Switching from Ackermann to AutoPult: Modernize Your Legacy System
Ackermann is an established dealer management system that has served many car dealerships for years. However, established also means: accumulated complexity, an outdated interface, and limited mobility. More and more dealers are realizing that a modern cloud DMS like AutoPult is more efficient, more flexible, and more cost-effective. Here you will learn how to make the transition seamlessly.
Why Dealers Are Switching from Ackermann
Ackermann has served its dealers well for many years. But the demands of the modern automotive trade have changed:
- Outdated user interface: The deeply nested menu structure requires many clicks and a long onboarding period. New employees need weeks to become productive.
- Limited mobility: Ackermann is tied to the workstation. Mobile access on the lot, at the customer’s location, or from home is virtually impossible.
- High IT costs: Servers, maintenance, updates, and backup systems generate ongoing costs and tie up internal resources.
- Slow development: New features are rare, and integrating modern services is complex.
- Lack of automation: Many processes that run automatically in modern systems require manual intervention in Ackermann.
The Switch in 3 Steps
Step 1: Assessment and Migration Planning
Our experienced migration team knows Ackermann systems inside and out. We analyze your installation, data volume, and the modules in use. Based on this, we create a customized migration plan that accounts for all your data and workflows. You will receive early access to AutoPult for an initial orientation.
Step 2: Professional Data Migration
Migrating from a full-featured DMS like Ackermann is more extensive than from simpler systems – but thanks to our experience, it is still seamless. We export all relevant data from Ackermann, transform it into the AutoPult format, and import it completely. Every record is validated to ensure data quality.
Step 3: Comprehensive Training and Go-Live
Since your team is accustomed to the Ackermann workflow, we place special emphasis on thorough training. We not only show how AutoPult works, but also where familiar workflows can be found – often in a simpler form. After go-live, a dedicated contact person is available to support you during the transition period.
What Data Will Be Migrated?
During the migration from Ackermann, the entire data inventory is transferred:
- Vehicle inventory: All active and sold vehicles with complete master data, histories, and calculations
- Customer data: Complete customer files including contact details, vehicle assignments, and communication history
- Invoices and receipts: All outgoing and incoming invoices, credit notes, and other documents
- Workshop data: Work orders, vehicle histories, and open jobs
- Documents: Contracts, correspondence, and archived records
- Master data: Employees, locations, settings, and templates
Timeline: How Long Does the Switch Take?
Migrating from a full-featured DMS like Ackermann requires a bit more time than switching from simpler systems:
- Week 1–2: Assessment, migration planning, AutoPult access, and initial orientation
- Week 2–4: Data migration, validation, and system setup
- Week 4–5: Training, parallel operation, and go-live
Plan for a total of 3 to 5 weeks for the complete transition. Ackermann continues to run throughout the entire period, so your day-to-day operations will not be affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the transition too much for my team to handle all at once?
We understand that a system change is a major shift. That is why we provide intensive support throughout the process. AutoPult’s modern interface is significantly more intuitive than Ackermann’s – many users report that after a short adjustment period, they work faster than before. Additionally, we offer enhanced support during the first few weeks.
Will any data be lost during the migration?
No. We migrate all relevant data and validate every record after import. In addition, we create a complete backup of your Ackermann data before the migration, which you keep. This allows you to verify at any time that everything has been fully transferred.
Can I replicate Ackermann-specific workflows in AutoPult?
AutoPult covers all common dealer workflows – often even more efficiently than Ackermann. During the planning phase, we compare your familiar processes with AutoPult’s workflows and show you where tasks can be completed more easily and quickly. In the rare cases where a specific workflow is not directly supported, we work together to find the best solution.
Start modernizing your car dealership now. Contact us for a free migration consultation and find out how switching from Ackermann to AutoPult can move your business forward.