Porsche Cars North America Signs ADP To Deploy Web-Based e-DCS System
24 July 2000
Web-Based, Satellite Delivery System Eliminates Redundant Data Entry for Porsche Dealers
CHICAGO - The Dealer Services Group of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. --ADP Dealer Services and Porsche Cars North America have formally signed an agreement that makes ADP the first approved vendor to deploy PCNA e-DCS, Porsche's new Web-based dealer communications system.PCNA e-DCS is a comprehensive two-way channel for communication between Porsche dealers and PCNA.
ADP and PCNA jointly developed comprehensive e-DCS products for Porsche dealers that provide network infrastructure, PC workstations, and integration with the dealer management system. The signing of the agreement June 23 formally kicked off the program.
A large number of Porsche dealers also sell Volkswagen or Audi vehicles, so the PCNA e-DCS workstation environment will also be capable of providing access to the browser environment for Volkswagen and Audi sites as well, eliminating the need for separate PCs to access those manufacturers' sites.
"PCNA e-DCS will help PCNA strengthen its position in the marketplace by improving dealer communications and helping leverage information from dealers and their business partners," said John Jacobs, Manager of Dealer and Field Systems for PCNA. "It will also acquire the capability to centrally manage inventories and processes, centralize systems management and customer information as well as improve field force effectiveness.
"For the Porsche owner, a more responsive sales and aftersales team will enhance the vehicle ownership experience, improving customer loyalty and repurchase intention," Jacobs said.
"Working with Porsche Cars North America to jointly develop this e-Business solution is a significant milestone for ADP as we continue to lead automotive retailers into the new economy," said Mike Martone, President, ADP Dealer Services.
PCNA e-DCS enables seamless, automatic transfer of data between the manufacturer's host system and the dealer's in-house computer system via secured satellite network transmission. Retailers will access and view the information from a PC browser that also gives them access to PCNA online services and applications.
More than 60 percent of Porsche's dealers in North America already use ADP dealer management systems, which will be seamlessly integrated with the new e-business solution.
ADP will soon be deploying network infrastructure, the e-business software and PC workstations in Porsche dealerships through the U.S. and Canada. PCNA is funding the dealers' PCs and routers required for this upgrade.
"This is going to be a real time- and labor-saver because it's point-and-click navigation rather than complicated keystrokes," said Kirk Howard, IT Manager, Sunset Imports, one of the first Porsche dealers to be integrated with the new e-business solution. "It makes communication more manageable and more reliable."
About PCNA
Porsche Cars North America, Inc., based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche cars for the United States. A wholly owned subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs some 220 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, marketing and training for its 205 dealers in North America. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.
About ADP
ADP Dealer Services Group provides integrated computing solutions to more than 18,000 automotive and truck dealers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. ADP Dealer Services Group is the third largest business unit of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. . ADP, with more than $6 billion in annual revenues and more than 450,000 clients, is a leading independent provider of computing services.