Looking for the Right Systems

Technology columnist Wayne Fortier, in the following pages, concludes his two-part series examining the industry's top dealership-management system providers.

Fortier, a consultant with Dixon Hughes dealership accounting firm, interviews senior executives of major DMS companies to find out what's new and what they think on a range of topics, from data ownership to easy-to-understand billing invoices.

We've included scouting reports, a “Word on the Street” section and quick-glance company profiles. Fortier also talks to dealership customers who tell what they like and dislike about their particular DMS providers.

The goal is to help dealers find their way around the world of information technology, an oft-time complicated, but nevertheless important, aspect of modern dealerships.

This month, Fortier interviews Richard Holland of ARKONA Inc. and Dan Agan of Universal Computer Systems.

Last month, we featured Steve Anenen of ADP, Charlie Prophet of Autosoft and Finbarr O'Neill of the Reynolds and Reynolds Co.

It's an ambitious undertaking. And there's more for readers who want that. Fortier, a certified public accountant and information technology expert with Dixon Hughes' Dealer Services Group, has created expanded versions of his DMS interviews in a book, DMS Vendors: Choosing the Best One for Your Dealership.

It can be obtained by contacting Kristen Ange at 1-877-357-2727, or by e-mail at [email protected].