Managing a dealership is a demanding job. Several aspects need to be taken into consideration to run the business smoothly and effectively. Using business management software such as a dealer management system (DMS) can help ease this process. Efficient DMS can assist you in effortlessly managing different aspects of your business through unified software. This includes pre-sales, sales, purchases, post-purchase, financial accounting, inventory management, CRM, human resources, and more. Read on to learn more about DMS.

What does a dealer management system do?
The main objective of a dealer management system is to ease operational tasks and enhance operational efficiency. It takes the load off of excessive paperwork by streamlining and providing a centralized location for all your important data. A good DMS will also improve communication across different departments within your organization, encouraging better business awareness for your employees.

Dealer management systems can help you with the following:

Inventory management
This is a crucial feature for dealerships with large inventories. It can help you store records in a single location and retrieve them at the click of a button. It can also help you monitor your expenses for reconditioning and flooring and provide industry-standard book values.

Customer management
Instead of looking through physical records for each of your customers, a DMS can help you store and access customer data more smartly. Some software also allows you to call or chat with your customers in real-time. These software applications are generally equipped with features that allow you to record conversations and categorize your contacts to easily follow your leads.

Accounting
DMS can help you automate all your accounting tasks, such as inventory, point of sale, and transaction costing. This will enable the quick generation of financial reports that can be shared with the rest of the team. It can also help you develop an operational budget, monitor performance, and analyze the profitability of every aspect of your business.

Service management
Your DMS can also help you organize and manage the dealership’s service schedule to help you meet deadlines. It can help you streamline the service write-up process, schedule service work to maximize billable hours, allow your team to clock in and out easily, and make repair and warranty claim handling easier.

Features to look for in a dealer management system
The goal of an effective DMS is to improve your service capabilities while offering a great experience for your customers. While all businesses do not operate in the same manner, here are some standard DMS features that every business could benefit from:

Inventory management
Integrated accounting
POS and retail management
Reporting tools and analytics
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Service scheduling and productivity tracker
Repair order and billing estimates
Deal structuring, forms, and contracting
Lead management quoting

If you are keen on a DMS that offers more, look for the following features:

Multi-location management
Embedded text messaging
Slips and storage management
Cloud hosting
Employee training
IT support
Price file updates from major manufacturers and distributors
Availability across major phone/computer operating systems
Integration with third-party solutions (such as CRM, ERP, Chatbots, RMA reporting, and smart search features)
Prices for dealership management software can vary depending on the features offered, setup fees, number of systems installed, inventory list, and other factors.

Tips for choosing the right dealer management system for your business
If you’re in the market for a new dealer management system for your company, following these tips can help:

Prioritize the list of features
Classify all the features into three categories: needs, wants, and nice-to-have. This will help you prioritize your requirements and choose a DMS that is suitable for your business.

Needs
These are the non-negotiable features that a potential DMS must have. It may include inventory, unit tracking, sales, management, scheduling, accounting, etc.

Wants
Although these are not crucial for the functioning of your business, these features can help improve efficiency and provide insights. Some common features companies want include CRM, sales pipeline management tools, automation tools, sorting, report generation, and third-party integrations.

Nice-to-have
These may be considered frill features by many. While they can help improve your experience with the DMS, you can also comfortably continue your operations without them. Some nice-to-have features include training tools, mobile functionality, internal communications, cloud-based software options, and accessible customer support.

Create a list of vendors
This can help you find the right vendor for your business. Create a list of vendors that meet your priority list. You can scour the web for businesses, speak to your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances for suggestions, check industry publications, read online review listings, or even post on a public forum. Once you have a list of potential vendors, it is time to start shortlisting.

Request a demo
Conduct a thorough vetting of your list of vendors. You can reach out to their contact person and ask for more details to make an informed decision. Request a demo session once you have shortlisted two or three potential options. A formal demo session with the vendor can help you fill any remaining gaps in your knowledge about their offering and ensure the provider meets all their claims.

