How do you test and update your dealer management system regularly?

1 Choose a testing method

There are different ways to test your DMS, depending on your goals, resources, and preferences. You can use manual testing, where you or your staff perform various tasks and check the results, or automated testing, where you use tools or scripts to run tests and generate reports. You can also use a combination of both, depending on the complexity and frequency of the tests. The main advantages of manual testing are that it is more flexible, intuitive, and realistic, while the main advantages of automated testing are that it is faster, more consistent, and more scalable.

2 Plan your testing schedule

You should test your DMS regularly, but not too often or too rarely. Testing too often can be disruptive, costly, and time-consuming, while testing too rarely can leave you vulnerable to errors, bugs, and security breaches. A good practice is to test your DMS at least once a month, or whenever you make significant changes to your system, such as adding new features, integrating new data sources, or updating your software. You should also test your DMS before and after peak seasons, such as holidays, sales events, or inventory changes, to ensure its reliability and capacity.

3 Define your testing scope

You should test your DMS for different aspects, such as functionality, usability, performance, security, and compatibility. Functionality testing checks whether your DMS can perform the tasks and processes that you need, such as managing inventory, generating reports, or sending invoices. Usability testing checks whether your DMS is easy to use, navigate, and understand, for both you and your customers. Performance testing checks whether your DMS can handle the load, speed, and volume of your operations, without crashing, freezing, or slowing down. Security testing checks whether your DMS can protect your data, transactions, and communications, from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. Compatibility testing checks whether your DMS can work well with other systems, devices, and browsers, that you or your customers use.

4 Collect and analyze your testing data

You should collect and analyze your testing data, to measure the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of your DMS. You can use various metrics, such as error rate, response time, throughput, availability, and customer satisfaction, to evaluate your DMS performance. You can also use feedback, surveys, reviews, or ratings, to assess your DMS usability. You should compare your testing data with your expectations, goals, and benchmarks, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your DMS. You should also track your testing data over time, to monitor the trends and changes in your DMS.

5 Implement and communicate your testing results

You should implement and communicate your testing results, to improve your DMS and inform your stakeholders. You should use your testing data to identify and prioritize the issues, problems, or gaps in your DMS, and to plan and execute the solutions, fixes, or enhancements. You should also use your testing data to highlight and celebrate the successes, achievements, or benefits of your DMS, and to motivate and reward your staff and customers. You should communicate your testing results to your staff, customers, vendors, and partners, using clear, concise, and consistent messages, channels, and formats.

6 Update your DMS accordingly

You should update your DMS accordingly, to keep it up to date, secure, and functional. You should update your DMS software regularly, to get the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. You should also update your DMS data regularly, to ensure its accuracy, completeness, and relevance. You should backup your DMS data regularly, to prevent data loss or corruption. You should also review and revise your DMS policies and procedures regularly, to comply with the best practices, standards, and regulations in your industry.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?