The Challenge:
Breaking Free from DMS Limitations
Like many dealership groups, Walter's Automotive found themselves constrained by their existing DMS reporting capabilities. They needed greater control over their data to improve efficiency, enhance security, and develop more insightful reporting. The limitations of their DMS were restricting their ability to manage internal processes effectively, creating frustrations for both staff and management.
Sound familiar? The good news is, there’s another way and Walter’s Automotive found it.
The Solution:
Becoming Their Own Data Vendor
Walter's took an innovative approach to solving this problem—they became their own vendor.
While continuing to use UCS as their DMS, they implemented a strategy that allowed them to route data back into their internal systems on their own terms.
This fundamental shift allowed Walter's to:
- Bypass DMS restrictions that were limiting their growth
- Create a tailored approach to data management
- Design specialized reporting that addressed their specific business needs
- Implement processes that better aligned with their operational workflow
The Results:
900+ Reports (and Counting)
The impact of this shift has been beyond their wildest dreams.
Walter’s Automotive has managed to:
- Deliver over 900 customized reports across the organization
- Maintain independent records outside the DMS for enhanced flexibility
- Manage internal marketing campaigns in-house with complete data control
- Improve operational efficiency with better insights
With complete control over their data, Walter's Automotive Group now enjoys a level of operational visibility and marketing capability that simply wasn't possible before.
Take Control of Your Data:
First Steps
Feeling inspired? Here are four practical things to consider when building your own dealership's data strategy:
- Identify your pain points: Where is your current DMS reporting falling short?
- Audit your data needs: What information would transform your decision-making if you had better access to it?
- Explore data extraction options: What methods could you use to gain more control while maintaining your existing DMS?
- Start small: Consider beginning with one department or function to demonstrate the value before expanding.
The Bottom Line
You don't need to remain constrained by the limitations of your DMS reporting—and Walter's Automotive Group proves this is true. By taking ownership of their data and creating systems that work for their specific needs, they've gained valuable insights, enhanced their marketing capabilities, and improved overall operational efficiency.
And you can too! Chat with a member of our team today to start exploring how your dealership could implement a similar approach to data management.
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