The Fixed Operations department, which includes the service and parts departments of a dealership, is a critical revenue center for any successful dealership. Unlike variable operations, which fluctuate with vehicle sales, Fixed Ops provides a consistent stream of income. To maximize efficiency and profitability in this area, dealerships rely on specialized dealership software designed to streamline every aspect of their service and parts business. From managing repair orders to optimizing pricing, the right technology is essential. In this post, we’ll explore what software dealerships use for Fixed Operations, from comprehensive DMS platforms to targeted analytics and CRM tools that streamline operations and drive revenue growth.
What Software Do Most Dealerships Use?
Most dealerships build their technology stack around a central Dealership Management System (DMS). This core platform handles fundamental tasks like accounting, inventory management, and creating repair orders. However, to truly excel, service departments integrate specialized software that enhances the DMS’s capabilities. These supplementary tools focus on areas where a general DMS falls short, such as sophisticated parts and labor pricing, service lane sales training, and targeted marketing.
The best dealership management software for one dealer might not be the perfect fit for another, as needs vary by size and brand. However, top-tier solutions are those that allow seamless integration with other vital applications. For independent shops or those with tighter budgets, searching for the best used car dealership software free of charge can yield basic tools, but these often lack the robust analytics and support needed to drive significant profit growth in Fixed Operations.
What Kind of Software Do Car Dealerships Use?
Beyond the central DMS, car dealerships use a variety of specialized software to manage and grow their Fixed Operations. A major player in the DMS market is CDK Global, which provides a comprehensive platform used by thousands of dealers. While powerful, dealerships often supplement systems like CDK Global with software focused on business intelligence and revenue optimization. Many dealerships use a primary DMS paired with analytical tools that reveal hidden profit potential.
These analytical platforms dig deep into repair order data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities. For example, they can analyze work-mix to ensure labor rates are optimized, spot price erosion on common services, and flag inconsistencies in warranty claims. This level of insight allows Fixed Operations managers to make data-driven decisions, rather than relying on intuition alone, directly impacting departmental profitability.
What CRM Do Dealerships Use?
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is vital for managing sales leads and customer interactions in variable ops, but its role in Fixed Operations is just as important. In the service department, a CRM helps manage customer communication, track service history, and send automated reminders for maintenance. This fosters customer loyalty and ensures a steady flow of traffic to the service drive.
While many DMS platforms, including CDK Global, have built-in CRM functionalities, many dealerships opt for specialized CRM solutions that offer more advanced features tailored to service marketing. These tools can segment customers based on their vehicle and service history, allowing for highly targeted marketing campaigns. By integrating CRM data with repair order analytics, dealerships can create personalized offers that drive both customer retention and revenue.
What System Do Car Dealerships Use?
Ultimately, car dealerships use a multi-faceted system composed of several interconnected software solutions. It starts with the DMS, which serves as the operational backbone for the entire dealership. Layered on top are specialized applications for Fixed Operations that focus on price optimization, sales process training, and data analytics. Finally, a CRM system manages the customer-facing aspects, from initial marketing contact to post-service follow-up.
This integrated ecosystem of software provides a 360-degree view of the Fixed Operations business. It empowers managers to address common pain points like inconsistent pricing, lack of technician efficiency, and missed sales opportunities. By leveraging technology to transform raw data into clear, actionable insights, dealerships can run their service and parts departments with greater precision, efficiency, and profitability.
Optimizing Fixed Ops with the Right Software
The right software solutions are central to optimizing Fixed Operations, enabling dealerships to control costs, increase productivity, and drive sustained revenue growth. When your systems work together seamlessly, you gain the insights needed to enhance every aspect of your service and parts departments.
Dynatron Software partners with dealerships to provide advanced analytics, price optimization, and actionable business intelligence in Fixed Ops. Our proven solutions and expertise help dealerships turn complex data into results—improving ELR, streamlining workflows, and uncovering new profit opportunities. To see how Dynatron can maximize your Fixed Operations revenue, schedule a demo with our team today.