plus 4, How to choose an automotive DMS system? - PRLog (free press release)

How to choose an automotive DMS system? - PRLog (free press release)
Videos From the Web: Car Videos - San Francisco Chronicle
SAE Competition Honors Multi-Disciplinary CAE Tools - American Machinist
Auctions: New Year's Day auctions still on at two places - Philadelphia Inquirer
Jeffrey’s Automotive Repair: Employees Give Christmas Gift to ... - PRLog (free press release)

How to choose an automotive DMS system? - PRLog (free press release)

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 03:01 PM PST

PR Log (Press Release) – Dec 24, 2009 – DMS is an abbreviation for Dealer Management Software (or sometimes referred to as Dealer Management System) in a nutshell a DMS system is a supporting software that will have all the necessary functionalities for a dealer to operate and function in the real world.

There are many service providers and softwares out there in the market today, however choosing the right one can be difficult. Here are few consideration factors one should be aware of before making the plunge and commitment.

1. Cost – There is a wide range of products with very different cost factors involved. Most of the DMS systems are monthly subscription based. They can range from an incredible $4000 per month all the way down to $300. ADP for example has been the chosen service provider of DMS system for many dealers, their cost per month can range from 2000-3000. One of the newest player in the market called "Dealer Elite" on the other hand cost as little as $299 per month. With 0 installation or any setup fees.

2. Technology – Don't fool yourself into believing "If I pay more, it must be a better product." That is not true at all, most of the payment will probably end up in support staff due to the poor design. Because the lack of IT support staff and general knowledge of technology, many dealers are stuck using a product that was literally developed in the mid 80's but paying for a monthly bill that does not fit the bill. Without mentioning any big brand names here, some of the DMS providers out there have not improved their system since it was originally programmed in the 80s. Many are stuck using the first generation database design called "flat file" system that was outdated 15 years ago, while very few providers are into the second generation database design of "relational databases" with primary key attached. Not one provider are using the third generation "object oriented" database. There are many incompatibility issues arise from the system, some of the functions are completely out of reach for many dealers. While integration with their newer systems are a complete nightmare.

3. Design - Searching through DMS service provider today on the market, you will soon realize many DMS systems are poorly programmed and designed right from the get go. Majority of the softwares has poorly designed interfaces, and redundant functionalities. Some even allow multiple point of data entry, and throwing basic database design right out of the window.

4. Web Integration – Due to the technology involved to develop the program, many providers out there can't be directly integrated with your existing website. This is due to several reasons. A) Outdated database that is incompatible with today's standards. B) Security risks, due to the outdated software there are many security holes if the system is going to integrate with web. With today's growing web presence a dealer's real showroom is almost as important compare to the virtual showroom.

In conclusion, when it comes to pick the right DMS system for your dealership, take your time, consider all the factors. You can pay a hefty amount for good support, or pay very little without it. In today's competitive automotive market the choice is up to you. For more information please visit http://www.dealerelites.com.

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Videos From the Web: Car Videos - San Francisco Chronicle

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 11:58 PM PST

Carl Hogan Automotive 2333 HWY 45 NORTH COLUMBUS, 39705 662-328-4351 http://www.carlhogan.com VIN - 1HGCM82643A000813 Imagine driving this SILVER 2003 Honda Accord EX V-6, equipped with a 6 Cyl. engine and an automatic transmission with 101,013 miles. Enjoy an impressive 30 miles to the gallon on this great car with features like Steering Wheel Audio Controls, CD Changer, Power Sunroof, Cruise Control, Tachometer, Front Bucket Seats, Reclining Seats, and much more. Enjoy the drive and have peace of mind in this 2003 Honda Accord EX V-6. See us at Carl Hogan Automotive today!

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SAE Competition Honors Multi-Disciplinary CAE Tools - American Machinist

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 10:10 PM PST

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The winner of the 2nd Annual Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Detroit Section / Massachusetts Institute of Technology Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Vehicle Innovation Competition is Engineering Technology Associates' Accelerated Concept to Product ...

Auctions: New Year's Day auctions still on at two places - Philadelphia Inquirer

Posted: 25 Dec 2009 12:12 AM PST

New Year's Day auctions are not as popular as they were 25 years ago, but a couple of well-established ones can still be found in the suburbs and countryside, notably Stephenson's in Southampton.

Now well into its second decade, Stephenson's will offer a two-day event next weekend.

"This is our biggest sale of the year," Cindy Stephenson said this week, noting that the sale usually draws about 400 to 500 bidders in person and an equal number online at Liveauctioneers.com.

