Release Highlights
ERA-IGNITE 34.00
For more detailed information on each feature below, check out Program News on Online Support.
Navigate to:
Dealership-wide
Business Office
Sales and F&I
Parts and Service
Dealership-wide
General System
Video playlists now available in Smart Center
To allow employees to easily learn the basic tasks associated with their job functions, various instructional videos have been grouped together in Smart Center as “playlists” for basic training in ERA-IGNITE. Search by your job role to find those applicable to you.
Automatically include the dealership name in text messages*
SMS text messages sent from ERA-IGNITE and ReyText now include the name of the dealership. In the opt-out footer of text messages, “Reply STOP to OptOut from X” displays, where “X” is the name of the dealership.
View and send emojis in text messages*
You can now view emojis when reviewing SMS text messages using the SMS Text Messaging window. In addition, emojis can now be viewed and sent using the ReyText app.
View the branch name in the title bar
The name of the branch is now displayed in the title bar throughout ERA-IGNITE, which can be especially helpful at dealerships where centralized accounting is used.
Add surcharges to additional ReyPAY® Transactions*
Credit card surcharges can now be added to additional ReyPAY transactions to help cover the cost of processing credit card payments. Using new check boxes and sections on the ReyPAY Specs window in the Accounting Specs application and the Service Specs application, you can set up surcharges for transactions processed without the credit card terminal, including online payments and payments where the card information is manually entered. In addition, you can define a custom message to display to inform customers and employees that surcharges are included in the transaction. For more information, see the 34.00 Program News.
Display more screens in ERA-IGNITE
Dealership personnel can now display up to 20 screens at one time in ERA-IGNITE. Previously, a maximum of 15 screens could be shown at one time.
Dealer Communication
Retrieve up-to-date information from Lexus and Toyota vehicles
The Connected Vehicle feature can now be used to retrieve real-time vehicle information for Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Using the new Lexus MONOGRAM and Toyota SmartPath Service Suites, you can retrieve telematic data, such as the current odometer reading, tire pressure, and oil life, directly from the manufacturer.
Manually reset pending warranty claims for BrightDrop and GM*
Statuses for warranty claims for BrightDrop and GM vehicles can now be reset in the Service application so the claims can be retransmitted to the manufacturer. Using the new Global Warranty Reset Claims window, you can manually reset warranty claim statuses in Delivered status without a disposition status. You can also reset warranty claim statuses that have been in Pending status for more than two days.
Automatically process warranty claim files
At Toyota and Lexus dealerships where centralized accounting is used, warranty claim files can now be automatically processed for individual stores and branches using the Dealer Daily Open Access (DDOA) Warranty Credit interface.
System Administrator
Use overflow trays when printing excess remittance advices
An overflow tray can now be defined for check printers to allow excess remittance advices to print on plain paper. To define an overflow tray, simply enter the tray number in the new Overflow Tray field on the Maintain Printer Usage screen.
Security Maintenance
New link on the Assigned User Groups report
Using a new link on the User column on the Assigned User Groups screen, you can now drill down to display employee information.
New security items
New security items have been added on the Security Access screen, including:
- Accounting
- F&I/Desking
- Finance and Insurance
- Retail Management Intelligence
- Service
For more information, see the 34.00 Program News.
Access Basic Profile Information screen from new reports
You can now drill down to the Basic Profile Information screen from the Full Security Listing report and User Security Access report by highlighting a row and pressing the ENTER key or by double-clicking a row.
Access Security Access screen from Security Item report
You can now drill down to the Security Access screen from the User List by Security Item report by highlighting a row and pressing the ENTER key or by double-clicking a row.
Automatically update User ID security settings
When a new user group is created by copying a User ID, the security access settings for both the User ID and the User ID’s user group are copied to the new user group.
Integrated Document Management
Use bar codes to catalog Journal reports for additional transactions
A bar code can now be printed when a Journal report is requested for a specific reference number in the Cash Receipts journal or the Payroll journal in the Accounting application or the RMI application. When the report and any supporting documents are scanned using the IDM application, the documents are automatically cataloged with the appropriate document type and key information, such as the associated store number, branch number, document date, and voucher number.
