Open Systems
Nick Nicholas Ford Inc.
2901 Highway 44 West
Inverness, Florida
USA
Controller: Dora Hunt
Client Since1998
Their Concern
With two dealerships and a non-integrated computer system, Nick Nicholas Ford needed a more efficient method of managing their business. A few disjointed, stand-alone software applications combined with a pen-and-paper based system for keeping track of everyday operations was not enough to handle the demands of their dealerships. Nick Nicholas Ford needed a dealership management solution that could run their entire dealership, but still give them the freedom to use other PC-based software applications.
Having made the decision to select a new dealership management system, Nick Nicholas Ford now faced the challenge of guiding their dealership through the transition. Not only did they need a system that would fit the needs of their dealership, but they also needed a knowledgeable support staff that was available at all times, during and after the installation.
The Solution
Nick Nicholas Ford decided to implement the POWER dealership management solution. They were also one of the first clients to operate under Open Systems, which enables the dealership to run Reynolds and Reynolds software on IntelŪ PentiumŪ PCs alongside other third-party software.
The Open Systems concept is based on a Local Area Network (LAN). All computer hardware in the dealership is connected to the Reynolds and Reynolds Application Server via the LAN. This includes manufacturer communications servers, PCs, printers, Internet Servers, etc
Each PC on the LAN can access the Reynolds and Reynolds software through the POWER solution, which offers pull down menus, pick lists, multiple sessions, and extended help capabilities. The easy-to-use features of POWER shorten the learning curve for new employees, which saves the dealership money by cutting training costs and saving time.
What makes this system truly open is the ability to transfer information to and from the Reynolds and Reynolds Application Server. By having the Application Server on the LAN, information can be easily downloaded and used in any PC-based spreadsheet, database, or word processing software. In addition, information such as mailing lists purchased from outside sources or electronic accounting files from banks can be uploaded to the Application Server.
The Results
"We followed their recommendations and everything worked out great."
Dora Hunt, Controller
Prior to their installation, the staff at Nick Nicholas Ford and Reynolds and Reynolds began preparing for the transition. To make the process as smooth as possible, Reynolds and Reynolds made several recommendations which the dealership followed completely. It was this careful planning, along with dealership management support, that made the installation so successful. Controller Dora Hunt feels that it was their coordination with the Reynolds and Reynolds installation team that made the difference.
The staff at Nick Nicholas Ford has benefited from the Reynolds and Reynolds system since day one. By having all departments of the dealership use the Reynolds and Reynolds system, they have been able to take full advantage of the total integration between each application. As a result, they have been able to save time and cut costs in every area of the dealership. By having all of their data right at their fingertips, they have reduced the time spent searching through files and researching historical information. They have also been able to reduce their staff and cut significant payroll costs. "Overall, we feel that the [Reynolds and Reynolds] system was and still is the best choice for our dealership."
