There is no doubt that a good Dealer Management System or DMS is fundamental to any successful dealer operation. As the business environment evolves, there comes a point when supplementary DMS modules just can’t keep up with the complexity of the business reality. It’s at this point that solutions start to get modified and creative, usually involving spreadsheet(s).
Then, the solutions start to grow in complexity, in scope, in data requirements and in the time it takes to maintain them. Of most concern as they get ever more modified, fewer people within your business will understand how they actually work; exponentially increasing your vulnerability to personnel issues.
But, how do you eliminate the risk without compromising the solution? You wouldn’t want to buy a new piece of software and everything that goes with it. After all, you’ve already brought an expensive DMS – not to mention your server room is already full! You say to yourself, “New software and the hardware is too expensive, right?” Wrong. Welcome to the world of Software as a Service (SaaS).
Software as a service (SaaS) is a cloud computing IT hardware, infrastructure, and software that makes service available to end-users securely over the Internet. This means businesses can buy the type and amount of computing services required specifically for their business. Cloud users login remotely to access the systems and services they need. SaaS solutions generally rely on a common set of web service protocols and application programming interfaces (APIs).
Despite some concerns about the reliability and security of SaaS, there are far fewer service disruptions and security breaches among SaaS vendors than in traditional, on premise software environments. The major benefits of SaaS include:
- Less upfront investment – There is no need to buy new servers and equipment. There is nothing to install.
- Rapid Deployment –Most SaaS vendors, can roll out software rapidly.
- Lower Total Cost Of Ownership (TOC) – SaaS software is often less expensive considering the cost of upgrades, maintenance, support, and monitoring.
- Less risk – It’s a lot easier to pilot software or select another vendor if the SaaS software is not a good fit.
- Easier Upgrades – With SaaS, you don’t have to install new software or renegotiate your contract. In most cases, new features and functionality are available in standard release cycles.
Next time you are scratching your head poised to add just one more spreadsheet to the mountain(s), think low risk and go SaaS instead.
Thanks to the combination of great functionality, easy integration, and low cost of entry, I have had the opportunity to implement Syncron software in places from Sudan, to Tampa, all the way back home to beautiful Birmingham and everywhere in between. I can’t wait to see where the next one will take me.
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