Access F&I cash receipts more easily
Cash receipts printed using the F&I application can now be accessed using a new document key on the Search tab. To access cash receipts for a deal, simply enter CASHRCPT in the Doc Type field and enter the deal number in the new Deal# document key. Then press the F5 key to display the cash receipts for the deal in the Results section.
Retail Management Intelligence
Monitor Pending Service statuses using a new Dashboard module*
Outstanding Pending Service items can now be monitored in the RMI application using the new Advanced Service Pending Services module. Counts display based on the number of repair orders with outstanding pending service items or based on the total number of pending service items. In addition, you can click links on this module to drill down and compare these statuses between individual repair orders. For steps on how to use the module, check out the 34.00 Program News.
New links on the ERA-IGNITE Export Logging report
Using new links on the ERA-IGNITE Export Logging screen, you can now drill down to display employee and station information.
Automatically export the RO Time report using the dAR feature*
To export the report using the dAR feature, the report must be defined for automatic export on the dlrSecured Automated Reports (dAR) window in the RMI application, as normal.
Review Reservation Manager overrides
Reservation Manager overrides can now be reviewed using the APPOINTMENTS-SERVICE Data Set for Dynamic Reporting. New columns are used to review the date and time when an override occurred as well as the type of override and the employee who approved the override.
Upload stock images and vehicle outlines from Service Touch
Stock images and vehicle outlines are now only uploaded to the IDM application when images are marked using the Walk-Around screen in the Service Touch application.
Reynolds Integrated Telephone System
Additional options for caller announcements
Using new options in the RITS Administration Console, you can define caller announcements to play at a precise time during calls, including when employee phones are ringing. You can provide customers calling the dealership with the option of being transferred to another employee or leaving a voicemail message instead of waiting for the next available dealership employee.
Computer Assisted Instruction
Access User Course Settings from CAI usage report
You can now drill down to the User Course Settings screen from the CAI usage report by highlighting a row and pressing the ENTER key or by double-clicking a row.
Business Office
Accounting
Revise journal entries is now available in the Accounting Adjustment journal
You can now use the Revise function for posted Accounting Adjustment transactions without adjusting or reversing the original Reference number. After updating the accounting adjustments, the transactions are immediately posted.
Multiple enhancements available for the Schedule Summary screen
The Schedule Summary screen has been enhanced to allow you to review multiple schedules and up to 20 accounts from separate schedules at once. In addition, customized column and criteria settings are now retained, which can help you save time when regularly requesting the report using the same criteria.
Customize remittance options for batch checks
Using a new link and an updated check box, you can print remittance information that was previously only available when single checks were issued from Cash Disbursements. this change allows you to define custom remittance fields to print including options to print the full Invoice # (up to 25 characters), PO#, Acct #, Control #, etc. In addition, the User ID of the employee printing the checks can be included on remittance advices.
Track vehicle sales by fuel type using new features
When the same model number is used for multiple fuel types, you can use new features in the Accounting Specs application to set up and maintain separate general ledger (G/L) accounts for each fuel type defined for a model code. Once these G/L accounts are defined by fuel type, posting details will automatically be driven by fuel type and reflected accurately on the Financial Statement.
Modify supplemental Name ID numbers without adjusting journal entries
Using new options and fields on the Change Supplementary Details window, you can search for and modify the Name ID numbers associated with accounting adjustments, cash disbursements, general purchases, and standard and recurring entries without adjusting the original transaction.
Expand Vendor Invoice Number field to 25 characters
You can now enter up to 25 characters in the Invoice # field when posting General Purchase transactions.
Expand Loan Number field to 25 characters
Fields used to enter or display loan numbers for lien payoff checks have been expanded to include up to 25 characters throughout the Accounting application and the Accounting Specs application
Print excess remittance checks on plain paper
When printing accounts payable batch checks or cash disbursement checks, excess remittance advices can now print on plain paper based on new settings defined in the System Administrator application.
Review vendor names for G/L journal entries
When supplementary Name IDs are enabled, you can review vendor names entered for all general ledger (G/L) journal entry accounts in the Name column on the Detail/GL Inquiry screen or the G/L Detail/History report.
