CRM Software Is Only One Component Of Information Technology.Information Technology (IT) Should Comprise All Hardware And Software Data Solutions; Marketing And Communication Systems; And Most Importantly The Design, Testing, Application And Refinement Of The Methods Of Implementation.In Other Words, IT Is Not Just Software And Hardware, It Is The Central Philosophy And Methodology Underlying The Coordinated Application Of Technological Assets In The Search For Efficient Growth.IT Objectives: Maximize Capitalization Of Internet ProspectsMaximize Capitalization Of Global Corporate DataMinimize Internet Andor BDC Departmental OverheadReduce Third-party Lead Referral CostsIncrease Captive Lead FrequencyStrengthen Ancillary Revenue Streams - Parts, Service And MerchandiseExploit Horizontal Market OpportunitiesAs Such, A CRM Platform Cannot Not Be Considered - In Itself - An Efficient Vehicle For Growth. Rather, The Coordination Of CRM With All Other IT Assets, In Concert With A Comprehensive Marketing And Communications Strategy - Across All Franchises (and Beyond) - Remains The Key To Attaining And Sustaining A Superior Level Of Efficient Growth.With This In Mind, The Evaluation Of Any Piece Of Hardware Or Software Should Include It's Ability To:Work ProperlyAccommodate Strategic Goals And Processes"Talk" To Other SystemsAdaptBe Easy To Use And UnderstandWork QuicklyWork Securely And PrivatelyWith Regard To Personnel, The Ideal IT Manager Should Not Only Possess A Reasonable Knowledge Of Hardware And Software Systems, But Also A Strong Grasp Of The Retail Marketplace, In Addition To Marketing And Communications Strategies. The IT Manager Will Consolidate All Technological Assets And (working In Conjunction With The Principal(s)) Develop New Strategies Facilitated Via This Nascent Consolidation Of Datasources And Communications Systems. Moreover, The IT Manager Is The Most Important Piece Of The Puzzle; For It Is Through This Key Employee That All Data And Communications Pass, All Systems Unite; And The Successful, Efficient Utilization Of This Amalgamation Via Strategic Marketing Initiatives Is Dependent. No Other Single Employee Has The Potential To Control So Much, And Through Doing So Contribute So Much.In Closing: Where Most Have Welcomed And Quickly Capitalized Upon Technological Advances In Communication, The Automotive Retail Industry - Obstinate And Myopic - Has Barely Capitulated. Hence, The Opportunities Just Over The Horizon May Be Considerable For Those Who Endeavor.