Once you have finalized your vendor, it’s time to make a proposal. The ideal DMS will help you streamline and support your business as you scale it to greater heights.

Fixed income funds aren’t the most profit-yielding sources of investment. In fact, they generally fall under the lowest tier of a financial investment tools’ pyramid. Stocks and the share market provide tempting offers that have a definitive return, usually on the higher end. However, should the stock market face a hit or your stocks see a downfall, a fixed income fund would help you get by till you’re back in the game.

The biggest challenge of fixed income funds, which primarily include government bonds, is the ever-increasing rate of interest. The constant rise in the rate of interest results in people avoiding bonds. Another hassle involving bonds is the tenure of the bond. The older bonds with a low yield have less demand, whereas the newer bonds with a high yield are more promising to buyers. The best way to approach this complicated scenario and mitigate the loss is by investing in one of the 10 best fixed-income funds and even consider choosing from among the top 10 fixed-rate bonds.

In the following, 5 fixed-income funds from among the top 10 have been listed.

Best fixed income funds
Discussed below are the top five fixed-income funds, which carry the least amount of risks and generate good returns.

Vanguard’s Short-Term Treasury ETF
The average maturity period of Vanguard’s Short-Term Treasury ETF is around two years, making it less susceptible to an upscaling rate of interest. It currently yields around 2.2 percent.

iShares 1-3 Years Treasury Bond ETF
Short-term bonds are known to have stability and reduces the risk of long-term rates that could pose as an added expense. iShares currently provides a 2.6 percent yield.

SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High-Yield Bond ETF
Risk-free funds give people the stability they look for financially. However, for those who don’t mind taking a leap in the dark, Bloomberg Barclay’s High-Yield bond is ideal. There is a high risk involved, but there is also a 5 percent yield on the bonds, which will not default.

PIMCO Total Return Bond ETF
PIMCO’s ETF gives you a 3.1 percent yield. However, there is a higher chance of the risk involved when investing in the fund and you might have to pay more expenses to maintain it.

VanEck Vectors® Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF
While the VanEck Vectors® Fallen Angel bonds might be in the top tier of junk bonds, the yields received on the funds are what make it attractive. It gives a satisfying yield of around 4.99 percent.

Whatever fund you choose, do your research well. Ensure you know the exit load associated with the fund you invest in so that in case you exit before the maturity date, you do not have to witness a huge dip in the overall returns from the fund.

Television brands are coming out with the latest technologies, and it becomes tough to know how to choose a product. One should always look for a high-quality TV when it comes to an LCD, LED, OLED or HD TV. There are many low-end TVs like syntax tv, peerless tv, Pyle tv, nec tv, planar tv, and qfx tv. Mitsubishi TV products are available with exceptional features making the users gain more advantages. Since there exist a plethora of models at the markets, you should focus more on considering a high-quality product which fits your budget and requirements. In fact, you should get more idea about the models in detail for making your dreams a successful one.

The below models are some products that one should watch before investing money.

1. Mitsubishi WD-82738 3D DLP HDTV
Mitsubishi WD-82738 TV is 82″ model comes with immersive sound technology and other features. The model comes with 2D and 3D immersive viewing which lets a person watch movies and other programs with clarity. Smooth 120 technology features in the television enable viewers to experience a fluid and natural motion. 1080p resolution, stereo speakers, 1 Ethernet, one optical digital audio output, and digital audio output are some specification of this television.

2. Mitsubishi WD-73737 home theater DLP HDTV
This model is well known for its high energy efficiency levels which come with excellent features. Some of them include a 6-color processor, 3 HDMI inputs, 1080p resolution, and 120Hz for ensuring a beautiful viewing experience. It even comes with 5G technology which converts lower-resolution signals efficiently.

