NEW Time-Saving Feature in Ideal!

• Avoid software installation fees!
• Benefit from low credit card processing rates with Constellation’s low-negotiated rates.
• Eliminate errors and save time on reconciliations.
• Make your PCI compliance simple and easy!

Ideal and Bob Clements Help Streamline Service Process for OPE Dealers

With the busy season in full swing for Outdoor Power Equipment dealers, it’s essential to have their service department well-organized so units can come through their shop as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Ideal is aiding in that process with a new feature that allows dealers to color-code work order statuses.  When combined with Bob Clements’ color-coding ribbon scheme for equipment repairs, dealers can dramatically streamline their service process and get repaired equipment out to their customers with a quicker turnaround time.

Clements and Ideal’s Lead Trainer Dave Baumgarten educated Ideal users on this process, as well as other ways to create a high performance dealership, at a recent Ideal training seminar in Orlando, FL. 

Clements recommends that dealers devise a color-coding ribbon system to help differentiate between pre-diagnosed equipment, diagnosed, waiting on parts, parts received, waiting for customer approval, completed, and dispose.  This color-coding system can then be selected for the same work order statuses in the Ideal software so both counter people and technicians can be on the same page.  This process can also help dealers bring more money into their shop.

“Many dealers have given up the thought of having a profitable service department,” said Clements.  “We know with the right processes and a good business management system that great profits should be not only possible, but expected.”

“Adding colorization to the status of an order gives both end users and managers the ability to quickly identify which jobs and how many jobs are at what stage of the service process,” added Baumgarten.  “This can be done without analyzing reports or looking through each job to determine its current status.  It also allows for the service manager to quickly adjust the department’s resources, as appropriate, to insure an efficient operation. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!”

For more information on how Ideal can help streamline not only the service process, but also inventory control, purchasing, bookkeeping and overall business management call 800-737-1620 or visit www.idealcomputersystems.com to request your free info kit and demo CD.

Ideal F and I Module Selected as a Nifty 50 Product by Powersports Business Magazine

Ideal’s new, fully-integrated F&I module has been selected as a 2011 Nifty 50 product by Powersports Business magazine and will be featured in its February 7 issue.  The module, developed specifically for the powersports industry, will streamline your sales process by integrating your F&I transactions and reports into Ideal’s Dealer Management Software including Customer History, Accounts Receivable, and optional Accounts Payable and General Ledger modules.

“This is a great honor,” said Development Manager Kurt Meyer.  “We worked diligently with F&I consultants and dealers in the powersports industry to create one of the top products available for powersports dealers.  By utilizing Ideal’s dealer management software with its fully integrated F&I module, powersports dealers will save time, increase unit sales, and be able to provide a full one-stop shopping option for their customers.”

Ideal’s F&I includes several powerful features guaranteed to boost profits for powersports dealers.  Its exclusive F&I Menu Selling options enable dealers to increase motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, and personal watercraft unit sales by an average of 10-15% with different package and incentive options that they can work into a deal.  Dealers can also quickly and easily print standard forms including title & registration, odometer statement, disclosures, insurance, warranties, etc. – and customize forms to their specific needs.

“The ease of making money with a quality dealer management system and integrated F&I module has become a reality with Ideal,” said F&I Dealer Services Consultant, Troy Simon.  “You can easily handle an F&I deal from start to finish by utilizing an easy-to-use menu for clients to select F&I product options, pricing, and payment.  Ideal also makes printing forms a snap and contains reporting options that enable you to easily research a deal’s history and view details just like the day you sold the unit.  It’s a great product!”

Nifty 50 products are selected by editors from Powersports Business magazine as well as its sister consumer magazines in the powersports industry.  In order to be elligble, products must be new or substantially improved from previous years, or ready for delivery in the calendar year 2011.

