DMS stands for Dealer Management System, the software your dealership already uses to manage deals, inventory, and accounting. Common examples include CDK Global, Reynolds & Reynolds, DealerTrack, Automate, AutoSoft, PBS, DealerBuilt, Dominion VUE, and Tekion.
If you are not sure which DMS your dealership runs, check with your office manager or accounting team. It is one of the most established systems at the store, so someone in those roles will know it well.
Once you select your provider, this step shows a different setup process depending on which DMS you use. Here is what to expect for each:
Automate, AutoSoft, and PBS: you will be asked how long your dealership has been on that system (more than 5 years, a new dealership, or less than 5 years after switching from a different DMS). This helps flag whether historical data needs to be pulled in. Then download the setup form for your provider, fill it out, and upload it back. Your DMS ID is provided once the provider reviews and approves your submission.
DealerBuilt and Dominion VUE: download the setup form, fill it out, and upload it back. There is no additional question on this one, your DMS ID follows once the provider reviews and approves your submission.
Tekion: download both required forms, complete them, and upload the completed files back. Your DMS ID follows once Tekion reviews and approves your submission.
CDK Global: instead of a form, you will complete an eStore Process. Open the eStore Process link and download the instructions, which walk through the steps. You will also need your Inventory Code. To find it, open Work a Quote in CDK, enter a stock number, and open the "V" screen. Your Inventory Code is typically around line 13. Your DMS ID is provided after you submit through eStore and DriveCentric approves the order.
DealerTrack: download the API Setup Guide and complete the API method setup directly in DealerTrack. Once that is done, enter your credentials here. Usernames vary by DealerTrack configuration, for example ZQ, ZQ1, iTrack3, or a numeric ID, so use whatever format your setup guide confirms for you.
Reynolds & Reynolds: there is no form to download. Instead, enter your details directly: Reynolds Customer Number, Dealer Name, Dealer Address, Store Number, and Branch Number. If you do not have your Customer Number or Store/Branch Number on hand, your Reynolds rep can provide them.
Other (Manual): if your DMS is not listed above, use the provided email template to request a one-time historical data pull directly from your provider. Click Copy, paste it into an email to your provider, and send it their way.
Whichever path applies to you, the DMS ID itself is not something you need to track down yourself. It is issued automatically once your provider (or CDK's eStore, or DriveCentric) reviews and approves what you have submitted.
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