Chris Mitchell, Controller of Mid State RV, said “We reviewed Systems 2000's package and decided not to upgrade to their full system. [Systems 2000] had a hardware security device that fit on the back of the workstation that was constantly giving them headaches. It made the system unreliable.” Since Mitchell found another program was better for Service and Accounting, he had to use two systems along with spreadsheets to run the dealership.

"We needed a system that would bring all the departments together, and IDS showed Astra would do the trick.” Mitchell noted that because different departments used disparate systems, Mid State used to have a big problem with sales and service communicating. “Since Astra brought every department into the same system, communication has become much easier.”

Deals that used to take a few days to process because of Mid State’s multiple systems now take only hours. Mitchell commented that, “Processing a deal is a lot quicker with Astra. Before we had a problem with a salesperson trying to sell the same unit twice because our system was so slow. Warranty has also been a big help. Our unclaimed warranty report shows us that we make sure we claim everything. We also know who is shorting us and tracking it more effectively.”

On the IDS Astra system, Lee Pickard, owner of Mid State RV, said he is “…extremely satisfied with it… we should have done it three years ago!" He has noticed greater efficiency and money-saving improvements in all his departments. “[Astra] has diminished our workload in Accounting – it allowed us to free up Accounting people to help with the operations side of the business, especially service.

Additionally, “accountability in the Service department has been phenomenal. My managers are more accountable now, ” said Pickard. “I now get straight answers to questions - before my managers really couldn’t tell me what was going on in their departments without jumping through hoops.”

“Our previous system was not a service-oriented system. Once F&I office got used to the change from Systems 2000 we did not have to hire people last year, even though revenues grew $9 million last year.” Pickard is also very pleased with the dependability of the IDS system.

“Smooth integration between all departments is crucial,” said Mitchell. Pickard agreed, and added that the other biggest thing was having good training. “The training provided by IDS was excellent. We had someone out here six months after we initially installed and our utilization went up tremendously. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on training.”