For more information on Ideal’s F&I module and to request an online demo, visit http://www.idealcomputersystems.com/f-and-i.html or stop by booth #5039 at the 2011 Dealer Expo, February 18-20, in downtown Indianapolis

Dealers Vote Ideal as 2010 Power Equipment Trade Dealers Choice

Ideal Computer Systems, the leader in Business Management Software for Outdoor Power Equipment dealers, received the Power Equipment Trade Dealers Choice Award – Business Services Product for its newest version, Ideal 7.1, at the 2010 GIE+Expo in Louisville, KY. Votes were cast by hundreds of outdoor power equipment dealers both online and at the expo.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to have received this award,” said Ideal President Dennis Haefner.  “It is quite an honor. Our employees should be proud of what they are doing to help Ideal’s customers.  It’s because of the quality effort and service our employees put forth in helping dealers that makes Ideal the dealers’ choice. I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us. We look forward in continuing to provide this top level of service to our dealers.”

Ideal 7.1, the newest and most powerful version of business management software offers the latest in cutting-edge technology and helps Outdoor Power Equipment dealers gain full control of their inventory, service department, customer service, pricing, purchasing, bookkeeping, and overall business management.

With 25 years of experience in offering the best in training, support, and consulting, Ideal has helped thousands of OPE dealers achieve maximum results. Ideal’s software development is influenced by dealers in the industry and is an invaluable tool that improves efficiency and boosts profits in all areas of an OPE business.

For more information on Ideal 7.1, call 800-737-1620.

Meet Members of Ideal Computer Systems at the GIE+Expo

Outdoor Power Equipment dealers and manufacturer reps, who are attending next week’s GIE+Expo in Louisville, KY, make it a point to visit members of the Ideal Computer Systems team. Ideal personnel will be located in booth #290 and also in the High Performance Parts and Accessories Department. We’d be glad to meet with you face-to-face and discuss ways Ideal’s business management system benefits the industry.

Those in attendance include:

Greg Carradus – National Sales Manager
Julia Abu-Nameh – Account Representative
Rick Merritt – Account Representative
Andrew Neverman – Account Representative
Terry Walztoni – Systems Analyst
Dave Baumgarten – Lead Trainer
Troy Simon – Trainer
Erin Zein – Marketing Coordinator
Pam Kraus – Software Documentation Specialist
Neil Santos – Strategic Partner Representative
Josh Hall – Strategic Partner Representative

We look forward to seeing you!

Ideal to Celebrate 25 Years of Service in Providing Business Management Software Solutions to Outdoor Power Equipment Dealers

Ideal Computer Systems, the leading provider of Business Management Software for Outdoor Power Equipment dealers, will celebrate 25 years of service on October 30, 2010. During this 25-year span, Ideal has provided thousands of OPE dealers with a complete solution that uses the latest in cutting-edge technology and helps them gain full control of their inventory, service department, customer service, pricing, purchasing, bookkeeping, and overall business management.

“We are excited to be celebrating our 25th anniversary as a Business Management Software provider,” said company President, Dennis Haefner. “It has been an enjoyable experience helping so many dealers over the years. We plan on being there for our customers for another 25 years. I’d like to thank all of our customers for their support.”

Ideal began in 1985 when Haefner, an established computer programmer, and Jon Herman, a successful OPE dealer, determined there wasn’t a solid, industry-specific management solution for OPE dealerships. They teamed up and Ideal Computer Systems was established.

Over time, Ideal has seen numerous changes. It began as a DOS program and has evolved into a robust Windows program that is used in some of the most successful OPE dealerships. While continuing to meet the needs of the ever-changing technological environment, its core foundation remains the same – to improve the quality of business owners’ lives in the industries it serves by giving them more time and profits so they can do the things they enjoy.

Through continuous research in industry trends and listening to feedback from OPE dealers and consultants, Ideal continues to provide its customers with the best in service and support, and a completely-integrated system that is efficient and easy to use.

Ideal Invited as Business Management Software Provider for High-Performance Service Department Pavilion at Upcoming GIE+Expo

Ideal Computer Systems, the leading provider of business management software for Outdoor Power Equipment dealers, has once again been invited by Bob Clements International to be the official software provider for their High-Performance Service Department pavilion at this year’s GIE+Expo. The expo takes place October 28-30, in Louisville, KY.

This year’s High-Performance Service Department will focus on inventory control, teaching dealers how to discover “hidden treasures” in their parts department. Ideal representatives will be on-hand to help educate dealers on ways industry-specific software can help them gain control of their inventory as well as all other areas of their business including service, customer management, sales & invoicing, accounting, purchasing, and reporting.

