Autofinity calls for improvements to data flow between dealer systems

Systems used by dealers often lack the required integration but taking a ‘one stop shop’ to overcome connectivity issues is not a solution, says Autofinity.

Dealers implement several applications to meet specific tasks which creates data silos with little or no data flow. Disconnect systems results in double keying and inconsistent and inaccurate information.

Andy Whitehair, CEO of Autofinity, said: “We were with a dealer client recently who said when a new employee was taken on, 20 different passwords were required to access the necessary applications for the job function to be performed – just one indication of the scale of the problem dealers face.

“With hardly any data flow between systems, employees waste time double keying or information in some systems remains out of date resulting in inconsistencies and inaccuracies such as the same vehicle advertised on different marketplaces with a different price.

“It is also likely that many tasks will be duplicated by the different systems in operation which has a cost implication.”

The three main barriers to change are the extent of the implications of systems not being properly understood, cost is perceived as high and other solutions are considered to be complicated.

Autofinity’s ViHUB platform integrates different systems in the dealership and pools information into one rich data source to create ‘a single view of the truth’ to feed all other platforms.

Whitehair added: “In most dealerships, an employee will be the bridge between disconnected systems whilst IT directors and their team are focused on ensuring security is in place and the network is operational rather than having an overall understanding of the multiple applications utilised in each part of the business.”