AutoStar Solutions unveils Fusion 2, the first one-stop information management software for independent retail car dealers, auto finance companies and buy-here-pay-here dealerships

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Software provider AutoStar Solutions today revealed the details behind Fusion 2, a new generation of dealer management system (DMS) and the only one-stop product with full functionality for independent retail dealers, auto lenders and buy-here-pay-here dealerships within a single program. Fusion 2, or F2, will eventually replace AutoStar's current Fusion DMS.

"F2 is the culmination of more than four years of intense research, development, and –most importantly – listening to Fusion users," said Allen Dobbins, AutoStar's President and CEO. "This product completely reinvents the concept of a DMS. Not only did we rebuild the ultimate DMS for buy-here-pay-here dealers, but we added a comprehensive solution for independent retail dealers and finance companies – all in the same system. This was unheard of in our industry until now."

F2 is also the first DMS to offer complete customer relationship management (CRM) and accounting capabilities in one user interface. It provides:

• Functionality centered on the customer, not the contract – Users benefit from a 360-degree view of the customer relationship. This includes easy access to all a customer's accounts on one screen, as well as the ability to update information and post payments to multiple accounts simultaneously.
• Automated workflows and more options for customization – F2 developers found new ways to automate highly manual tasks, while also employing customization that boosts user efficiency, accuracy – and ultimately – profitability. For example, when an account goes into repo status, F2 will email an order to the local repo agent, create a task for the repo clerk to send the proper paperwork, and set future follow-up dates – all without any effort from the user. Throughout that entire repo process, the experiences of each employee can be fully tailored based on their role in the business.
• A single user-friendly interface – Unlike other DMS options, which operate on separate software programs and only link to each other, F2 is built on an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This enables robust CRM and accounting functionality from within the same program. Case in point – a single transaction triggers accounting throughout the entire system, instead of only in one place and requiring multiple manual steps for the rest. Inventory, leasing, sales, payments, collections, accounting schedules, reporting and more are available in a single consistent, intuitive interface. No other DMS offers this level of comprehensive functionality without requiring users to navigate multiple programs.
• Custom dashboards – Users can set their own analytics, tables and charts that appear after sign-in, completely tailored with data that matters to them.
• Functionality for independent retail dealers, point-of-sale and bulk purchase lenders, and buy-here-pay-here operations – AutoStar's previous Fusion software focused on buy-here-pay-here needs, while F2 includes front-and back-end aftermarket products, value guides, flexible commission formulas, and a host of other features specific to retail dealers. F2's loan origination and servicing capabilities also make the software a fit for auto lenders.
• Access from any device with a web browser – This includes smart phones, tablets, laptops and PCs. Built on the latest cloud technology, F2 uses a web interface that automatically resizes to dynamically fit any device – without requiring custom applications.

F2 will begin rolling out to independent retail dealers this October. Buy-here-pay-here dealers and finance companies can access F2 starting in Spring 2015.

Interested users can learn more about F2 at AutoStar's 7^th annual Innovate conference, Sept. 21 through Sept. 24 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

In addition to nine different industry-related tracks, such as compliance and technology, attendees can choose from back-to-back classes in a track solely devoted to uncovering all of F2's benefits.

AutoStar expects more than 500 attendees at this year's conference, as well as major exhibitors and financial institutions that will showcase the latest dealership technology, best practices and industry solutions.

To register for Innovate, visit http://innovate.autostarsolutions.com, where users can build and save their own customized event schedule. Those who would rather go mobile can tailor their schedules with the Guidebook app, available at http://guidebook.com/g/innovate2014.

About AutoStar Solutions
For over 20 years, AutoStar Solutions has provided dealer management software solutions to independent automotive dealers and subprime finance companies located in the United States. Their web-based software solutions have enabled clients to automate and simplify activities while staying compliant with state and federal regulations. Learn more at www.autostarsolutions.com.

SOURCE AutoStar Solutions