3. Mitsubishi WD-73642 3D rear projection TV
This 73″ model TV comes with modern features making the viewers get ultimate experience. It is available with 3D glasses, HDMI input, antenna, audio input, USB, infrared remote technology, and remote control. Also, the television makes feasible ways for viewing pictures and other programs with 1920 x 1080 resolutions.

4. Mitsubishi WD-65738 Full 3D HD Rear-Projection Internet TV
Mitsubishi WD-65738 Full 3D HD Rear-Projection Internet TV is a 65″ TV which gives a new dimension in the entertainment process. It comes with 2D speakers, virtual surround audio, universal remote control, Built-in Tuner, downloadable apps, on mode power, Wi-Fi connection, and rear input connectors.

5. Mitsubishi WD-65C9 Flat Panel DLP Home Theater
Available in 65-inch, the model allows people to watch movies and other programs with 1080p resolution. Some other features include 3D video, gaming, dual-screen, 3D glasses, IR emitters, and 5G improved 12-bit processing.

It is evident that everyone likes to buy a brand new television at the best prices. As a result, TV manufacturers offer different types of products online which help to save more time. Another thing is that they show ways of knowing more detail about Mitsubishi TV items for ordering a product without any hassles. Also, they even assist customers to order a product with choices.

Home is not just another location where you dwell in every day. It is the sweetest place on the planet for many people. Therefore, home improvement is an exciting activity as you are gifting yourself a better place to settle in. A redo in the kitchen, a refashion in the living room, a new landscape design and installation, a renovation in the bedroom, etc. are numerous ways to improve your residing space and make it inviting.

Are you thinking about some home improvement ideas? Does the budget bother you? Well, read here to know a few of smart ways to save money when you want to upgrade your home.

Have a “real” plan!
Whether it is a home improvement or home renovation, sticking to a realistic plan helps a lot. Well, you have an idea of how you want to improve your home. Try to put it down on a paper. Draw a rough copy of how you want the space to look, once the improvement is done. List out the things you need to buy. Break down your total budget and calculate the expense of buying the total stuff.

Do your research
To find the best deals, you have to put in time and effort. Utilize the commutation time or waiting for stints to find those unbelievable discounts that online shops give away. Allot time to find the nearest shops with biggest offers. There are retail seasons in which you get certain products at unbeatable offers. For instance, you will find garden supplies at its best deals during the month of April. Wait for the season if you want really cool deals or pick up the best one possible at the moment.

Grab the coupons
Coupons can really help you save money. The best time to take advantage of the home depot coupons would be when you improve your home. Search for the best available coupons for home depot stores. Subscribe the mail alerts which will inform you about promotions and offers from shops around, so that you do not miss the chance. You may get kitchen appliances, furniture, home accents, etc. by paying 30% of its original price. Sometimes, you may find exclusive deals that may last for a few hours or a day.

Check the misses
You can find leftovers or unused products of previous work with contractors and technicians. Buy from them at a lower price. Also, you can check out for products with slight mistakes in the home depot store. The shops give away appliances with a small scratch or concrete bag that is broken at a lower price. It is not going to make any difference in functionality anyway.

Do-it-yourself
Try finding time to do small tasks yourself and spend the money wisely. The DIY videos and numerous blogs will guide you to do small errands on home improvement. Get the tools on rent for a day, and do the job yourself. What you can rent, better don’t buy. Moreover, you may find great deals in tools and materials on websites that sell second-hand goods.

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively.

The allergic development

Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages:

• Stage 1
  The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body.
• Stage 2
  Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody.
• Stage 3
  This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything.
• Stage 4
  The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it.
• Stage 5
  24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it.

How to diagnose allergies

Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction. A mild allergy can lead to red and itchy spots on your skin, nasal congestion, rash, scratchy throat, and watery or itchy eyes. However, a more serious allergy can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, face swelling, palpitation, breathing difficulties, anxiety, weakness, or other symptoms. If you believe that you are having an allergic reaction then you must contact your doctor.

