This article will go through the benefits of cleaning your database during your dealership's activation



This is a great opportunity to build a clean database, using structured Make / Model / Sub Model framework data


You will also have the opportunity to import the following data: (Note => Blackpurl Data Import Template provide at the bottom of this article)

  • Make / Model / Sub Model framework
  • Factory Options
  • Stock Unit Inventory
  • On Order Units
  • Consignment Units
  • Customer Owned Units


Depending on your dealership's requirements, this may take some heavy-lifting on your end to get set up (or not) but it will give you long-term benefits of well prepared framework


Benefits will include:

  • Clean, structured framework data
  • The ability to order / receive units by easily clicking through, rather than typing in
  • The ability to quote customers by easily clicking through, rather than typing in 
  • Prepare your Service Writers to have ease of use
  • Cleaner reporting & accounting



Examples


All demonstrated names, prices & costs are fictional and are for demonstration purposes only



Below is an example of what clean make / model data can look like when preparing a unit order


Notice how available the data is when clicking through


If the Make / Model / Sub Model & Factory Options Data is not available here, you will need to go back and Create or Amend - Make / Model / Sub Model data and also possibly Set up Your Unit Pricing and Factory Options, depending on your dealership's requirements




Tip:
You cannot create new Make / Model / Sub Model data when processing a Unit Vendor Order
This is so that you can keep your data clean





Now, let's take a look at the benefits of robust, clean Make / Model / Sub Model & Factory Options Data when quoting a customer


Same rules apply here; you cannot create new Make / Model / Sub Model Data when quoting a customer on a deal


Consider the benefits of being able to quickly click through on a quote to a customer, adjust prices where required and send off via email or print





Attached to this article is a quote generated by the above example, demonstrating how fast and clean a quote can be created and delivered using well prepared framework data



Now, let's take a look at the benefits of clean Make / Model / Sub Model data when creating a service job; the key here is the creation of a new customer unit is fast because the data is available, which in turn keeps the framework data clean




What happens when the Make / Model / Sub Model readily available is not used when creating a new customer owned unit?  


You are able to create "new" Make / Model / Sub Model when creating a new customer owned unit


This is due to not all units being serviced may be available as standard framework data


The Service Writer here created a "new" Make / Model / Sub Model on the spot


This can be where your data starts to become messy if processes and / or a solid Make / Model / Sub Model are not currently in place


Below is an example, working with the same type of data as above.  Notice how the make "CanAm" is used in this instance - see the results?






Linking This Knowledge to Your Activation


Now that you have seen the benefit of robust, clean Make / Model / Sub Model & Factory Options data in your account, please consider that you have the ability to have your unit data imported during your activation


With that being said, unless otherwise agreed upon, the data being submitted for import is your responsibility to submit as clean


Take for example a small slice of Customer Owned Unit data below; notice where the data can become messy from the start  (Hint => look at the make column)


Company/Last NameFirst NameCustomer IDSerial Number (VIN)MakeModelSub Model
SmithGeorge31246ABC1233157D122933Can-AmCommander6GNA
JonesAllen36346ABC1238A82S141421CanAmCommander6GNA
JonesAllen36346ABC123FGSF87GGD87CanAmCommander6GNA


When submitting data during your activation, please consider the following before submitting:

  • Are Makes consistent across all data submitted?
  • Are Models consistent across all data submitted?
  • Are there missing Make / Model data in the data submitted? 
  • Would you prefer to submit prepared Make / Model framework data or custom create in your account?  Remember this data is to your standard
  • Would you prefer to submit prepared Factory Options framework data or custom create in your account?  Remember this data is to your standard