Question 1

What is DMSbackups?

Accepted Answer

DMSbackups is an independent dealership data protection platform that synchronizes operational records from your primary DMS, preserves them on dealership-controlled local storage, and provides offline search, record export, and document export.

Question 2

Who powers DMSbackups and MyDealerKPI?

Accepted Answer

Both products are powered by InDesign Data—an independent application development and data aggregation company behind DMSconnect, the industry’s advanced bidirectional DMS data gateway. InDesign acquired AsyncUp (creators of DMSconnect) in 2013 and has continuously evolved the platform since 2002.

Question 3

What is the DMSbackups + MyDealerKPI Power Combo?

Accepted Answer

The Power Combo pairs independent DMS backup and searchable retrieval with real-time dealership analytics. Protected data becomes the foundation for KPI dashboards across Sales, F&I, Service, Parts, Schedules, and Financials—one trusted solution for continuity and performance.

Question 4

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Request a backup assessment to review your current DMS environment, department coverage, storage architecture, and continuity requirements. Our team confirms supported file types and scope, then outlines deployment steps for your dealership.

Question 5

How is this different from my DMS vendor’s backup?

Accepted Answer

DMS vendor backups typically protect the vendor’s system of record. DMSbackups creates an independent, dealership-controlled copy organized for search and retrieval across departments—including documents, media, and historical records—outside the primary DMS environment.

Question 6

Which departments are included in a complete backup?

Accepted Answer

A complete backup captures records across accounting, payroll, F&I, sales, vehicle management, CRM, service, parts, and associated documents and media—not a limited customer export or single department snapshot.

Question 7

How often does synchronization run?

Accepted Answer

DMSbackups synchronizes dealership data on a dependable daily schedule. Initial deployment establishes a baseline; ongoing synchronization keeps the independent copy current for retrieval and continuity planning.

Question 8

Are documents and media included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DMSbackups preserves documents, photos, video, audio call recordings, spreadsheets, application data, and other media linked to operational records.

Question 9

How far back does historical data go?

Accepted Answer

Historical depth depends on your DMS environment and deployment configuration. During assessment and initial synchronization, we confirm what operational history is captured and how retention aligns with your dealership’s requirements.

Question 10

Do you support dealer groups with multiple rooftops?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multi-rooftop environments can be scoped during assessment. Coverage, storage architecture, and physical-media custody are configured according to your group’s operational and continuity needs.

Question 11

How do I know my backup is complete?

Accepted Answer

Initial synchronization includes validation of departments, record types, and file types for your supported DMS. Ongoing verification confirms daily sync completion and department status visibility through DMSbackups

Question 12

How does DMSbackups search offline data?

Accepted Answer

The dealer-facing application is called DMSbackups. It indexes synchronized records on the offline backup drive so staff with physical access to that media can search and open information without depending on the primary DMS session.

Question 13

What can I search for in DMSbackups?

Accepted Answer

All available fields from the source are searchable, often hundreds of fields. Common examples include VIN, repair order number, stock number, deal number, customer name, date range, department, and document type. Exact fields vary by DMS source.

Question 14

Does DMSbackups replace my primary DMS?

Accepted Answer

No. DMSbackups provides independent historical access and retrieval. It supports continuity and recovery preparation—it does not replace every live transactional capability of the primary DMS.

Question 15

Who can access DMSbackups?

Accepted Answer

DMSbackups does not provision application users. Anyone with access to the connected air-gapped thumb drive or hard drive can open the offline backup data.

Question 16

Can I export or share retrieved records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DMSbackups supports both record export and document export from the offline backup environment.

Question 17

Is the backup air-gapped?

Accepted Answer

When local storage is physically detached from the network, the backup provides an air-gapped separation layer. Connected and synchronized states support daily operational access and retrieval.

Question 18

Who controls access to the backup?

Accepted Answer

The dealership controls physical custody of the local media. Anyone with access to the connected thumb drive or hard drive can open the offline data.

Question 19

Why local storage instead of cloud-only backup?

Accepted Answer

Local, detachable storage gives the dealership physical control over access and retention. When detached, media is separated from the live network—adding a practical layer beyond cloud-only dependency.

Question 20

Can retention be defined by the dealership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Retention and lifecycle policies are defined according to dealership requirements as part of deployment and ongoing operations.