“I thought the High Performance Service Department was a big success last year and we look forward to tackling inventory control in the High Performance Pavilion this year,” said Dennis Haefner, president of Ideal Computer Systems. “It is an honor to be chosen to participate again as the Business Management Software company in the pavilion.”

Bob Clements International, regarded as one of the top consulting firms for OPE dealers, is once again heading the event. New to this year’s pavilion will be dealer panel discussions led by Clements and featuring pavilion sponsors. Joining Ideal as pavilion sponsors are ARI, Ariens, Briggs & Stratton, Cub Cadet, Heftee, Husqvarna, Hustler Turf Equipment, Kohler, Schriller Grounds Care, Stens, and Stihl.

“We are trying to provide an environment at the GIE+Expo that shows dealers what the possibilities are for their Parts Department,” said Bob Clements, president of Bob Clements International. “Having a good business management system along with the right organization and good processes will catapult their dealership to new heights in profitability.”

In addition to the High-Performance Service pavilion, dealers may also view Ideal’s software and speak with company representatives in booth #5004 at the GIE+Expo.

# # #

About Ideal Computer Systems, Inc.:

Ideal Computer Systems is recognized as the leading provider of business management software for Outdoor Power Equipment dealers. With 25 years of proven experience, Ideal has helped thousands of OPE dealers manage their business more efficiently while boosting profits. To learn more about Ideal, visit www.idealcomputersystems.com

About Bob Clements International, Inc.:

Bob Clements International is a consulting firm that specializes in the development of high-performance dealerships. The organization works hands on with dealerships throughout North America, helping them attain the personal freedom and financial wealth all owners strive to achieve. You can learn more about Bob Clements International by visiting www.bobclements.com

What Does A Dealer In the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry Expect?

Ideal Computer Systems sat down with Rod Schutzman for an eye-opening interview with a successful OPE dealer that gives insight into what manufacturer reps’ clients really think of them- and why.

Rod is the owner and general manager of Midway Outdoor Equipment in Hiawatha, Iowa. He has been in this industry basically all my life, but has been involved with managing his business since about 1986.

Ideal: What upcoming changes do you see for the industry?

Rod: There are a lot of changes going on in the industry. There’s more competition, I don’t know that that’s really new, but it’s more prevalent now because of shrinking margins. Business owners have to really concentrate on the service end to generate more service dollars, generating more parts business, and maybe becoming a little less dependent on whole goods sales and being very competitive in whole good sales.

Other changes I see in the industry are utilizing more and more of the new technology, the types of things that Ideal is offering in their business management systems in terms of generating reports and just having the tools necessary to manage the business.

Ideal: As a dealer, how many different reps do you work with?

Rod: There’s basically one for almost every manufacturer, plus additional parts suppliers. There’s probably 10-12 that we primarily deal with on a regular basis.

Ideal: By regular basis, what do you mean by that? On average, how often do you meet or talk with these reps?

Rod: That varies, most of them of every 30-90 days.

Ideal: We had a conversation recently in which you mentioned that reps tend to fall into one of three categories: nuisance, friend or ally. Describe each one. How does each one differ from the other?

Rod: A nuisance would be someone comes in and wants to talk about everything except business, who doesn’t know the answers to questions or doesn’t at least try to find the answers, and doesn’t follow up. They don’t add much value; they simply come in and take up time.

A friend is someone you like and enjoy spending time with but may still not be the most helpful in terms of representing a line or helping you in business in general.

An ally is involved in our business, they help us grow our business, help us manage our inventory, and assist with a lot of different issues. The people who do those things are going to be a lot more successful with dealers.

The other thing that’s really important that a successful rep does is to call ahead, to be respectful of my time and let us know that he’s going to be coming in at least a day or two in advance. Or if he’s running late give us a phone call and let us know. I think that sometimes they forget that being in a retail environment we have to manage our time to handle business operations and it’s not convenient to have someone drop in unexpectedly.
There may specific problems or questions I have and I haven’t had a chance to gather those thoughts for our meeting.

