FAQ’s
What does CES do?

CES offers custom data collection services as well as our own proprietary CC2000, CC2000 PLUS, and SR2000 programs for the automotive industry. We can provide numerous data management services such as direct mail programs, data warehousing, database cleansing, and web services. In some cases, we will act as your system installation and maintenance solution.

What is the CC2000 Data Collection system?

CES’s proprietary CC2000 Data Retrieval System is fully automated and non-intrusive to the Dealer Management System (DMS). Armed with a modem number, user ID, password, and read-only access to history data, CC2000 will retrieve data from most systems without requiring the installation of any hardware or software at the dealership.

What is the SR2000 Service Reminder System?

SR2000 generates the information necessary for sending service reminders to the dealership’s customers. SR2000 utilizes the standardized operation codes generated by the CC2000 Plus. SR2000 then utilizes its own algorithm to recommend mail based on individual driving habits.

What is the CC2000 PLUS advanced data collection system?

CC2000 Plus is CES’s CC2000 data retrieval system with a unique operation code (op-code) cross-referencing and standardization process.

What is data warehousing?

CES's data warehousing solution turns the wealth of data on your Dealership Management System (DMS) into a wealth of information specific to your business needs.

What is address standardization?

The CES address standardization process validates house/apartment numbers and standardizes street prefixes, names, and suffixes. Invalid states and misspelled city names are corrected as well. Standardizing address information not only returns clean data for reporting purposes, but also increases the mailability of your database.

Will you come to my location to install a computer?

CES provides a full spectrum of computer system related support, including computer installation. Take advantage of our expertise to make sure you get the right system for your working environment.

What type of access do you need?

CES needs a login and password with access to the correct area of your system. A CES representative will determine the level of access need based on your data requirements.

How secure is my login and password?

Our client's security and confidentiality are a high priority at CES. Once CES receives your login and password, it is encrypted into our automated system. CES will not sell, give away, or distribute any of your information to any other entit y, person, or company.

Can I talk to a real person if there is a problem or if I need something "right now"?

A CES staff member is only as far from you as your telephone. An 800 number to our operations department is supplied for every program we support.

What type of systems can you dial into?

ADP (most models), Reynolds & Reynolds (most models), Windows based systems, UNIX, PICK.

Will I need any special equipment for you to access my computer?

The only equipment you need is a modem. A CES representative can discuss alternate data retrieval methods such as diskette or hard copy if you do not have a modem.

Will you slow my system down?

Generally, dealership personnel do not even know CES is accessing their system because we do not interfere or slow your system. CES processes occur in the background, transparent to you.

How often do you dial in?

A CES representative will help you determine how often data needs to be collected. CES can dial into your system one time or on a quarterly, monthly, weekly, or even daily basis.

What type of information can you retrieve?

CES can access data from your system such as service history, customer lists, vehicle information, and F&I. We will discuss your needs with you to determine the data elements needed for your program.

How long will you be dialed into my system?

The time we spend connected to your system varies on factors such as data requirements, modem speed, and system availability.

How secure is the transmission?

Using a direct modem to modem connection ensures no other parties can access your data.

What if you are in my system and I need to use the modem?

If you need your modem, you can log us off. We will dial back in at a later time to continue the retrieval. You can also call us on an established 800 number with any questions.

How will you retrieve my data?

CES will query a custom report on the dealership system, transfer it, and then delete the query before logging off the system.

Can you download multiple files from different parts of my system and merge the data for me?

A CES representative will work with you to determine your needs and dealership system availability.

Will you modify files that exist on the system?

CES does not create or alter files on the dealership system. If your system requires custom programming or queries, our programming staff is ready to work with you.

Can you convert data from tapes?

Your CES representative will help you determine the value in your tapes.

What if I don't have a modem and I can't send you my tapes?

CES accepts data in a number of formats. Some dealers send us their data on tape, diskette, or hard copy for keypunching.

How is the data delivered to me?

Electronic transfer methods include FTP, ISDN, modem to modem, and the internet. Data can also be put on tapes, disks, or CDs. CES will work with you to determine which data transfer method works best for you.

When will I get the data?

Turnaround time is based on your processing needs. In many cases, data can be delivered in as little as one day.

What format does the data come back in?

CES will format your data according to your specifications. These formats include ASCII delimited text files (data separated by tabs, commas, or spaces), databases (Access, dBase, Foxpro), spreadsheets (Excel, Lotus). These are only some of the options CES offers. CES wants to get your data back to you in the format that is most useful to you.

How do I know someone else can't get my data?

All customer data is compressed and encrypted with a password that you and the technician decide on before data transfer takes place.

Can CES take my data and do a mailing for me?

Yes. CES can be involved at any level you need from acting as your data provider to managing the entire process.

What does it take to develop a web page?

CES always has two fingers on the pulse of all the newest Internet technology. All it takes is one call to your CES representative to get your E-Business moving.

How do I contact CES?

You can reach CES at 1-800-230-6784. We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your project.