Payroll
Set up pay codes for automatic distribution
Settings for automatically distributing pay codes can now be defined directly in ERA-IGNITE using the new Automatic Distribution tab on the Division Maintenance screen in the Payroll Specs application.
Set a future date for sending direct deposit advices
Using a new option in the Payroll Specs application and a new field in the Payroll application, direct deposit advices can be sent to employees on a date other than the date payroll processing is complete, such as the date the direct deposit advices are deposited in employee bank accounts.
Add and delete payroll divisions
With proper security access, managers can now add and delete payroll divisions directly in ERA-IGNITE using enhancements in the Payroll Specs application.
New layout for the Workers' Compensation Report window
You can now more easily define the time period for the Workers’ Compensation report using new option buttons and an updated layout on the Worker’s Compensation Report window. The following option buttons are now available:
- Check Date
- Quarter
- Year
Select the name format on the Deduction Register report
You can now select the format in which employee names display on the Deduction Register report. For example, using the new Name Format section, you can select the Last, First option button to display employee names in “last name, first name” format.
Define transfer information for federal and state tax reporting files using a new window
At dealerships where wages are reported to the government electronically, you can now define information for transferring tax reporting files directly in ERA-IGNITE. Using the new Transfer Information window, you can enter transfer information for federal and state taxes, such as the transfer contact name and the contact phone number.
New message window when voiding a Paycheck with a garnishment
When voiding a paycheck associated with a garnishment check, a message window now displays to indicate that the accounting entries for the garnishment check should also be reversed.
Human Resource Management
Search for employees using additional criteria
Using new options on the Search/Change Employee screen, you can now search for employees by division and select whether to exclude terminated employees.
Purchase Orders
Include more characters for A/P invoices
Fields used to enter or display accounts payable (A/P) invoice numbers have been expanded to include up to 25 characters throughout the Purchase Orders application.
Time Clock
Automatically add entries when work schedule code is entered
When a work schedule code is entered in the Work Schedule field on the Department Defaults screen in the Time Clock Specs application, entries are automatically made in the Schedule Effective Date field, the Start Time field, and the End Time field based on the settings defined for the work schedule code.
Automatically add hours with holiday plan code
After entering a holiday plan code on the Add Holiday Plan Code window in the Time Clock Specs application, 8.00 is automatically entered in the Hours to Pay field, but can be changed.
Include special characters in holiday plan codes
Holiday plan codes that include special characters can now be entered in the Holiday Plan Code field on the Department Defaults screen in the Time Clock Specs application.
Sales and F&I
F&I and Desking
Send payment requests and process online Payments*
Using the new F&I Customer Payments window, you can send payment requests to customers directly from the F&I application, allowing customers to make online payments during the deal negotiation process. After customers make online payments, these payments can quickly be processed, and receipts can be created in a central location. For more details, see the 34.00 Program News.
Review credit and compliance documents from 700Credit directly in the F&I application*
Updated integration with 700Credit is now available in ERA-IGNITE to help you verify that you remain compliant with state and federal regulations throughout the deal process. For more information on this process, see the 34.00 Program News.
Manually enter rebate amounts when calculating payment options*
With this enhancement, you can override rebates, which can be especially useful when the amount has already been determined using information from the manufacturer. In addition, if the buyer qualifies for conditional rebates, you can manually add these rebates without entering eligibility on the Ranking window. For detailed steps, see the 34.00 Program News.
Automatic entries for eContracting deals*
When transmitting a request for contract validation of an eContracting form, deals are now automatically indicated as eContracting deals. In addition, the intended contract to present is now automatically selected on the F&I Forms window, which can help increase the chance that the correct contract is selected.
Create service appointments for deals
Using a new menu option and a new toolbar button, you can access the Appointments screen in the Service application directly from a deal in the F&I application, helping you more efficiently schedule the customer’s first service appointment when the vehicle is delivered.
Select multiple payment options at once on the Ranking window*
Using new check boxes in the Payment column on the Ranking window, up to five payment options can now be selected at one time. This new feature can be especially helpful when creating scenarios for multiple financial institutions or terms.
