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.
PBS Systems
PBS Systems provides a comprehensive dealership management suite that integrates sales, service, parts, and accounting into a single platform to help automotive retailers streamline their entire business operations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CDK Global | PBS Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cdkglobal.com | pbssystems.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| 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 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Hoffman Estates, USA | Calgary, Canada |
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.
PBS Systems
PBS Systems offers a unified Dealership Management System (DMS) designed to run every department of your automotive business from a single platform. Instead of juggling disconnected tools, you can manage sales, service, parts, and accounting through one integrated interface. This ensures that data flows naturally between departments, so your service advisors see the same customer history as your sales team, and your accounting remains accurate in real-time.
You can optimize your entire workflow, from tracking leads in the CRM to managing complex parts inventories and scheduling service appointments. The software is built to scale with your dealership, whether you operate a single rooftop or a large multi-location group. By centralizing your operations, you reduce manual data entry and gain a clearer view of your dealership's overall performance and profitability.
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.
PBS Systems Features
- Integrated CRM. Track every lead and customer interaction across your dealership to ensure your sales team never misses a follow-up opportunity.
- Service Scheduling. Manage your shop capacity and technician workflows visually to maximize your service department's daily throughput and efficiency.
- Parts Inventory Management. Control your stock levels with automated ordering and tracking so you always have the right parts available for your customers.
- Real-Time Accounting. Post transactions directly to your general ledger as they happen, giving you an instant and accurate view of your financial health.
- Mobile Service Tools. Equip your advisors with tablets to perform walk-around inspections and capture customer signatures right on the service drive.
- Desking and F&I. Structure deals quickly with integrated credit pulling and menu selling tools that help you increase your back-end profit margins.
- Reporting and Analytics. Generate detailed reports across all departments to identify trends and make data-driven decisions for your dealership's growth.
- Multi-Location Support. Centralize operations for multiple stores so you can share inventory and customer data across your entire dealer group.
Pricing Comparison
CDK Global Pricing
PBS Systems Pricing
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
PBS Systems
Pros
- Single database eliminates the need for double data entry
- Strong integration between service and accounting departments
- Regular software updates based on dealer feedback
- Comprehensive training provided during the install process
- Responsive customer support team for technical issues
Cons
- Significant learning curve due to deep feature set
- Initial setup and data migration takes time
- Interface can feel dense for new users
- Requires consistent internet for cloud-based features