Why CDK – The vendor’s top arguments to select them

1. Executive Desktop & Fast Lanes: Track key performance via mobile devices in real-time, both in-store and out (DriveXL).
2. Document Archiving & Express Scanning: Fully integrated document management solution that makes data retrieval a snap.
3. Decision Support with Drill Down: Make informed decisions with detailed, real-time financial data 24/7
4. Advanced Reporting Tools: Customizable reports with real-time document detail.
5. Payroll Plus: Web-based integrated payroll solution powered by ADP.

Product Highlights

Key Features of the CDK DMS

• Comprehensive enterprise operation support.
• Single Portal Architecture – allows additional CDK products and services to plug-in to a common single-sign on environment.
• Automatic delivery of updates & new product releases – requires no dealership personnel involvement.
• DDX Data Management Tool – provides dealerships with real-time visibility to third-party data usage.

Overview

CDK’s Dealer Management System differentiates itself in the market by providing three clear levels of DMS products. This strategy allows dealerships of all sizes and complexity to find a system that will work for them. The three levels are:

1. Dash: Base system designed for fast, easy and efficient results
2. Drive: Complete system (core) offering solutions to drive profitable results and great customer experiences (see Functionality below)
3. Drive XL: Robust system with all benefits of Drive plus mobility capabilities, Executive Desktops, key schedule/account exceptions (expense management) and departmental Fast Lanes

CDK offers a wide breadth of optional solutions.  While this overview is meant to primarily focus on core offerings, it is felt that some optional products are worth mentioning as the majority of CDK customers select these items.

DMS Functionality

Drive

The Drive interface features a modern web-based design that is easy to use.  A single portal environment enables a common interface across all applications, intelligent reporting, messaging and alerts.  It also streamlines workflow by providing access to user specific job functions in one location. Dealerships can define standard employee configurations and deploy them across the enterprise. Further, alerts and messaging can be set based on key reports, overrides, purchase order approvals and exceptions, facilitating task management. This functionality promotes consistent processes throughout the dealership and allows centralized configuration/updating of role-based profiles for ease of management.

Easy-to-use reporting tools give users the ability to create smart grids, graphs and drill downs. With these tools, users can quickly customize the information to provide the overviews and data they find to be most useful. 

Archived data is an important part of CDK’s DMS.  Such data allows users to compare and contrast, analyze and strategize. Archived data is always a click away with this system.  Even the laser scanners/printers bought from CDK can scan, store and archive data. There is no limit to archived data if the store is on the cloud system.  CDK will refresh technology where needed (i.e. if a store’s cloud system needs more storage).

CDK’s DMS is a highly secured, permission-based system.

Executive Desktop - DriveXL

Most dealers elect to purchase the DriveXL product (additional cost option), which includes the Executive Desktop feature.  The Executive Desktop provides real-time information by department that refreshes every 6 minutes.  It can be customized by user, department or view.  For more visual users, graphical elements can be produced to provide a quick dynamic view.  Those who prefer straight-up data can customize the desktop to view numerical/text-based data.  Tabs can be color-coded. For example, all sales related items could be blue, while service items could be red, allowing easy department identification The dealership has the ability to set up a management desktop ensuring key departmental managers are operating from the same cross-department information. Deep customization and flexibility is offered with this tool.

The Executive Desktop utilizes the CDK portal environment that gives the user the ability to link to often-used websites such as OEMs. Instant, reliable OEM data is securely integrated providing critical financial, vehicle, parts and warranty data to transfer seamlessly. Similar “favorites” such as banks, suppliers, etc., can be linked. The user can stay within the drive portal and toggle between tabs without having to leave the system. 

Business Operations/Accounting

The CDK Business Office provides customers with the following features:

• Email accounts receivables capabilities
• Month-end smart desktop
• Real-time posting
• Trend analysis reporting tools
• Power posting (Excel into Accounting)
• Decision support financial reporting – drill down included

   

Enterprise functionally allows the creation of company schedules and journals by the individual store and can roll up to a consolidated enterprise analysis, further strengthening the accounts receivables and payables functionalities. A drill-down to source level docs provide more insight for accounting departments and reports can be programed by company and enterprise, allowing for increased data visibility.  Further, dealerships have the option to establish virtual credit cards that pay them 1.25% cash back, providing a revenue source out of routine expense payments.

CDK Drive comes with Payroll Plus through ADP.  Time sheets and labor hours can be pulled from the Drive system and auto posted to the Payroll Plus System.  ADP handles all tax calculations and employees have access to this portal, which will archive 12 months of their payroll history.

Financial statements can be run throughout the day without having to do a trial close.  Statements also allow for further drill down from the account line, providing more detail when needed. Phone/tablet support is standard, allowing users on-the-go access to the general ledger.

Fixed Operations

Features of CDK Fixed Operations include:

• Comprehensive fee and discount codes with reporting
• Parts transfer between company owned dealerships
• Forced declined service tracking and reporting (ServiceEdge required)*
• Service daily log desktop
• Inventory replenishment desktop
• Story library and spell check*
• Warranty parts tracking*
• Parts data archiving
• Gross profit protection settings

*May require optional programs (i.e. Electronic Repair Order) to receive full benefits of these features

Service advisors have access to daily logs that will display the status of all repair orders. They are also able to view assigned appointments as well as set alerts for missed promised times.  As an option, a writer can cashier from the service lane, further increasing efficiency. 

CDK offers several other optional add-ons to maximize fixed operations output. One such add-on feature is the integration of the service-pricing guide (Motors) into the estimating process.  Writers can check for parts and prices while developing their estimate. The Electronic Repair Order and Tech Workbench solutions optimize tech/writer communications providing quick reference features when working with customers on additional service recommendations.