Next weekend's auction also has some storybook touches. Among the upwards of 1,000 lots to be offered at the first session, beginning at 10 a.m. next Friday, is a bronze bust of a woman by Leopold Savine that Stephenson expects to bring $1,000 to $2,000.

"The consignor found it in the trash," she said.

The session also features a Hazel Atlas "Royal Lace" cobalt dinner service for 12 that should bring an aggregate of $3,000 to $5,000 after being offered piece by piece. Barely used, the service came from an elderly consignor in the area "who had no idea of its value," Stephenson said.

Silver in the session includes two sterling tea services, one of them made by Stieff and expected to bring $3,000 to $4,000. "Sterling is way up these days," Stephenson said.

Among paintings is an oil-on-canvas titled "Gypsy Encampment" that, though not signed, Stephenson identifies as the work of the well-known British painter George Morland. It has a presale estimate of $3,000 to $5,000.

Other artworks of note include a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, a David Hahn acrylic farm scene, a Cesare Ricciardi still life, a Joseph Barrett landscape titled "Stone House With Buckingham Mountain," and a 15-inch-high copper mask by the early-20th-century Austrian Carl Hagenauer. It too should bring $3,000 to $5,000.

Other unusual items include a plaster Bryant Percy Baker relief sculpture that came from the front of a well-known school, and a vintage wooden bowling pin game with a baseball motif. The ball used to knock down the pins is leather-covered with silver medallions of Dan Brouthers and John Clarkson, both 19th-century baseball players. Both have presale estimates of $1,000 to about $2,000.

Furniture in the session includes Kittinger, Baker, and other contemporary brands, which Stephenson says often sell better than Victorian pieces.

The second session, beginning at 11 a.m. Jan. 2, will feature more than 20 Steiff animals, including limited editions, Teddy bears, and vintage Barbie dolls, all from a single consignor

Previews will be 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to sale time next Friday, and 9 a.m. to sale time Jan. 2 at the gallery, 1005 Industrial Blvd., Southampton. For information, call 215- 322-6182 or go to www.stephensonsauction.com.

Farmersville: A 35-year tradition. Another well-established New Year's tradition is Farmersville Auction Inc.'s annual New Year's Day Antique and Collectible auction at its gallery at 33 N. Farmersville Rd., Ephrata.

The Farmersville sale also will last two days, with more than 1,000 lots of collectibles being offered beginning at 8 a.m. next Thursday at the gallery. Many of the collectibles are toys, including Buddy L and Keystone cast-iron vehicles and model trains.

The 800 lots of antiques will be offered at the second session, beginning at 10 a.m. next Friday. They include Victorian and primitive furniture, according to auctioneer Larry Rutt, who says the New Year's Day sale has been going on since 1973.

For information, call 717-354-5095 or go to www.farmersvilleauction.com.

Also on Jan. 2 beginning at 10 a.m. in Pottstown, Maurer's Auctions will sell the automotive items from the collection of Ralph DeStefano at the Maurer & Wilson Gallery at 132 E. Third St. DeStefano is former owner of Pollock (Automotive) Restorations there.

They include a porcelain Firestone sign, porcelain license plates, Corgi Matchbox and other miniature automobiles, and a large quantity of automotive ephemera, notably vintage automotive art, and photographs. The sale also will feature a selection of snap-on tools.

Preview will be 8 a.m. to sale time Jan 2. For information, call 610-970-7588 or go to www.maurerail.com.

Contact David Iams at daiams@comcast.net.

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Jeffrey’s Automotive Repair: Employees Give Christmas Gift to ... - PRLog (free press release)

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 10:00 AM PST

PR Log (Press Release) – Dec 24, 2009 – Tony Brooks, General Manager of Jeffrey's Automotive in Watauga, Texas, recently announced a charitable gift donation to the Community Enrichment Center (CEC) in North Richland Hills. For the third year in a row, in lieu of traditional gift-giving, the employees of North Texas' largest independent and family-owned auto repair facility opted to give generously in honor of owner, Morton Jeffrey. Employees where challenged to bring funds or actual canned goods to benefit this local food pantry.

According to the CEC, the donations of money and food collected by the employees of Jeffrey's Automotive equaled an amount able to purchase the following grocery items that can be used to distribute to families in need:

- 216 cans of cranberry sauce,
- 288 bottles of vegetable oil,
- 450 pounds of pinto beans,
- 216 jars of peanut butter,
- 216 jars of tomato sauce, and
- 972 pounds of tuna

"Gifts to the Community Enrichment Center provide housing to homeless families, safe shelter to victims of domestic violence, groceries for families in need and community building programs for single parents and senior adults," acknowledged Amy Walker, Development Director for the Community Enrichment Center. "This gift will touch the lives of thousands of people in need throughout our community."

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