Reynolds and Reynolds Extends Auto Retailing Reach and Access
6 February 1999
Reynolds and Reynolds Extends Auto Retailing Reach and Access
DAYTON, Ohio--Feb 6, 1999--Announces Performance Path(TM), a Unique Suite of Solutions That
Gives Automobile Retailers Access to New Sources of Information,
Partnerships and Opportunities
The Reynolds and Reynolds Company today unveiled Performance Path(TM), a new suite of services designed to provide automotive retailers with expanded access to new networking and retailing solutions. This introduction took place at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Annual Convention in San Francisco.
The Heart of the System
The heart of Performance Path is its two-way data access capability, which enables auto retailers to securely transfer information using industry-standard technologies to and from third-party solutions and car company initiatives, such as Ford FOCALpt(TM) and Chrysler Customer Connect.
"The real value of this two-way access is the ability to leverage the open architecture strengths of our ERA2 system by more easily integrating non-Reynolds solutions important to the individual retailer's business, such as car company initiatives," said Mark Brown, group vice president and general manager, Automotive Systems Group and Marketing Services, for Reynolds' Automotive Division. "This takes us to the next level. It enables Reynolds to provide two-way, yet secure, data access to incorporate non-Reynolds solutions into the overall business system."
According to Brown, by moving into a non-proprietary environment that allows access to data, Reynolds has taken a leadership position in automotive retail technology. "Auto retailers are continuously looking at information in new ways, and using that information to boost their business results. With this two-way access capability, Reynolds is providing them the tools to do it."
The Enterprise Segment Solution
A key offering of Performance Path is Reynolds' Enterprise Information Management solution. This data warehouse/decision support tool gives large multi-dealer organizations immediate access to reliable, up-to-date, consolidated business data from their operations. The product helps owners, general managers, financial officers and other dealer managers understand and drive the performance of individual stores as well as the total enterprise.
With the insights available from Enterprise Information Management, executives can swiftly and proactively make decisions to impact business results. Powerful data warehousing software manages data from Reynolds ERA(R) systems and data that can be extracted from ADP's AC580 and AC900 systems.
"By building upon these existing dealer management systems, Reynolds can maximize the retailer's technology investment by turning information into action," said Kurt Lieberman, group vice president of Reynolds' New Solutions Group.
Integrating Network and "Net" Services
To simplify the management and implementation of data and communications networks and Internet access for dealers, Reynolds now offers Network Consulting, Data Services, and Internet Design Services.
With the Network Consulting service, Reynolds assists the dealership in understanding its total networking environment. Reynolds provides highly skilled technical teams, with deep automotive industry experience, to assist with network design and consulting to drive increased business results. Dedicated Reynolds consultants can be used to augment a dealer's organization without having to hire full-time staff.
Reynolds' Data Services, featuring the industry's only Network Protection program, provide retailers with a single point of contact and accountability for network hardware, software, telecommunications and service support. Data Services' unique Network Protection program ensures the dealer's network has the most up-to-date technology.
With Internet Design Services, Reynolds develops an Internet solution based on specific dealership needs. Reynolds analyzes a variety of dealership Internet requirements including Internet access tools, e-mail use, database searching requirements, World Wide Web searching, access to news groups and marketing strategies in developing a tailored Internet solution.
"With Data Services, Network Consulting and Internet Design Services, we protect our customers' investments while keeping them on the cutting edge of technology. Our goal is to simplify our customers' data and communications network by providing solid business solutions that are flexible, durable and cost-effective," Lieberman said.
Expanding Capabilities through Third-Party Certification
"As the Information Age explodes before us, Reynolds' evolution is designed with one goal in mind: To put more power in the hands of our retailers by streamlining the flow of information through and beyond the dealership to achieve maximum business results," Brown said.
The Data Access Certification Program establishes a new channel for data interaction with Reynolds-certified third parties, integrating both inbound and outbound data. For a third party to become certified, Reynolds tests, evaluates and then certifies access to and from its solutions.
"With this certification program, we've worked closely with auto retailers to help maximize their benefits as franchised dealers, opening the channel for data interaction further to include outside resources that can help them meet their goals," Brown said. "This program is establishing relationships with vital information resources and other solutions providers that will offer retailers a new level of information access."
Reaching Beyond the Four Walls of the Dealership
With Performance Path, Reynolds allows unparalleled access to information. This is certainly a historic advancement of Reynolds' ability to reach beyond the four walls of the dealership. But it is not the first such achievement in opening Reynolds' architecture.
The foundation for Performance Path can be traced back to Reynolds' ERA information management system. This system was originally designed to be the most open technology available to automotive retailers. Over the years, the ERA system has continued to evolve in order to meet the changing needs of the automotive retailing industry.
Examples of this evolution can be found in existing Reynolds solutions, such as ERALink(TM), a unique user interface that simplifies the export of data into Windows applications; ConsumerLink(TM), a breakthrough solution that provides comprehensive, valuable information about a retailer's customers to help build long-term relationships; and CarPoint(TM), the leading online automotive retailing service in cooperation with Microsoft Corp.
"We've been delivering open systems for years, focusing on providing the best solutions possible for auto retailers," said Brown. "Performance Path creates a secure, open environment that maximizes the use of technology and delivers a smooth exchange of information, strengthening the operating network."
Reynolds and Reynolds, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, is a leading provider of integrated information management systems and related value-added services to automotive and general business markets. The company has reported revenues of over $1.53 billion for the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 1998. For more information on Reynolds and Reynolds, visit the company's World Wide Web site at www.reyrey.com, or call The Reynolds and Reynolds Information Hotline at 1-888-4REYREY.
(Focalpoint is a trademark of Galileo International and the derivative, "FOCALpt", is used with permission.)