The doctor performs different tests to determine the kind of allergy you have and what has caused it. Elimination tests, blood tests, and skin tests are the most common form of tests that the doctor may order. The elimination test involves excluding different food items from your daily diet to determine which one causes your allergy. During a skin test, the suspected allergens are applied to your skin to observe how your body reacts. However, if the result from your skin test is inconclusive or it cannot be done for any reason, then the doctor orders a blood test. This test looks for antibodies in the blood to determine what kind of allergens you might have been exposed to. Once it is found, the doctor can help you treat or manage your allergy.

Prevention

Once you know what kind of allergies you have, you can start taking preventive steps to manage them. The most important thing is to avoid the allergens that result in your allergy. You must also regularly take the medicines that your doctor prescribes. If you experience severe allergic reactions, then your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine injection, which you must always carry with you. It is also important to wear a medical alert bracelet when you are going out so people around you are made aware of your condition.

Having allergies can be discomforting and scary. However, by taking the right preventive steps and medicines, you can lead a normal and healthy life.

There is nothing more exciting than buying new living room furniture. However, before making any purchase, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration. To start with, you must have an idea of the kind of furniture you want. You need to keep in mind that whatever you buy must fit in the space you have in your living room. Whether you are looking for a particular style or happy to mix and match different varieties of new living room furniture as per availability is also an important aspect to consider. Your budget is another factor while buying living room furniture. Whether you want to buy expensive or inexpensive pieces is something you need to decide at the beginning itself. There are people who buy a combination of both costly and economical furniture.

Types of living room furniture
A sofa is the biggest piece of furniture that people put in their living room. If you have a big living room, you can opt for a sectional. However, if your drawing room is smaller in size, as they are in apartments or condominium then you only have room for a futon or loveseat.

Sofa
Sofas can accommodate two to four people as per its size. Sofas can range between 30 inches and 110 inches wide in size. The standard size of the sofa is between 50 and 80 inches wide. This piece of furniture is found to be upholstered in materials like faux leather, leather, microfiber, and linen mostly. You can buy a sofa sleeper as well if you have guests for sleepovers or just need an extra sleeping option.

Sectional
Sectionals are best for big living rooms. They can accommodate four, six or even more people. There are some that double as recliners as well on one or both ends. While most recliners are found to be of “L” shape, there are some with rounded backs that look like having a “C” shape. Sectionals come in different coverings like leather, linen, faux leather, microfiber or bonded leather. A sectional is at least 60 inches wide and can be more than 100 inches wide.

Futon
A futon is a smaller version of the sleeper sofa. They can serve as a bed or loveseat depending on your requirements. A futon can have a single or double twin-size mattress that gets into the bottom and back of if when rearranged.

Loveseat
If you have an extra big living room then you can have both sofa and loveseat in it. However, for the smaller living room, one can choose a loveseat as the primary piece of furniture. These use the same materials as that of sofas. A total of two average-size or three smaller people can sit on a loveseat. They are between 30 and 89 inches wide and are available in an array of colors.

Accent chairs and recliners
In addition to a sofa or loveseat, you may have a chair or two in the room. These can either be accent chairs or recliners.

i. Accent Chair: Accent chairs are available in an array of styles, including armless and armchairs. They can be mid-century, modern and contemporary as far as style goes. Chairs, including recliners, are categorized depending on their seating area. Living room chairs can be as small as 15 inches or less or as big as 36 inches or more.

ii. Recliners: These are deep, plush chairs with backs that recline and footrest that extend out. You can almost lay flat in a recliner. Some recliners come with massaging and heating options. There are others that have power lift technology, which help people who have difficulty in sitting down or getting up.

Accent Tables
Once you have set the furniture to sit on, you need to add a table or two as well. You can choose from coffee tables, end tables, and console tables as per the available space and your personal choice.

Other living room furniture
Once you have set up the main pieces in the living room, you can add more new furniture if you have an empty space. There is furniture like TV stands, bookcases, and ottomans to choose from.