Question 21

Does independent backup help with FTC Safeguards compliance?

Accepted Answer

Independent backups can support Safeguards Rule requirements for secure data storage (§314.4(c)(8)). Specific compliance obligations vary by dealership—consult your compliance advisor for your environment.

Question 22

How does DMSbackups help during a ransomware event?

Accepted Answer

An independent copy on locally controlled, detachable storage provides separation from the primary DMS environment. If storage is detached according to policy, it is physically isolated from live systems—supporting recovery of operational history.

Question 23

What is the difference between backup and business continuity?

Accepted Answer

Backup preserves data. Business continuity ensures the dealership can access critical information and resume operations when primary systems are unavailable. Searchable, department-wide retrieval through DMSbackups bridges the two.

Question 24

What happens when our DMS goes down?

Accepted Answer

Staff with access to the backup drive can open DMSbackups to search synchronized records, documents, and media while the primary DMS is unavailable. Live transactional workflows may pause, but operational context remains accessible.

Question 25

How do we build a continuity plan?

Accepted Answer

Identify who has physical access to the backup media, critical records by department, storage rotation and detachment procedures, and how historical data will be accessed during an interruption.

Question 26

How quickly can we access records during an outage?

Accepted Answer

Because DMSbackups indexes synchronized data locally, staff with access to the connected backup drive can search and open records without waiting for the primary DMS to recover.

Question 27

Can DMSbackups help during a DMS transition or migration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DMSbackups works with TotalKnockOut (TKO) to export sufficient data for a DMS switch in the format required by all major destination DMS providers.

Question 28

What is MyDealerKPI?

Accepted Answer

MyDealerKPI is a dealership analytics platform with one-click dashboards for Sales, F&I, Service, Parts, Schedules, and Financials—helping you spot trends, identify top performers, and make data-driven decisions.

Question 29

Which departments does MyDealerKPI cover?

Accepted Answer

Dashboard modules include Sales Log, Dealer Trades, Lease Returns, F&I Statistics, Service and Parts KPIs, appointment scheduling, parts inventory, special-order parts, and financial statement views.

Question 30

Is extensive training required for MyDealerKPI?

Accepted Answer

No. MyDealerKPI is designed for dealer-developed simplicity—intuitive navigation with user-friendly data presentation so teams can access critical answers without a steep learning curve.

Question 31

Do I need DMSbackups to use MyDealerKPI?

Accepted Answer

MyDealerKPI and DMSbackups are complementary products powered by the same InDesign Data foundation. Many dealerships choose the Power Combo for protected data plus real-time analytics, but each product can be evaluated independently.

Question 32

How current is MyDealerKPI data?

Accepted Answer

MyDealerKPI provides real-time performance feedback pulled from your DMS through InDesign’s bidirectional DMSconnect integration—delivering current sales, service, and financial metrics on demand.

Question 33

What does the FTC Safeguards Rule require for dealership backups?

Accepted Answer

The FTC Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions—including many auto dealers—to maintain a written information security program with safeguards to protect customer information. Practical programs include documented backup and recovery measures that demonstrate customer data can be protected and restored.

Question 34

Does DMSbackups help with FTC Safeguards §314.4(c)(8)?

Accepted Answer

Independent, recoverable DMS backups with daily synchronization and documented scope support Safeguards programs that require technical controls for securing and recovering customer information. Your compliance team should align deployment documentation with your written program.

Question 35

Do cyber insurers require independent DMS backups?

Accepted Answer

Many carriers now ask dealerships to document independent DMS data backups and restoration capability—especially after industry-wide DMS disruptions. Vendor-only backup statements may not satisfy underwriting without additional proof of recoverable copies.

Question 36

Does my DMS vendor backup count for cyber insurance?

Accepted Answer

Vendor backups protect the vendor's platform. Insurers often want evidence that the dealership maintains its own recoverable copy with defined scope, synchronization, and retrieval testing—not reliance on the vendor alone.

Question 37

How do I prove backup capability to my cyber insurer?

Accepted Answer

Document department coverage, synchronization frequency, retrieval procedures, physical-media handling, and test results. A backup assessment produces environment-specific scope confirmation you can share with brokers and underwriters.

Question 38

Does independent DMS backup help with cyber insurance renewals?

