Six new initiatives unveiled by global DMS supplier ADP to the American market will be plugged into the Kerridge Autoline system and its own DMS product in the UK later this year.

Network Video enables dealers to see their entire showroom via CCTV from any computer. It means sales staff can attend to customers quicker, while a numberplate identification system alerts the service department when customers enter the forecourt.

Dealers can also monitor compliance, for instance that staff are meeting FSA regulations, and use the system for training.

Network Phone is a hosted phone system where ADP acts as the phone company for the dealer, taking responsibility for phones, lines, upgrades, maintenance and equipment, based on fixed per-user pricing.

Also new is Digital Marketing with a search engine optimization facility to generate more leads through a pay per click system.

Web Menu links with warranty providers for real-time contract ratings and, according to ADP, has boosted dealers F&I revenue in the USA by around £100 per deal.

Web Credit, meanwhile, is a free tool for faster processing of credit applications. ADP says it cuts application times by five to 10 minutes.

Perhaps of most interest to UK dealers is Customer Touch, an automated follow-up system for prospects, post-sale and service contact. The real-time system controls every aspect of customer communication. Everything from chasing unsold prospects to service reminders is included.

Kevin Henahan, ADP senior vice president, marketing and strategy, tells AM: “We will implement these initiatives in the UK. A roadmap is being laid out for launch.”

Network Phone and Network Video will be the first launches within the next two months, with Digital Marketing to follow shortly afterwards. All six initiatives will be available to UK Kerridge and ADP customers by the end of the year.

ADP president, dealer services, Steven Anenen says: “These initiatives will address front of office issues with our DMS.”

Many dealers complain that Kerridge is too expensive. A cheaper entry-level Autoline product which includes the basic facilities will be introduced this year. An ‘all-in’ product will also be available, including every part of the Autoline DMS at the premium price.

The company has recently signed United Auto Group/Sytner and Lookers to its DMS, enticing them away from Kalamazoo UCS. “We also have another couple of big deals in the pipeline,” Anenen adds.