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 Aditional News

Date		News And Events
01/25/2010	-	NTP Distribution and Systems 2000 Agree to Build Electronic Ordering Interface Systems 2000 Dealership Software has been contracted by NTP Distribution to provide RV dealerships with a bi-directional electronic parts integration. The new electronic ordering feature will be released at the upcoming NTP show, on February 16th through February 19th in Palm Springs, California. This integration will allow dealers to order NTP parts directly from the Systems 2000 PO module. Real time parts availability can be checked before submitting a PO; with this instant lookup, dealers will know immediately what is in stock versus what will be back-ordered. Once an electronic order has been submitted, aconfirmation is instantly sent back to the Systems 2000 Dealership Software. Then, when the order is shipped, NTP will transmit an electronic version of the packing slip to the parts receiving module. This ePacking Slip saves clerical time and eliminates any receiving key punch errors. Finally, the system then creates a payable entry in the accounting module, simplifying the entire process. Systems 2000 is excited to be working with NTP Distribution and feels the extent of this parts ordering integration could quickly become the standard throughout the industry. "NTP is aggressively moving to bring automation and strong inventory practices to the RV industry which coincides with the vision of Systems 2000, Inc.," says Carl Sconnely, President of Systems 2000, Inc. "We look forward to working with NTP and the NTP Smart Teams out in the field."
01/18/2010	-	Systems 2000 attend the Stag Parkway 2010 Business Solutions Show
01/17/2010	-	Systems 2000 employee to assist with the Haiti Earthquake disaster relief. Melik (pronounced Ma-leek) Noui, an employee of Systems 2000 Dealership Software, left for Haiti to assist with the humanitarian efforts on Saturday, January 16th. Melik heads up the Systems 2000 testing and documentation department for all new software being released. He is fluent in French and will be helping the humanitarian efforts by translating French into English for other rescue workers. In an effort to support his rescue efforts, many Systems 2000 employees have contributed money and supplies to further assist the first responders. Melik will also continue to receive his salary for the duration of his trip states Carl Sconnely, President of Systems 2000, “We are very proud to have one of our employees so driven to help others. It comes at an inconvenient time as we are about unveil a new software module, but the trip to Haiti is much more important and other staff members will step up to cover his duties while he is away." Melik’s reasons for going were simple and said, “Whenever I see a tragedy happen and I know I can be of assistance, I try to do whatever it takes to give help to the people that need it. If I were in the same situation, I would want other people to do exactly what I am doing. I personally don’t have any family or connections to Haiti but when I started hearing stories and seeing pictures of the earthquake’s aftermath I knew I had to go.” He will return home from Haiti on January 24th and encourages others in the RV industry to do whatever they can do to help the Haiti disaster relief effort.
01/14/2010	-	Systems 2000 chosen by Suzuki Caribbean Division Suzuki's Caribbean Division has contracted Systems 2000 to install its Dealership Software in their corporate stores. This decision is part of an effort by Suzuki to begin software standardization in the Caribbean region. After the corporate store installations are completed, franchise Suzuki stores are being encouraged to follow as well. We look forward to doing business with Suzuki and what we learn from this venture will ultimately benefit everyone in the RV industry as we continue to introduce cutting edge technologies."
11/30/2009	-	RVIA Kickoff In Louisville Kentucky With a slow economy, attendance is expected to be down for all trade shows as companies try to cut expenses. I understand the reasoning behind not going to a trade show but companies should always send at least one representative to scout out new ideas, products, and services. The cost of a flight, hotel, and other expenses are easily compensated with a show discount or an idea that brings in an extra deal or two in the coming year. RVIA, like all trade shows, has two strong days and one final day where most vendors are just standing around trying to kill time. Most dealers are already on their way home before the convention even opens its doors on Thursday morning. For dealers, the third day is actually the best day to spend quality time with show vendors. They can get questions answered and in-depth demonstrations of products without waiting in line or mixing with a crowd of other dealers. Many times, dealers come to our booth wanting to speak to a particular person, only to find them tied up with someone else. With other appointments and flight schedules looming, they cannot wait or even come back at a later time. I believe it would be beneficial for RVIA to promote 3rd day attendance. Possibly with vendor discounts, hotel vouchers, training seminars, etc. Vendors would need less staff, dealers would have more time to negotiate deals, and RVIA’s convention would become stronger as everyone would benefit. How do you think RVIA could promote 3rd day attendance? Or do you think that RVIA should be cut back to a 2 day convention? I would like to hear your opinions. - Carl Sconnely, President of Systems 2000, Inc.
