Using SAP DBM / VMS for a single entity

[Former Member]

Hello Gurus,

In my scenario Organization handles Import as well as retail business. So its an Importer and also a Dealer catering to end-customer. What solution - VMS or DBM should be used ? I believe I need to use both of them to fulfil all the requirements of business, please correct me. Also if need to use both of them - Can I use them in same instance - same client or do I need separate clients to map the scenario ? Can I also eliminate the need of CRM is I use DBM ?

Appreciate earliest response.

Thanks a lot in advance,

S

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Sumit,

For the given scenario usually we need to use both VMS and DBM. When the same entity is Importer, below processes requires VMS.

a. Bulk procurement of Vehicles from OEM

b. Bulk Sales to sub dealers or Institutional buyers

However it does not mean that DBM can not be used. Reason why we need VMS is for mass processing. In DBM every action/transaction is for ONE particular vehicle. Hence you may have 1000s of PO and SO for bulk deals.

One important fact, if you are using DBM 800 then pls check mass actions given by SAP. In that case you can do without VMS. But check the actions and decide based on user requirements.

Coming to CRM use, it depends for which processes you want to deploy CRM. Many clients use CRM for presales activities and many do without it also. Hence CRM is not must for small set ups.

Thanks.

Pravin

[Former Member]

Thanks a ton Pravin,

Its clear to me.

The only thing I am still not clear is - CRM.

As you suggested based on requirements (for Campaign Management, Leads, Competitor analysis, etc.) lets say we decided to use CRM. So can I go exclude DBM as well - I mean to avoid duplicate applications DBM - CRM ? Considering Importer + Dealer scenario can I use ECC+VMS for automotive functions & CRM additionally to cater the requirements of dealer side - e.g. Vehicle Order management with End Customers, Vehicle Tracking by creating Vehicle as an object in CRM, registering Wty claim etc. Or is it still required to use DBM ?

Thanks,

Sumit

[Former Member]

Hi Sumit,

Thanks.

The question whether you can eliminate DBM from Solution landscape is quite difficult. It depends on many aspects like biz. processes to be covered, road map of SAP, User acceptance of CRM and lot.

Usually when we have After Sales (Service) function we use DBM. In fact DBM is very strong in that area. CRM can also handle Service but the approach is diff. It is more generic than DBM which is very specific to passenger car segment.

One has to really do in-depth analysis for possible solutions.

Few pointers-

1. DBM is very strong in After Sales. e.g. Time recording, Fair Integration with MRS, Order Engine.

2. You have ready-made screens for vehicle data, orders etc. Need to check from CRM side about data adequacy and efforts involved in adding data.

2. This product is made specifically for dealers. CRM is generic though you have special features related to Auto. SAP will further enhance DBM. So you need to check same about CRM's use in Auto Dealer solution.

3. Compare cost of development/efforts etc building/maintaining CRM for After Sales and DBM. DBM is anyway ready made solution. It has lots of flexibility to do enhancements for mapping/altering processes.

4. Think about Integration with other modules like FICO.

Personally I see that Vehicle sales processes can be managed in CRM/VMS solution but After sales should be managed with DBM. And after sales is the area where dealers want strong solution generally due to obvious reasons.

Hope I add some value to the approach.

It is difficult to give clear cut verdict as it is subjective to many factors.

Do let me know your take on the call.

Cheers !!

Pravin

[Former Member]

Hello Pravin,

Many thanks for your reply.

I agree and appreciate your viewpoint for CRM vs DBM. I understand DBM is very strong in the Services. However I am terribly worried for the user interface part of it, especially while interacting with End Customers. (Claim Management, Booking Test Drives, Vehicle Configurations with ease, etc.). If you compare to other DMS (non-SAP) solutions in the market, DBM has very weak UI & flexbility as well.

And for the same reason was just checking if we can leverage CRM.

If you have any inputs to overcome the UI aspect, please do let me know.

Anyways, great talking to you. It certianly helped me finalizing the approach.

Cheers

Sumit

I have also initiated a thread for DBM deployement options. Would surely like to understand insights from you.

http://scn.sap.com/thread/3512483

[Former Member]

Hi Sumit,

Thanks for acknowledgment.

I agree that UI of DBM is not so great as compared other DMS. In fact this is one of the pain points. SAP has come up with UI5, Persona. Pls check about the same. Persona will be very useful in DBM, I believe.

Do remember that while selecting solution there are many criteria like UI, Integration, Roadmap, Support system and overall meeting the process requirements. One has to judge properly and reasonably. As an SAP consultant I am biased by SAP's strengths like Integration, Support, Flexibility, Total Cost of ownership and scale.

Hope it will help you further.

If satisfied pls rate accordingly.

Thanks.

Pravin