Enterprise companies can easily transfer parts between rooftops.  Stores are able to create invoices and buy parts from each other based on stocking thresholds. An optional Parts Delivery Management solution is available and works well for dealers with large wholesale parts counters. The solution provides dashboard visibility to current order status, and will update and organize and delivery manifest in real-time.

Variable Operations

The Drive platform provides Sales/F&I support for functions such as vehicle contracting (including vehicle and deal audit functionality that tracks changes based on date, time and user ID), inventory updates, unlimited We owe’s, basic desking and F&I product/sale reporting.

A majority of CDK’s clients opt to utilize optional desking/F&I menu-based solutions to enhance the standard DMS functionality. The included F&I/Sales module within Drive offers tight bi-directional integration with CDK’s optional Sales Velocity CRM and Desking solutions.

Sales Velocity and Sales Velocity Plus are CDK’s optional offerings that provide a seamless and flexible sales experience.  These front-end solutions are designed to reduce cycle time, maximize profits and communicate with buyers through their desired methods. A brief overview of available functionality is outlined below.

Sales Velocity

• Mobile design - allows dealership representatives the ability to engage clients anywhere they are connected.
• Customer lifecycle management – provides automated dealership defined triggered communications that help keep customers engaged and informed.
• Widget-based dashboard reporting on key KPI’s.
• Customer Lifetime Value calculations – provides valuable purchase data on key metrics.
• Equity mining (DMS data) of owned vehicles - used for targeted marketing campaigns.
• Customer record data cleanse - optimizes address and phone/email contact information, maximizing customer contact effectiveness.

Sales Velocity Plus

The Sales Velocity Plus offers all the benefits of Sales Velocity plus:

• Analytic Recommendations
• Express Appraisal
• Enhanced Mobile Tools
• SmartDeal (sales presentations for in-stock vehicles)

Certified Integration

CDK’s “Third-Party Access Program” is a bi-directional integration program designed to protect dealership data while ensuring stable system connections. Dealerships authorize which vendors can have access to their system.

Vendors pay a one-time integration fee, plus a monthly per rooftop charge to have secure access to dealership’s DMS data.

Bi-directional data access is managed through the use of CDK developed integration technology, data integration API’s, providing batch or real-time access. CDK monitors and controls access; also, no vendor software is loaded on the CDK server.

In addition, CDK provides dealers real-time access to monitor the two-way flow of data between their DMS and both certified and non-certified third party providers. The DDX (Dealer Data Exchange) application provides greater dealer oversight into how their data is being utilized.

CDK believes this program protects a store’s valuable data while also providing vendors with the options needed to best serve their dealers.

Additional Offerings

CDK has many layered solutions to further strengthen the system.  These include:

• ePayments
• Service Edge: Online Appts/Lane/Inspect
• AP-Assist (ePayables)
• Parts Delivery Management
• Document Archiving & Express Scanning
• ERO & Tech Workbench
• Service Pricing Guides
• Text Connect
• Payroll Plus Premier
• Digital Contracting with eSign
• Front Office Solutions
• Inventory Solutions
• Barcode Scanning Solutions

Platform

CDK Drive DMS is cloud-based, although a few clients are in-house by choice.  This cloud approach allows for hassle-free IT solutions, maximizes availability and decreases security risks.  The two main data centers are located in Chicago (3^rd largest in the world) and Las Vegas (largest in the world and the only public, carrier neutral Tier IV facility). To ensure the optimal performance of the system, CDK recommends PC’s with modern Intel® Core™ processor, 2-6 GB RAM (depending on 32/64 bit operating system) and 1 GB free hard disk space (CDK recommends Windows 10 based machines).

CDK’s DMS delivers automatic updates and new-release installations through its cloud-based architecture.  Workflow is not disrupted while the system is being updated. And, it requires no human interaction, allowing employees to focus on their tasks at hand.

Installation/Support

CDK strongly believes proper training is key to fully reap the benefits of any dealership management system.  For this reason, they have formulated a 6-step training and implementation process.

1. Implementation Discovery: CDK will review business operations and plan the implementation details.  A Training and Implementation team, as well as Project and Product Advocates, will be assigned at this time.  CDK reviews the project scope, networking requirements and will do a walk-through of each department to understand unique processes and technical needs.
    
2. Project Mapping: Training and implementation plans will be mapped out. CDK takes care to work out a plan that allows for minimal disruption of day-to-day operations. Timelines, expectations and before/during/after install training plans are set at this time as well.  Additionally, any important business requirements collected from the Implementation Discovery step will be discussed.
    
3. Site Readiness: Here, the CDK team will configure network needs, finalize pre-installation training, migrate or convert data and more to prepare the store for a smooth transition on install day.
    
4. CDK Go-Live: CDK will work with store to ensure all details of the installation are complete. Included in this process are on-site training and progress checks. During the go-live period, CDK will assist with the first month end close to ensure the system is performing as expected.
    
5. Transition Meeting: At this point, the CDK team will review training and implementation results, discuss any required follow-up and review on-going training tools. A Client Account Manager will be assigned to the store.
    
6. Ongoing Training: Service Connect is CDK’s continuous improvement portal.  Right from the CDK Desktop, employees can improve skills and get answers to questions they may have.  Included in this portal are community conversations, thousands of self-help articles, support experts standing by for web chats and more.

The typical installation timeframe from contract signing to go-live varies between 4-6 month depending on installation complexity and CDK installation backlog.

Contract

CDK’s typical contract term is 36-60 months. Additional term lengths are available and may offer price concessions.

Company Profile

Type – Public Company

Size – 5,000+ employees

Founded – 1972

Location – Hoffman Estates, IL

Clients – 26,500+ worldwide (automotive, marine, recreational and heavy equipment)