--- title: Learn | Dealer Management Systems (DMS) description: Dealer Management System (DMS) is the software backbone of an automotive dealership. A DMS provides basic functionality to all departments. --- [Skip to main content](https://dealerbydesign.ca/learn/dealership-management-system#main) [![Dealer by Design logo](https://dealerbydesign.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/dbd_logo_v2_black%20(4).png?width=177&height=50&name=dbd_logo_v2_black%20(4).png) ![Dealer by Design logo](https://dealerbydesign.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/dbd_logo_v2_black%20(4)-1.png?width=177&height=50&name=dbd_logo_v2_black%20(4)-1.png) ![Dealer by Design mobile logo](https://dealerbydesign.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/favicon%20(1).png?width=50&height=50&name=favicon%20(1).png) ![Dealer by Design mobile logo](https://dealerbydesign.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/favicon%20(1).png?width=50&height=50&name=favicon%20(1).png)](https://dealerbydesign.ca?hsLang=en) - Show submenu for READY HUB READY HUB - [For Inventory](https://dealerbydesign.ca/inventory-hub-for-inventory-management) - For Trade - [For Deliveries](https://dealerbydesign.ca/delivery-hub) - [Integrations](https://dealerbydesign.ca/integrations) - Show submenu for Getting Started Getting Started - [Book a Demo](https://dealerbydesign.ca/fr-ca/book-a-demonstration-dealer-by-design) - [New User Video](https://get.dealerbydesign.ca/newuser) - [Knowledge Base](https://get.dealerbydesign.ca/help) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for READY HUB READY HUB - READY HUB - [For Inventory](https://dealerbydesign.ca/inventory-hub-for-inventory-management) - For Trade - [For Deliveries](https://dealerbydesign.ca/delivery-hub) - [Integrations](https://dealerbydesign.ca/integrations) - Show submenu for Getting Started Getting Started - Getting Started - [Book a Demo](https://dealerbydesign.ca/fr-ca/book-a-demonstration-dealer-by-design) - [New User Video](https://get.dealerbydesign.ca/newuser) - [Knowledge Base](https://get.dealerbydesign.ca/help) - [Login](https://app.dealerbydesign.ca) [Book Demo](https://dealerbydesign.ca/book-a-demonstration-meeting) [Login](https://app.dealerbydesign.ca) [Book Demo](https://dealerbydesign.ca/book-a-demonstration-meeting?hsLang=en) ## Learn | Dealership Operations # Dealership Management System (DMS) A DMS is an enterprise information management system created specifically for the automotive industry or car dealerships. A DMS provides basic functionality for departmental operations. View All Features - [What is a Dealer Management System?](https://dealerbydesign.ca/learn/dealership-management-system#what-is-a-dealer-management-system) - [Why do dealerships use other software?](https://dealerbydesign.ca/learn/dealership-management-system#why-do-dealerships-use-other-software) - [What DMS systems can dealerships use?](https://dealerbydesign.ca/learn/dealership-management-system#what-dms-systems-can-dealerships-use) - [Common DMS Providers](https://dealerbydesign.ca/learn/dealership-management-system#common-dms-providers) ## What is a Dealer Management System? A Dealer Management System (DMS) is a comprehensive software platform used primarily by automotive dealerships and similar sales entities to manage their operations. This system integrates all aspects of the dealership's business, from sales, finance, inventory, customer relationship management (CRM), service and parts management, to accounting and reporting. The goal of a DMS is to centralize and streamline processes, improve efficiency, enhance customer service, and ultimately drive sales and profitability. ## Why do dealerships use other software? Dealerships may opt to use additional software alongside a Dealer Management System (DMS) for several reasons, often seeking to enhance specific aspects of their operations, address limitations of their current DMS, or take advantage of new technologies. ## What DMS systems can dealerships use? Independent (used vehicle) dealerships have the flexibility to choose any Dealer Management System (DMS) that fits their needs and budget. In contrast, franchised (new vehicle) dealerships are often limited to a shortlist of approved DMS providers, determined through a certification process by the vehicle manufacturers to ensure the systems offer the necessary features, reporting capabilities, and integration required for their operations. ## Common DMS Providers While there are many DMS providers in the market, some of the well-known names include: - Reynolds and Reynolds - CDK Global - Dealertrack - PBS Systems - Tekion These providers offer a range of solutions that can cater to both independent and franchised dealerships, with various levels of customization and integration capabilities to meet different needs. The choice of DMS will depend on a dealership's specific requirements, the manufacturer's approval (for franchised dealerships), and the desired balance between functionality and cost. 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