New options for reviewing credit inquiries*
You can now display credit inquiries in the Credit Bureau Inquiry window and the Compliance Notice Manager tab on the Credit and Compliance Manager window based on the origin of the inquiry and whether the inquiry is attached to a deal.
Identify the status of a vehicle's MSO
The current status of a vehicle’s manufacturer statement of origin (MSO) can now be reviewed directly in the F&I application. Using the new, color-coded Title Status icon, you can identify whether an MSO has been added to a new vehicle record and the status of an MSO.
Review cash receipts on the Deal Jacket Screen*
Cash receipts printed using the F&I application and saved in the IDM application now automatically display on the Deal Jacket screen for the current deal, simplifying the process for adding these documents to the deal.
Require resolution for OFAC hits and identity verification alerts*
The Validation Report window now displays when an OFAC check or identity verification task was performed but did not receive the required result. In addition, a new requirement status is available on the Compliance Audit Log window to indicate a compliance task was performed but additional action is needed.
Automatically link and select RFL documents*
When the eDocs tab on the eContract Management window is accessed, documents in the Required Forms List (RFL) from the lender are now automatically linked to documents in the deal jacket. The check boxes for RFL documents and other linked documents are automatically selected on the eDocs tab.
Access the Deal Jacket screen from the eDocs tab*
When reviewing documents on the eDocs tab on the eContract Management window, you can now quickly access the Deal Jacket screen by clicking the new Deal Jacket link.
Send emails to employees when deal statuses change
Emails can now be sent to employees when deal statuses are changed to Spot Delivered or Closed regardless of whether the ConsumerReach Plus application is licensed.
Review eContracting alerts for all F&I managers at once
To review eContracting alerts for all F&I managers, simply clear the entry in the F&I Manager field on the eContracting Alerts window. To automatically display these alerts, clear the entry in the F&I Manager field on the Customize window and press the F12 key.
Retain Option 2 section settings
When you click the Add Option 2 button or the Remove Option 2 button to display or hide the Option 2 section, the settings for this section are now retained the next time the Matrix Options window is accessed for proposals for the current deal.
Add additional values to custom matrix proposals
Additional values can now be added to custom matrix proposals in the F&I application, such as insufficient amounts, residual amounts, and acquisition fees on lease deals.
Automatically update vehicle registration state
The “Auto-Update the Registered State to match Buyer State” check box now displays on the Spec 1 tab of the F&I Area Specifications screen in the Finance and Insurance Specs application. Select this check box to automatically update the vehicle registration state on the deal to match the buyer state, as normal.
Expanded fields to enter and display vendor names
Fields used to enter or display vendor names have been expanded to include up to 40 characters throughout the F&I application and the Finance and Insurance Specs application.
Vehicle Management
Monitor vehicle MSOs directly in ERA-IGNITE
Several enhancements are available in the Vehicle Management application to allow employees to track manufacturer statements of origin (MSOs), also known as manufacturer certificates of origin (MCOs). Settings are available in the VMS Specs application to define how MSOs are tracked using custom codes and fields, allowing you to document MSO statuses using common terms based on standard processes at the dealership. For more details on MSO information, see 34.00 Program News.
Manually enter MPGe for electric vehicles
The miles per gallon of gasoline – equivalent (MPGe) can now be entered in vehicle records in the Vehicle Management application. Simply enter a value between 0 and 999 in the following fields:
- City
- Highway
- Combined
Require battery capacity for new and used vehicles
To help maintain compliance with federal regulations, battery capacities can now be required for new, used, and trade-in vehicles. Using the new Battery Cap entry standard on the New Vehicle Inventory Standards screen and the Used Vehicle Inventory Standards screen in the Vehicle Management Specs application, you can define entry requirements for the Battery Capacity (kWh) field on the Electric Vehicle Information screen.
New links on various VMS reports
Using new links on various reports in the Vehicle Management application, you can now drill down to display vehicle information.
Transmit vehicle hold information to KeyTrak®
Vehicle holds that have been created in ERA-IGNITE are now sent to KeyTrak Edge, allowing personnel to be notified when attempting to check out a key for a vehicle that has been placed on hold in ERA-IGNITE.
