What is a data broker or certified data access provider in automotive retail?
A company that moves data between the dealership's systems and third parties, usually with the DMS provider's authorisation. It exists because most third-party products need DMS data and most DMS providers control that access. The commercial questions are who authorises the connection, who pays for it, what fields are included and whether the dealer can change providers.
What is a data broker or certified data access provider in automotive retail?
A company that moves data between the dealership's systems and third parties, usually with the DMS provider's authorisation. It exists because most third-party products need DMS data and most DMS providers control that access.
The commercial questions are who authorises the connection, who pays for it, what fields are included and whether the dealer can change providers. Establish who has to approve the connection and what the dealership is signing.
The dealer is granting access to its own customer records, so the consent should be explicit and revocable. Ask which objects and fields move, in which direction and how often. 'DMS data' is not a scope statement, and over-broad access is both a cost and a risk.
| Search intent | Dealer data access |
|---|---|
| Related categories | 2 |
| Related guides | 0 |
Authorisation and dealer consent
Establish who has to approve the connection and what the dealership is signing. The dealer is granting access to its own customer records, so the consent should be explicit and revocable.
Scope the fields
Ask which objects and fields move, in which direction and how often. 'DMS data' is not a scope statement, and over-broad access is both a cost and a risk.
Know the fee structure
Per rooftop, per connection, per record or per month, and billed to whom. Confirm what happens when volume changes.
Check portability
If you change the third-party product or the access provider, establish what has to be re-scoped and re-paid. Connections that must be rebuilt from scratch are a switching cost.
Reading an access agreement
An access agreement should state the parties, the systems, the objects and fields covered, the direction, the frequency, the fees and who pays them, the duration and how the dealer can end it. Check whether the provider may use the data for other purposes and whether it can share it with others. Keep the dealer's copy of consent forms and the list of fields approved.
Questions about security and privacy
Ask how credentials are stored, how access is logged, how long data is retained by the provider and how customers' deletion or opt-out requests are passed on. Ask whether the provider has an independent assessment of its controls. Because the provider sits between your systems and third parties, a weakness there affects everyone connected through it.
Common mistakes with data access providers
Signing an authorisation without reading the field list, not tracking which vendors are connected, paying duplicate fees for the same connection and failing to remove access when a vendor is dropped are typical. Maintain a register of connections, confirm each with the vendor and the provider annually and close those no longer needed.
A register of connections
For every connection through a data access provider, record the vendor, the objects and fields, the direction, the authorization date, the fee, the owner and the review date. Review it annually with each vendor. A register makes it easy to close connections that are no longer needed and to answer questions from auditors or customers.
What to verify
Establish who authorises the connection and what you are signing
Scope the objects and fields, not 'DMS data'
Confirm the fee unit and who is billed
Check what has to be rebuilt if you change providers
Continue the research
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