Dealer Alert FAQ

Q. How does Dealer Alert work? Does it actually run on the DSI (Dealer Solutions, Inc) System?

A. Yes. Dealer Alert is written in the same programming language as the other programs on your DSI (Dealer Solutions, Inc) system. You do not need to buy any hardware to use Dealer Alert.

Q. How much does Dealer Alert cost?

A. While we do not publish prices on our website, a typical installation is well under $10,000.00 and smaller dealerships or Jobbers are less then $5,000.00

Q. Can I receive my alerts at home using AOL, Yahoo, etc?

A. Absolutely. DealerAlert has been tested to be sure you alerts are easy to read using all the major mail programs like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.

Q. What's the advantage of getting alerts via Internet email?

A. Receiving alerts via Internet email has 4 advantages.

Alerts can find you anywhere... at the office, at home, on a trip, anywhere.
The use of modern day email programs allow the alerts to be displayed in an attractive format, color coded by each dealership location. You can even add logos for easy identification of a particular store in your group.
Internet email alerts contain links that give you additional guidance on how to solve the particular issue that you received the alert on. For example, an alert on over-aged vehicle inventory has a link that you can click that will take you to on-line magazine articles dealing with inventory turns.
Lastly, if you want to send a copy to a manager, simply forward the alert!

Q. What about security? I don't want just anyone receiving alerts.

A. Neither do we. That's why we based the alert security on your already existing DSI (Dealer Solutions, Inc) settings. In a nutshell, parts managers can only get parts alerts, service managers can only get service alerts, etc. Also, when you remove a user from your DSI (Dealer Solutions, Inc) system, alerts are no longer sent to that user.

Q. How do I configure Dealer Alert?

A. At installation time, a typical dealership will have its controller place each key employee into one or more groups based on job function. The groups determine a starting point of who gets which alerts. Groups make setup quick & easy. Alerts can begin to flow as soon as employees are assigned.

Dealer Alert ships pre-configured to check for a variety of dealership anomalies using industry standard parameters. For example, out of the box, Dealer Alert will begin to check for parts GP percentages below 15%, but you can easily change this to any number you wish. Further, each manager can set their own alert parameters. Bill may want to see all credit releases, while Frank may only want to see the over 90's.

Q. How long does it take to set up and start getting alerts?

A. Most installations can be done on the same day you contactus. Installation takes about 20 minutes, and your first alerts come immediately after that.

Q. How many alerts will I get? I don't want to get clobbered with information.

A. There is such a thing as information overload. We take great pains to ensure that you do not receive the same alert more than once, (although some alerts bear repeating once a week until the problem is fixed... "Unpaid warranty", for example.) Using reasonable parameters in your alerts will keep you from filling your inbox.

Q. What if I want a custom alert?

A. DealerScope releases new alerts periodically, but there may be times when you need something completely custom. We can provide custom programmed alerts upon request. For advanced users, we will provide low-level technical documentation to enable you to create your own alerts.

Q. What about support?

A. Phone support is provided Monday through Friday from 8AM - 5PM Eastern Time.

Q. What are the system requirements?

A. Most modern DSI (Dealer Solutions, Inc) business systems will run Dealer Alert. Additionally you will need an Internet connection.