CDK Global
CDK Global provides integrated technology solutions and data insights to help automotive retailers manage every aspect of their dealership operations from sales and service to inventory and finance.
DealerCenter
DealerCenter is an all-in-one dealership management system providing independent auto dealers with integrated tools for inventory management, customer relations, credit reporting, and comprehensive financing solutions to streamline daily operations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CDK Global | DealerCenter |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cdkglobal.com | dealercenter.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $60/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1972 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Hoffman Estates, USA | Los Angeles, USA |
Overview
CDK Global
CDK Global offers a comprehensive dealership management system (DMS) designed to run your entire automotive business on a single, integrated platform. You can manage the complete customer lifecycle, from the initial digital marketing touchpoint and vehicle sale to long-term service retention and financial reporting. The software connects your front-office sales activities with back-office accounting to ensure your data remains consistent and your workflows stay efficient.
By using this platform, you can modernize your showroom experience with digital contracting and provide your service department with mobile tools for faster check-ins. It scales to support everything from single-location family dealerships to massive, multi-brand enterprise groups. You gain access to real-time data insights that help you identify profit leaks and optimize your inventory mix based on local market demand.
DealerCenter
DealerCenter is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed specifically to help independent auto dealers manage every aspect of their business from a single login. You can control your entire inventory, push listings to major advertisement sites, and manage customer relationships without switching between different programs. The software simplifies the complex process of deal desking by allowing you to submit credit applications directly to a wide network of lenders.
You can also handle specialized tasks like Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) financing, payment processing, and detailed financial reporting. Whether you are a small lot or a high-volume dealership, the platform scales to meet your needs by centralizing your sales, compliance, and marketing efforts. By moving your operations to this unified system, you reduce manual data entry and ensure your dealership stays compliant with industry regulations.
Overview
CDK Global Features
- Foundational DMS Run your entire dealership on a centralized system that connects sales, service, parts, and accounting data in real-time.
- Digital Contracting Speed up your F&I process by generating and signing deal documents electronically for a faster, paperless closing experience.
- Service View Equip your technicians with mobile tablets to perform walk-around inspections and send instant repair estimates to customers.
- Modern Retail CRM Track every lead and automate your follow-ups to ensure no potential buyer falls through the cracks during their journey.
- Inventory Insights Analyze local market trends to stock the right vehicles at the right price and maximize your turn rate.
- Fortellis Marketplace Connect your DMS to hundreds of third-party applications through an open API platform to customize your tech stack.
DealerCenter Features
- Inventory Management. Scan VINs with your mobile device to instantly upload vehicle details, photos, and history reports to your live website.
- Integrated CRM. Track every lead from initial click to final handshake and automate your follow-up emails to keep prospects engaged.
- Credit Reporting. Pull real-time credit reports from all three major bureaus directly within the platform to qualify your buyers instantly.
- Lender Solutions. Submit deal structures to over 3,000 lenders and receive real-time approvals to close more financing deals on the spot.
- BHPH Management. Manage your in-house financing with automated payment tracking, late fee calculations, and comprehensive collections tools for your portfolio.
- Digital Contracting. Speed up your closing process by generating and signing all necessary sales and compliance documents electronically with your customers.
Pricing Comparison
CDK Global Pricing
DealerCenter Pricing
- Inventory Management
- Basic Reporting
- Vehicle Appraisals
- Mobile App Access
- Document Printing
- Standard Support
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Full CRM Suite
- Lead Management
- Advanced Reporting
- Marketing Tools
- Enhanced Compliance
Pros & Cons
CDK Global
Pros
- Deeply integrated modules reduce the need for manual data reconciliation
- Robust reporting capabilities provide granular visibility into dealership profitability
- Open API platform allows for extensive third-party software integrations
- Comprehensive feature set covers every department from parts to payroll
Cons
- Significant learning curve due to the complexity of the system
- Implementation and training process can be lengthy for new users
- Customer support response times can vary during peak periods
DealerCenter
Pros
- Centralizes all dealership operations into one single login
- Mobile app allows for easy inventory updates on the lot
- Direct integration with a massive network of subprime lenders
- User interface is straightforward and easy for new staff
Cons
- Add-on features can significantly increase your monthly bill
- Customer support response times vary during peak hours
- Occasional lag when syncing inventory to third-party sites