BMW Selects Reynolds for Dealer Support
20 July 1998
BMW of North America, Inc. Selects Reynolds; Reynolds' Technology Solutions Support Dealers' Systems
DAYTON, Ohio--July 20, 1998--BMW of North America, Inc. has reached agreement with The Reynolds and Reynolds Company to provide advanced technology solutions to BMW dealers, with the goal of creating the "ultimate consumer experience." Integrated with the dealer's Reynolds ERA2 dealer management system, Reynolds' solutions include DCS 2000 (BMW's dealer communications system), Service Price Guides for BMW, and the BMW EPC/TIS (BMW's electronic parts catalog). BMW has made it easier for dealers to employ these solutions through a unique enterprise agreement with Reynolds."Integration to the dealer's management system is a powerful advantage and is integral to our Retail 2000 philosophy. Our goal is a seamless, efficient process that will ensure higher customer satisfaction and increased customer retention. Our partnership with Reynolds will drive that process with these strong retailing solutions," said Reinhard Fischer, manager, Center Development and Vehicle Process, BMW of North America.
An integral component of BMW's strategy is DCS 2000, which communicates up-to-the-minute data via BMW's satellite link directly into the retail center. For example, vehicle orders can be modified, vehicles located and parts availability checked. Financial statements, parts orders and warranty claims are automatically downloaded from the system to DCS, eliminating the error potential of multiple entries.
In fixed operations, Service Price Guides (SPG) enable BMW service advisors to provide customers with immediate, accurate price quotes for customer-pay repairs including parts, labor, miscellaneous charges and even applicable taxes. The SPG process provides systematic value that impacts parts, service and wholesale operations, and dealership retail customers.
The BMW EPC/TIS is another time-saving application that automates the parts catalog look-up process and invoicing functions. Stock availability can be instantly checked, parts ordered and automatically invoiced using the integrated Inventory and Invoicing application.
"We are committed to providing our BMW partner with the solutions to support its strategic initiatives. The linkage with the dealer's management system provides the dealership staff with the comprehensive information needed to create a more efficient, consumer-friendly retailing environment. These kinds of technology solutions -- such as DCS 2000, service price guides and electronic parts catalog -- will help BMW achieve success well beyond the Year 2000," said Mark Brown, group vice president of marketing, Reynolds' Automotive Division.
Reynolds and Reynolds, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, is a leading provider of integrated information management systems and related value-added services to automotive, healthcare and general business markets. The company has reported revenues of over $1.47 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, 1998. For more information on Reynolds and Reynolds, visit the company's World Wide Web site on http://www.reyrey.com, or call The Reynolds and Reynolds Information Hotline at 1-888-4REYREY.