GM COMPUTER "LOCATOR" SYSTEM

[ARTSBEST]

I was told at my local GMC truck dealership that they, GM, looks within a 500 mile radius for the truck that I was interested in via their inhouse computer "locator" system. How does this system work and how many times do they actually find the color, and options that we potential buyers are looking for?

[RyanbabZ71]

you can also search

 

check out http://www.gmbuypower.com

[gmcjoe]

The GM Access network makes this possible. They have been doing that for many years and it works great

[JayMan]

Look at the VIN plate on your dash - of course you have to look from outside through the windshield. There is a laser-etched barcode and the regular integer numbers for us humans to read.

 

The shipping/tracking information is automatically sent from GM to each specific dealer, and this information is part of the database. Once received at a dealer, the dealer also uses their portable barcode scanner to swipe the barcode, so the database also "knows" where the vehicle is kept in inventory.

 

Just like at the grocery store where you see folks using portable barcode scanners to swipe cases, price tags, etc. This is known as "pull" inventory, since you update orders by setting minimum limits on instock inventory.

 

The consumer portal is somewhat limited. Say you're trying to find a Chevy Rado with Extended Cab, LT interior, Pewter exterior, and 4.10 gears. You would have to search every major dealer within zip codes or Postal Codes. The local dealer can quickly search nationwide to see if such an animal exists in inventory, since he can enter a lot more variables in the search.

 

Technology can be fun too!