Checking to see if anyone is using Automated Dispatch Systems software with OMD. One of my CSR's wants to move into sales and instead of replacing her with another body I was thinking of going to an automated system. I also see that OMD has come up with something similar now called Servive On The Go.

Looking for info from other dealers on the benefits and downsides of the software and whether or not it is cost effective.

Thank You

Hi, waht kinda of automation are you looking for? b/c there really isnt anything that is automated, especiallly in KM, their system does not know how to send anything other then meter counts, and error's, low toner, etc. but no codes....

if you have any question i can help you, copiers@gmail.com
Joe

ADS is a system that integrates with OMD that basically eliminates the need for a dispatcher for the techs. It dispatches the techs automatically and allows the the techs to close calls from the field. It is obviously much more elaborate than my explanation. I saw a demo on it last week and have since talked to a number of dealers that are using it. It is very impressive and well worth the investment. From what I have learned so far I would recommend it to any dealership with 6 or more techs in the field. I will be implementing here in about 2 months.

I use ADS and think its a good system. If you are trying to eliminate the position of a dispatcher you won't. You can get more woork out of your dispatcher. So you won't have to hire a second one as soon. If I was think of getting a system like ADS right now I would wait and go with OMD and service on the go. You are dealing with one company one product.

I am not trying to eliminate the dispatch department. One of the girls is making a move into sales so I am looking for a way to eliminate having to hire another person and be able to run with just one dispatcher. My primary incentive here is cost cutting but to be able to give my customers a value added service at the same time is a home run. I did look into the OMD service but from a cost standpoint the ADS software is considerably cheaper and has a proven track record and I am under time constraints and OMD is not ready to distribute the service as of yet.
ADS has also made considerable improvements since merging with EFI and offers a lot more.

quote:

Looking for info from other dealers on the benefits and downsides of the software and whether or not it is cost effective.

ADS will not replace a dispatcher but it does a great job of replacing a back-up dispatcher, but it's not cheap. Besides the lease for the ADS system you need to consider the cost of phones (with data plans) or blackberry type devices for your field techs.