The Warnock Automotive Group is New Jersey's largest family-owned automotive dealership and was founded in 1976 by Donald Warnock. It is presently co-owned by Robert and Bethanie Warnock. Warnock's six dealerships in East Hanover, Livingston, and Morristown sell Chevrolet, Chrysler/Plymouth, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Lexus and Nissan. Rather than interviewing the dealer, I went straight to the "technology mouth," system administrator, John V. McAdams. John has been employed by the Warnock Automotive Group for almost two years and was previously employed by ADP Dealer Services as a senior account executive.
So, John, how does one come to be a system administrator for an organization like the Warnock Automotive Group?
As the senior account executive for ADP, I was afforded the opportunity to visit with many dealer groups and the Warnock Automotive Group has always had the most impeccable records as a highly respected organization. One of my conversion accounts was the Warnock Automotive Group, and during the project I was approached with the opportunity as the current associate was leaving.
What background and technology skills did you have before starting this position?
My background installing and configuring systems for ADP, as well as a multitude of others, has provided me with the knowledge to perform the duties of my current position. In addition, from an early age I was surrounded by new technology as my father has his own computer consulting company, which provided me the insight to take MSCE classes as this technology was in high demand.
What technology are you responsible for in the dealership?
The MIS department at Warnock Automotive Group is comprised of three full-time associates including myself, under the very competent direction of Bethanie Warnock, the dealer principal. We are cross-trained in all facets of the department with each associate specializing in a certain area. The MIS department is responsible for all computer systems, network operations, phone systems and lines, copy machines, fax machines, etc.
Can you give me an idea of some of the technology that Warnock Automotive uses?
We have ADP 9300 Millennia System with approximately 300 ports, 1 gig memory, DSDA Jukebox and Server. We use the standard ADP Electronic Highway to major credit bureaus, ADP's service pricing guides, Shoplink and Photolink for Windows, running in standalone environment. All stores have Lucent Definty Systems interconnected via T1 lines. We have internal paging through the phone system; we used to have Bogen, but discontinued the use of this service. For our e-mail service, we currently run Lotus Notes Domino R5. On the PCs, we utilize the Microsoft Office Suite, ACT!, Adobe Photoshop, Track-it, Chrome Data PCCarbook, and Tap-it Call Accounting.
Sounds like a lot of PCs in addition to your ADP system. Just how PCs do you have?
We have a total of 80 PCs, all running Windows NT workstation and NT server 4.0 running DHCP, WINS, File Server, NT Server 4.0 Fax/Print Server, NT Server 4.0 SQL Database and Payroll. In addition, we have NT server 4.0 Lotus Notes Domino R5. Our department also supports two Chrysler CIS II servers, Castelle Fax Press Server, and a Firebox II Firewall.
What do you think the DMS providers (ADP, R+R, etc.) should focus on? What would you like to see added to their system?
Regardless of the provider, the main focus should be to update their hardware and software platforms to encourage open database connectivity throughout the dealership and the Web. Granted, the ADP 9300 Millennia system is nice piece of hardware, but the software that resides on it to provide much of our users with their daily operations is the equivalent to a jet engine in a Ford pinto. I think the new ADP Jupiter Project is a good starting point for DMS providers to move into the more technically challenged arena that most dealers find themselves in. An ODBC compliant platform that will allow the use of data to move across various platforms with much less ease will allow dealers to collect, analyze and drive their business forward, while courting new prospects and maintaining higher customer service standards.
What do you think is the future of Internet sales? What is your dealership's Internet presence/focus?
Internet sales has already become a major source for prospects within the automobile industry. Each one of our dealerships has a dedicated Internet executive who is responsible to the prospects' requests.
We utilize various portals, third party vendors and our own Web site: www.warnockauto.com that allow those looking for a vehicle to search, sort, filter, and even see prospective vehicles on the Web and ask us to contact them for more information in order to make a purchasing decision.
Do you think there is room for new DMS providers to compete with R+R and ADP? If so, what should they provide that is different?
At this point, there is a great demand for a more technically advanced DMS that provides a more robust application suite for all facets of the dealership, yet is more fundamentally capable of providing data to the end user in a more graphic and comprehensive manner. If the Big Two, ADP and R&R, do not step up to the plate soon, there will be another major player in this arena to take away a good share of their current customer base.
Digital Dealer Close-Up Nomination Form
If you know a "digital" dealer who is on the cutting edge of retail automobile technology, please nominate him/her to be the subject of a future Digital Dealer Close-Up. If you think your dealership fits the bill, don't hesitate to nominate it.
Please e-mail your nomination to Sandi Jerome at sjerome@dealeronline.com. Include dealer and dealership name, address, e-mail address, technology guru's name (if different from dealer) and a brief description of the technology employed by the dealership, as well as your e-mail address.
Back To Table of Contents • Digital Dealer Home Page • e-mail