10/01/2009	-	Independence RV System Conversion I would like to re-iterate that the purpose of this public conversion is to let the industry know how a conversion should be handled. Through this process, we here at Systems 2000 will be both students and teachers. Regardless of who you are switching from or to, conversions need to have the full cooperation and attention of both the dealer and the computer company. Dealerships want to change computer systems for various reasons, whether it is for better support, new technology, or cost savings. Unfortunately, many avoid changing or even just looking at their options out of fear of the conversion process. A few years ago, we started using a different set of procedures when moving some of our dealers off of a competitor's system. I feel this information, as a whole, will benefit the industry; and dealers will find there is actually a methodical way to approach an upgrade or conversion. I will also try to outline the dealer's responsibility in the process and what their expectations should be. Regardless of who you are switching from or to, conversions need to have the full cooperation and attention of both the dealer and the computer company. Dealerships want to change computer systems for various reasons, whether it is for better support, new technology, or cost savings. Unfortunately, many avoid changing or even just looking at their options out of fear of the conversion process. A few years ago, we started using a different set of procedures when moving some of our dealers off of a competitor's system. I feel this information, as a whole, will benefit the industry; and dealers will find there is actually a methodical way to approach an upgrade or conversion. I will also try to outline the dealer's responsibility in the process and what their expectations should be. At Independence RV, we have done the hardware review and installed the new Cisco ASA5505 router, a Virtual Private Network (or VPN) is installed, and access is setup between the in-house IDS server and Systems 2000 hosted server, which resides at a secure location. Our next step is to extract the vehicle data from the IDS system and verify that it is clean enough to put into the Infinity Vehicle Module. IDS uses a Pick Data Base and Systems 2000’s Infinity uses Microsoft’s Sequel Database. If the data isn’t clean enough, we will be reverting back to the old 1970s way of doing a data conversion – loosen up those fingers and re-key it in! Yes, it's true - many people don’t realize that re-keying data can actually be cleaner and faster than a data extract. Independence has thrown a slight curve at us. They currently use an outside payroll service and have determined that the cost savings is so substantial that they want to start with the Systems 2000 payroll module now. Normally, we bring payroll on at a later date, but we can accommodate them, and hopefully have them trained before next week's payroll period. Bringing payroll on mid-year means you have to be very meticulous with the start up data entry. One bad keystroke and someone’s paycheck is affected. We have asked Julie Jordan to provide us with the past 3 quarterly summaries, so we can get all of her year-to-date data in the system. The next possible snafu is the check printer. Independence is going with a "blank stock" check printer, where our software prints the bank MICR numbers on blank check paper as a security safeguard. Scheduled for delivery on Friday and installation next week sounds good, but these days you can't always trust what the hardware vendor tells you. Due to the economy, many hardware manufacturers stopped producing to shrink inventories and underestimated the demand for their products. As a result, some items can go out of stock so quickly that vendors' websites can't keep up. Knowing this, we have a back-up plan in place to be sure we can still get next week's payroll done if for some reason there's a hardware delay. The next possible snafu is the check printer. Independence is going with a "blank stock" check printer, where our software prints the bank MICR numbers on blank check paper as a security safeguard. Scheduled for delivery on Friday and installation next week sounds good, but these days you can't always trust what the hardware vendor tells you. Due to the economy, many hardware manufacturers stopped producing to shrink inventories and underestimated the demand for their products. As a result, some items can go out of stock so quickly that vendors' websites can't keep up. Knowing this, we have a back-up plan in place to be sure we can still get next week's payroll done if for some reason there's a hardware delay. Lessons for Any Conversion: 1. Garbage in, Garbage out. If your current system is a mess, don’t import it. 2. Hardware shipments may not arrive on time, as manufacturers have tried to reduce inventory levels. Their website might not be up-to-date or they may tell you it's in-stock just to get your order. Make sure you double-check with the supplier and always have a Plan "B." 3. Installing a network printer isn’t “plug and play” like on your home system. It may take a few attempts to get all the settings correct. Make sure you have allotted at least a day or two for installation and testing.
09/25/2009	-	Systems 2000 Allows Public View of IDS Computer System ConversionSystems 2000 Allows Public View of IDS Computer System Conversion In an unprecedented move, Systems 2000 will allow prospective IDS dealers, who are debating changing their dealership software, to contact and monitor the progress of an “IDS to Systems 2000” software conversion. "Under normal circumstances, conversions are kept private by software companies until months or even years after a switch," says Carl Sconnely president of Systems 2000, Inc. "But in this case we want to show the RV industry that a switch isn’t as painful or costly as alleged by some in the industry." In conjunction with Ron Jordan, founder and owner of Independence RV, established in 1985 and located in Winter Garden, Florida, Systems 2000 will use a departmental phase-in process and data conversion. "We chose Independence RV because of its outstanding management team and willingness to be in the public spotlight," states Sconnely. Ron Jordan and his staff use approximately 40 computer terminals and are familiar with both ADP and IDS systems, having gone through conversions once before. Carl Sconnely will provide period updates and details through his technology blog in RV D@ily Report while Ron Jordan will be available by phone or appointment to speak to dealers about the progress.
05/11/2009	-	Free Infinity CRM and F&I Training Webinar to be held on May 13th! Systems 2000 Dealership Software announced the second free webinar of a series of free webinars for RV dealers being held on May 13th at 11 a.m. EDT. “To continue to show our commitment to our current and potential clients, Systems 2000 will be offering our next Free Training Webinar on this Wednesday, May 13th at 11am EST. This session will cover the Infinity Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System and Deal Desking Modules. Please note that seating is first come first serve so we urge you reserve your spot as soon as possible! " said Carl Sconnely, President of Systems 2000. During the webinar, current customer will receive valuable training and all curious RV dealers would be able to get a firsthand view of Systems 2000 Dealership Software in action. This session will focus on the new features and time saving processes Systems 2000's Infinity CRM and Deal Desking modules have to offer. The webinar session will last roughly an hour. The Webinar invitations will be first come first serve so Systems 2000 is urging you reserve your spot as soon as possible. To register for Systems 2000’s Free Training Webinar, call 407.358.2000 or e-mail RSVP@Sys2.com. Include the names of all webinar attendees, their email addresses, and dealership name. Sincerely, Carl Sconnely, President of Systems 2000, Inc.
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