Kayla Sheridan

Building a new dealership or renovating an existing facility involves much more than construction. Your DMS, network, Wi-Fi, phones, security systems, service technology, and other critical tools all depend on IT infrastructure that should be planned before the walls go up. This dealership IT construction checklist covers seven areas dealers should address early, including internet service, network infrastructure, data cabling, wireless coverage, equipment planning, cybersecurity, and move-in coordination. Learn how involving IT early can help prevent costly change orders, avoid opening-day technology issues, and create an infrastructure designed to support your dealership today and as it grows.

Buying a dealership is only the beginning. Getting the technology ready for Day One requires coordination across the DMS, users, security, computers, networks, payment systems, phones, vendors, and more. See how OWL Automotive Consulting helped Pharr Nissan of Chesterton bring the moving pieces together and transition from acquisition to ongoing operations.

OWL Automotive Consulting announces a new chapter in its leadership as co-founder Sally Lopez assumes full ownership of the firm and the role of Founder and CEO. With more than 38 years of automotive industry experience, Lopez will lead OWL's continued growth and expansion of services for dealerships nationwide.

Today's dealerships depend on technology across every department, from DMS and OEM applications to service lane tools, accounting systems, networks, and cybersecurity. But managing an increasingly complex technology environment can pull valuable time and resources away from running the dealership. In this blog post, we explore what Managed IT Services really mean for dealerships, the difference between fully managed and co-managed IT, and why more dealer groups are choosing an automotive-focused MSP. Learn how the right IT partner can help reduce downtime, strengthen cybersecurity, support dealership technology, and provide the strategic guidance needed to scale and plan for future growth.

A successful dealership DMS implementation takes much more than installing new software. From planning and data conversion to system configuration, integrations, employee training, go-live, and post-launch support, every phase plays a critical role in keeping the project on track. In this blog post, we break down the seven phases of a successful DMS implementation, common mistakes dealerships should avoid, and why experienced project management can make such a difference. Whether you're transitioning to Auto/Mate, CDK Global, Cox Automotive, DealerBuilt, Dominion, PBS, Pinewood, Reynolds and Reynolds or Tekion, learn what your dealership should expect throughout the process and how the right preparation can help minimize disruption, reduce risk, and set your team up for long-term success.

Gain an inside look at OWL Automotive Consulting's dealership IT assessment process. Learn how our team evaluates network infrastructure, cybersecurity, hardware, and hidden technology risks to help dealerships improve performance, strengthen security, and prepare for future growth.

Planning a DMS implementation is about much more than migrating data and training employees, it's also one of the most important opportunities to strengthen your dealership's cybersecurity. During a DMS conversion, critical business systems, customer information, financial data, and user permissions are all being reviewed, making security a key part of a successful implementation. In this article, learn why cybersecurity should be built into every phase of your DMS project, from planning and user access to network security, backups, multi-factor authentication, and employee training. Discover common security risks dealerships overlook during DMS implementations, practical best practices to reduce risk, and how a dealership-focused technology partner can help ensure your conversion is secure, compliant, and positioned for long-term success. Whether you're moving to CDK, Tekion, Reynolds & Reynolds, or another platform, these cybersecurity strategies can help protect your dealership.

Ransomware is one of the most dangerous cyber threats today, targeting individuals and businesses alike. Understanding how it works and how to protect yourself is essential in today's digital world.

Sam in sales just left your client data up on the screen when a "customer" came walking by and stole the credit information with a picture taken on his phone. Marcy just clicked on a link asking for updated banking information for your parts vendor - but your parts vendor isn't located in another country, right? Hackers don't sleep, and that shouldn't keep you up at night. Dealerships house a lot of sensitive data and that makes them targets, day and night, for bad actors. Read more about why a SOC is a great layer of protection for your dealership.

Beware of Toll Scams! With the rise of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) technology, scammers are getting creative. From fake toll invoices to phishing emails, they're finding new ways to trick you into giving up your personal info and hard-earned money. Want to know how to stay safe? Discover the latest scams and learn essential tips to protect yourself from these digital highway robbers. Don't get caught off guard—read on to stay one step ahead! Your security on the road starts with staying informed.

Dealer Management System (DMS) user setup and security is often viewed as a "set it and forget it" area. Dealerships typically rely on the initial setup of their user roles for the entire lifespan of their system. However, as technology evolves, so do the functions that users need access to within the DMS. When was the last time your dealership reviewed its User Security? If it's been a while, it might be time to consider a DMS User Security cleanup. Regularly updating and auditing user roles and permissions can help ensure that your system remains secure and efficient. In this post, you will find ways to ensure that your DMS User Security is up to date and vulnerabilities are minimized.

As we kick off 2025, OWL Automotive Consulting encourages automotive dealerships to prioritize cybersecurity in the new year. With increasing online activity and sensitive customer data flowing through dealership systems, it's vital to enhance security measures. Start by conducting a thorough security audit, applying any necessary patches, and addressing system vulnerabilities. Protect customer data through encryption and compliance with industry standards. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to secure access, and ensure employees use secure VPNs for remote work. Regularly monitor payment systems for fraud, train staff to recognize phishing, and enforce strict access controls. Back up critical data, secure your website from cyber threats, and establish an incident response plan. OWL offers expert support to help dealerships strengthen their cybersecurity, ensuring a safe and successful 2025. Let's make this year your dealership's safest yet!