAPTCHA security system to access dealership data without manual intervention, prompting debate over legality, ethics, and the legitimacy of Reynolds' gatekeeping practices. While supporters argue Reynolds unfairly monetizes dealer data through forced certification processes, critics warn that circumventing CAPTCHA security systems exposes users to potential legal liability similar to past Craigslist lawsuits. The underlying frustration centers on dealers' inability to easily access their own inventory data without paying Reynolds or enduring delays in whitelisting requests.

A dealer asks for recommendations on customer wait area TV systems and digital menu boards, comparing the high cost of ABN ($1,190-$1,780/month through GM Co-Op) against alternatives. Respondents suggest several options including TVPOS, Service Dynamics' Shopwatch, budget solutions like Raspberry Pi (~$75), and ultimately the original poster reports switching to AutoNet TV for just $120/month to run lobby content, service menu boards, and informational displays. **Key insight:** Dealers can achieve comparable or better results than expensive dealer-subsidized programs by exploring independent vendors, with costs ranging from under $100 to a few hundred dollars monthly depending on features needed.

A dealership seeking to replace an outdated phone system asks about NEC as an alternative to the familiar Avaya and Alcatel brands. Responses highlight that smaller, lesser-known vendors can offer strong solutions, with recommendations including Shoretel (praised for reliability and cost-effectiveness across multiple locations), Polycom hardware paired with Interactive Intelligence or Asterisk software, suggesting dealers shouldn't limit themselves to major brand names when evaluating phone system upgrades.

A user asks how to use ERA Access software across multiple dealerships connected via VPN, since the software appears locked to a single dealer per installation. Responses indicate that ERA Access stores server connection information in the Windows registry and may cache it after initial connection, suggesting users could potentially switch between dealerships by modifying registry settings or rebooting between connections, though this requires manual reconfiguration each time rather than a built-in multi-dealer solution.

A dealer using ADP Drive Express DMS seeks pre-built custom reporting solutions similar to those available for R&R, frustrated by the lack of native reports and unwilling to build queries manually. Replies suggest that while ADP does offer built-in export capabilities (CSV, TXT) and query tools through Reflections, no clear third-party reporting solution for ADP is identified, leaving the original question largely unresolved.

A dealer reports that sold vehicles continue appearing in their ADP inventory and populate online despite being marked as sold, with support attributing the issue to a service "job stack" that hasn't updated the vehicle status from 'S' (in stock) to 'G' (gone). The thread explores whether the problem stems from ADP's status coding system or how F&I data is pulled from the vehicle management system, but no definitive solution emerges from community responses.

Robert B. seeks a call center solution to distribute incoming phone calls fairly across his BDC team by having all phones ring simultaneously. After receiving advice from experienced dealers, he learns that this functionality—called a "hunt group" or "multi-ring"—is a standard feature available through most phone system providers like ADP and doesn't require specialized call center software, suggesting his IT person may have misunderstood the requirement.

A dealership manager seeks recommendations for internal instant messaging solutions suitable for multi-location operations. Respondents suggest various platforms including Skype, HipChat, Slack, Microsoft Lync, and Google Hangouts, with the original poster ultimately choosing Brosix because it offers a simple, AIM/Yahoo-style interface with a controlled company-only contact list—better suited for less tech-savvy employees than more complex modern platforms.