In my mind one of the main duties of reps is to make sure that we have the latest promotional programs. It’s important because if a dealer carries multiple lines it can become very confusing to keep-up-to-date with the latest programs, promotional pricing, and retail financing because those programs tend to change almost monthly.

During our busiest months, if a rep is physically here it’s very nice to have them set up some equipment, fill in our missing spots on the floor, and make sure that our price tags and hang tags are current.

It’s a good idea for the rep to check our stock levels and help us identify as a supplier to us if they have issues or problems as far as their stocks or supplies. Help us manage our inventory, especially if there’s a supply problem. Also, if we’ve got some old stock that we’re having problems moving help us move it.

Reps can help with problems in sales, invoicing from suppliers, warranty or service issues. The reps won’t always have those answers, but if they can at least get us to the right people and then follow up to make sure that they were resolved. They are our main point of contact and it’s easier for them to follow up than anyone else.

Ideal: If you could give reps one piece of advice, what would it be?

Rod: Well that would be a two part answer for me. Value my time and follow up.

Question of the month: As a manufacturer or distributor rep what is your biggest obstacle to professional success?

In order to get a feel for the issues that OPE Reps face, Ideal posed the following question:

“As a manufacturer or distributor rep what is your biggest obstacle to professional success”?

The responses demonstrated a wide range of concerns …

“The lack of a one stop shop, a complete knowledge bank for industry information like parts look-ups.”

“The apprehension that dealers have in the economy.  People fixed a lot of tired equipment last year and dealers are still ordering accordingly”

“The resistance within the industry to change.”

“The amount of competition that has sprung up over the past few years”.

“Dealers not being able to get financing.”

“Fewer dealers and therefore less opportunity.”

“Organization.  I didn’t grow up with computers so I’ve had to learn over the past few years how to keep everything organized and integrated with my computer and phone.”

“I wouldn’t say that it’s the economy, it’s actually doing fairly well in our industry (OPE).  I’d say it’s competition, it always has been.”

“Dealerships having a hard time retaining good people.  They tend to lose them due to lack of pay, lack of training, or just better opportunities”.

“Retail financing”.

“A lack of good customer service from dealers”.

“Dealers that don’t use their computers effectively.  Too many are computer illiterate and many won’t even check their email for weeks”.

“The biggest obstacle for me is always the weather”.

“The financial well-being of my dealers.  Things aren’t as bad as last year, but it isn’t getting a lot better yet”.

“Half the time my job is like cat herding because everyone has their own little issues that need to be dealt with”.

NEWEST Version of Ideal Business Software Provides Outdoor Power Equipment Dealers with the Latest in Cutting-Edge Technology

Cedar Rapids, IA – April 1, 2010 – Ideal Computer Systems, the leading provider of business management software for Outdoor Power Equipment dealers, is pleased to announce the release of Ideal 7.0 – its most powerful software to date.  Included in this new version is the ability to Schedule Appointments, view Key Performance Indicators on a mobile device, and finance deals with a fully-integrated F&I (Finance and Insurance) package.

“We’ve taken the leading business management software in our industry and just made it even better with the release of Ideal 7.0,” said Dennis Haefner, president of Ideal Computer Systems.  “With the ability to schedule all of your daily appointments and view daily metrics on a mobile device, we’ve immediately saved drastic amounts of time and improved efficiency for the dealer.”

But utilizing some of the new features included in Ideal 7.0, dealers will be able to…

-  Streamline their process for scheduling Work Orders, pickups, and deliveries.

-  Plan automated routes for pick ups and deliveries.

-  Keep tabs on key performance indicators of their business via mobile device from any location.

And much more!

In addition, Ideal 7.0 now includes an optional, fully-integrated F&I package – perfect for any OPE dealer that wants to finance their own unit sales.  The F&I package is loaded with money-making features including an exclusive Menu Selling Option feature that allows dealers to provide several different plans and payment options for their customers to work with.

“For anyone who uses F&I, or is looking to introduce it to their business, our new F&I module is an excellent fit,” said Haefner.  “We spent several months working with F&I specialists to make sure this package was the very best for dealer success.”

For more information about Ideal 7.0, you can request a free demo and information kit today by calling 800-737-1620 or visiting www.idealcomputersystems.com