See if fuel type settings are defined in Accounting
When deleting a fuel type code on the Fuel Type Codes screen in the Vehicle Management Specs application, a message window now displays if fuel type settings have been defined in the Accounting Specs application. To delete the fuel type code, you must first delete the account distributions set up for the fuel type on the Vehicle Model Codes Setup screen.
Drill down in Acct/Sales Cost Comparison report
You can now drill down to the Vehicle Profile screen from the Acct/Sales Cost Comparison report by highlighting a row and pressing the ENTER key or by double-clicking a row.
The docuPAD® System*
Customize the template for docuPAD email Messages*
Using the new docuPAD Email Management screen in the Finance and Insurance Specs application, you can define various settings for the email sent from the Deal Jacket screen or the docuPAD Workstation, such as the sender email address, the subject, and the body of the email message.
Automatically select SmartForms when preparing forms for the docuPAD system*
Using new settings in the Finance and Insurance Specs application, you can require SmartForms to always be included when preparing forms for the docuPAD system. With this enhancement, F&I Managers can easily prepare required forms. For more information, see the 34.00 Program News.
Parts and Service
Service
New option to confirm service appointments
You can now indicate whether service appointments have been confirmed by customers using new function keys on the Appointments screen. In addition, several enhancements are available in the Service application and the Service Specs application to help you identify which appointments have been confirmed, providing you with better insight into expected appointment attendance so you can manage shop capacity more effectively.
Define daily reservation limits for web appointments*
Limits for web appointments, such as appointments scheduled using Service Portal 2.0, can now be defined directly in ERA-IGNITE. In addition, these limits can be defined to include web appointments scheduled using the LaneView feature in FOCUS.
Define daily reservation limits for hourly, minute, and range limit types*
Daily reservation totals can now be defined for hourly, minute, and range limit types on the Reservation Manager Limits screen in the Service Specs application. This enhancement allows you to manage the number of appointments that can be scheduled throughout the day while still maintaining an overall daily limit.
Update pending service item statuses more efficiently*
The following statuses can now be selected for pending service items on the Pending Services screen regardless of whether the screen is accessed from the Dispatching screen or the Repair Order Billing screen.
- Updating the status to Approved, Combined and Approved, or RND/DE.
- Updating the status from Approved or RND/DE to Pending
Suppress complaint statements and prices for recommended services on the Service Portal website*
Complaint statements and prices for recommended services can now be suppressed on the Service Portal 2.0 website while continuing to display complaint statements and prices for other services.
Identify advisors and base codes with Reservation Manager limits*
When the Advisor Lookup window or the Service Operations Lookup window is accessed from the Reservation Manager Limits screen and limits have been defined for the displayed resource type, the green checkmark icon displays in the new Limit column.
Include multiple employees on Service reports more efficiently
Using the new Advisor/Technician Lookup window, you can select multiple employees to include in reports rather than searching for employees individually.
Confirm large print jobs on the Invoice Copies window
When batch printing repair orders or invoices using the Invoice Copies window, a message window now displays to confirm print jobs exceeding 500 copies.
Automatically track customer interactions using Tealium® in Service Portal 2.0*
Service Portal 2.0 sites can now be integrated with Tealium® tagging. New events are used to automatically track customer data. By reviewing the data received from these events, you can determine how customers interact with the Service Portal 2.0 website, which can help you optimize the website and customize marketing campaigns.
Schedule the RO Time report to process automatically
To schedule the report, simply enter report criteria and press the new F4 = Schedule Report function key. The Job Scheduler Maintenance window displays, where you can define the frequency and print settings, as normal. Press the F12 key to save the changes and close the window.
Efficiently add pending service items to repair orders after work is completed*
Using a new function key, you can now more efficiently add or update pending service items after existing services have been completed. For example, suppose a customer approves a pending service item after you complete work on a vehicle.
Add and review details for electric and hybrid vehicles
Using the new EV/Hybrid Details tab, you can enter information, such as the battery capacity and the battery type, which can help personnel more efficiently find the information they need when working with an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Override temporary appointment blocks*
When scheduling appointments using Reservation Manager, users with persmission can now add appointments during temporary appointment blocks. Now, when scheduling the appointment during a temporary appointment block, a new message window displays to indicate a temporary appointment block exists.