Accepted Answer

Many carriers ask dealerships to document independent DMS backups, restoration testing, and continuity plans at renewal. DMSbackups provides daily synchronization, searchable retrieval, and assessment output you can share with brokers and underwriters.

Question 39

What proof do cyber insurers typically request from dealerships?

Accepted Answer

Common requests include department coverage documentation, backup integrity evidence, disaster recovery test results (often quarterly or annually), retrieval procedures, and physical-media custody policies.

Question 40

How does DMSbackups relate to a 3-2-1-1 backup strategy?

Accepted Answer

The platform supports multiple recoverable copies on locally controlled detachable media outside the primary DMS—addressing media separation, offsite handling, and policy-driven immutability when deployed per your security procedures.

Question 41

Can independent backup be referenced in our written incident response plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many dealerships include backup scope, synchronization schedules, retrieval procedures, and testing cadence in incident response and business continuity documentation. Align language with your formal Safeguards program.

Question 42

What did the CDK breach teach dealerships about backups?

Accepted Answer

The 2024 CDK disruption highlighted dependency on a single DMS platform. Dealerships with independent, searchable backups maintained access to operational history while primary systems were unavailable—reinforcing the case for dealer-controlled continuity layers.

Question 43

What is documented data protection for dealerships?

Accepted Answer

Documented data protection means written policies and technical evidence showing how customer information is secured, backed up, retained, and recovered. It supports FTC Safeguards programs, internal audits, and cyber insurance reviews.

Question 44

What is a complete DMS backup?

Accepted Answer

A complete DMS backup preserves operational records across every department—accounting, payroll, F&I, sales, service, parts, CRM, documents, media, and historical records—not a limited customer export.

Question 45

What is the difference between DMS backup and business continuity?

Accepted Answer

Backup is the act of preserving data copies. Business continuity is the ability to keep operating—and access critical records—during a DMS interruption. Searchable independent backup bridges both.

Question 46

Who owns dealership DMS data?

Accepted Answer

Operational data is created by and belongs to the dealership. Data sovereignty means maintaining independent copies and retrieval capability rather than depending solely on a vendor's platform for historical access.

Question 47

Which DMS platforms are supported?

Accepted Answer

Supported DMS sources include CDK Drive, Reynolds & Reynolds ERA and POWER, Dealertrack DMS, Tekion ARC, Dominion ACS and VUE, Advent, Auto/Mate, Autosoft, DealerBuilt LightYear, DPC, PBS, Quorum, and SERTI SDS. DMSbackups also supports many document management and dealership systems.

Question 48

How many file types are supported?

Accepted Answer

DMSbackups covers more than 60 representative data points, but the exact data types depend on the DMS source. All available fields from that source can be searched, often hundreds of fields.

Question 49

What is B.A.R.T. and how does it relate to DMSconnect?

Accepted Answer

B.A.R.T. means Bidirectional Access Real-Time. It is InDesign Data's core technology for real-time, two-way access to DMS data and works with the DMSconnect gateway. It is not the name of the dealer-facing DMSbackups search application.

Question 50

What if my DMS is not listed?

Accepted Answer

Contact our team to review platform availability. Integration scope and file coverage vary by DMS—we confirm support before deployment.

Question 51

How is DMSbackups priced?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on DMS environment, rooftop count, years of history, and product scope. Request an assessment for a quote tailored to your dealership.

Question 52

How long does deployment take?

Accepted Answer

Typical deployment includes DMS connection, initial synchronization, data validation, local storage setup, and drive-access verification, followed by daily synchronization. Timeline varies by environment size and complexity.

Question 53

How do I contact support?

Accepted Answer

Call 800-619-4003 or email sales@dmsbackups.com. Our team is available to answer questions, schedule demos, and coordinate assessments for DMSbackups and MyDealerKPI.

Question 54

Can I schedule a demo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Request a demo through the contact page or backup assessment form. Bundled demos of DMSbackups and MyDealerKPI are available for dealerships evaluating the Power Combo.

Question 55

I am an existing InDesign Data or DMSconnect customer—who do I call?

Accepted Answer

Existing integration customers can reach InDesign Data at 800-619-4003. For DMSbackups and MyDealerKPI product questions, use sales@dmsbackups.com or the contact form on this site.

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