Track Reservation Manager overrides*
Reservation Manager overrides can now be tracked using new icons on the Reservation Manager window and new rows on the Service Log window. Using new rows on the Service Log window, you can review when Reservation Manager limits are overridden for a base code, labor type, reservation, or transportation type.
Allow customers to display the Service Portal 2.0 website in English or French*
Using new items on the Service Portal Profile Settings screen, you can define the secondary language for the Service Portal 2.0 website. When a secondary language is defined, customers can click the new Language link to display the website in the secondary language.
Review larger numbers of time entries
Up to 1,000 labor time entries can now display on various screens throughout the Service application, which is particularly useful when jobs are in Working status for long periods of time. Previously, up to 200 labor time entries could display.
Include more characters for vehicle model numbers
Fields and columns used to enter or display vehicle model numbers have been expanded to include up to 20 characters throughout the Service application and the Service Touch application.
New flashing icon to indicate available vehicle information
When information has been retrieved from a vehicle, the green Connected Vehicle icon in the Service application and the Service Touch application now flashes eight times to indicate that vehicle information is available for review.
External email address included in ConsumerReach Plus emails
When an email is sent using the ConsumerReach Plus application, the email signature now always includes the external email address defined for the advisor on the Basic Profile Information screen in the Security Maintenance application, if available.
Identify schedulable services by transportation type
Customers can now more easily identify which services can be scheduled with each transportation type using the Service Portal website.
Drill down into Repair Order Billing
You can now drill down to the Repair Order Billing screen from the Work-In-Process report by highlighting a row and pressing the ENTER key or by double-clicking a row.
Service Flex*
Complete vehicle inspections using the new Service Flex app*
Using the new Service Flex app, technicians can complete entire multi-point inspections directly from a mobile device. When the Service Flex app is used to complete inspections, multiple technicians can update the inspection at the same time. For more information about this new app, see the 34.00 Program News.
Service Touch
Retrieve up-to-date vehicle information
The Connected Vehicle feature is now available for the Service Touch application, allowing real-time vehicle information to be automatically retrieved from the manufacturer.
Accept payments using Service Touch
The Service Touch application can now be used to accept payments for service invoices. Using the new Ready for Payment toolbar button, you can access new screens that can be used to conveniently accept payments without returning to the Service application. For more information, see the 34.00 Program News.
New features available when capturing images in Service Touch
You can now capture images of vehicles using the new Reynolds Camera window in the Service Touch application. With this enhancement, features available for the device’s camera can be used on the Reynolds Camera window, including the zoom, focus, and white balance. In addition, up to 13 images of vehicles can now be captured at once without navigating away from the Reynolds Camera window.
Include stock images and vehicle outline on inspection worksheet
Stock images and vehicle outlines are now only included on the Walk-Around Inspection Worksheet when images are marked using the Walk-Around screen in the Service Touch application.
Display up to 20 jobs in Service Touch
Up to 20 jobs can now display on the Service History window in the Service Touch application. If more than 20 jobs have been added to the repair order, the literal “*More jobs exist*” now displays in red text below the jobs. The remaining jobs can be reviewed using the Service History – RO window, as normal.
Parts
Define the default payment method for parts invoicing
The default payment method for parts invoicing can now be defined, reducing the need to manually update this information when adding parts invoices. To define the default payment method, simply enter the payment method in the new Default Pay Method field on the Invoicing Options screen in the Parts Specs application.
Include more characters for vehicle model numbers
Fields and columns used to enter or display vehicle model numbers have been expanded to include up to 20 characters throughout the Parts application.
Parts Bar Code
New enhancements available for the Over/Shorts report
New information displays on the Over/Shorts report, including the pack quantity and the total number of parts receipted with quantities higher and lower than the quantity ordered. In addition, you can customize the format of the on-screen report using several new display options, such as options for freezing columns, removing columns, and filtering the report.
*If the solution is not already licensed, a solution license is needed.
