3 Min Read • September 22, 2025

Unlocking Efficiency: Common Questions About the CDK Fundamentals Suite

One-to-two store franchises, independent and used car auto dealerships face unique challenges in managing operations, customer experience and scalability. That’s where the CDK Fundamentals Suite comes in — a streamlined, scalable solution built on the trusted CDK Dealership Xperience Platform.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about this powerful suite:

What’s the CDK Fundamentals Suite?

The CDK Fundamentals Suite goes beyond the Dealership Management System. This new suite, which is part of the CDK Dealership Xperience platform, is tailored specifically for smaller, independent dealerships that need powerful tools without the complexity or overhead of enterprise-level systems. It provides a streamlined, user-friendly platform that helps dealers manage vehicle sales, Service operations and customer relationships more efficiently. With built-in scalability, it allows dealerships to grow without outgrowing their technology.

What sets the Fundamentals Suite apart is its affordability, simplicity and focus. It’s designed to get dealerships up and running quickly, with intuitive workflows, essential reporting and core functionality that doesn’t require extensive training or IT support. It’s ideal for dealerships that want to modernize their operations without the need for deep customization or enterprise integrations.

What’s Included in the CDK Fundamentals Suite?

The Fundamentals Suite has options for dealers with and without Fixed Operations needs.

For Independent dealers without Fixed Operations needs:

Accounts Payable
General Ledger
Accounts Receivable
Financial Statements
Document Management
Multi-Company Accounting
Online Digital Retail and Desking
F&I Management
E-Sign
Digital Deal Jacket

For one-to-two-franchise dealers or independent dealers with Fixed Operations needs, the suite includes all of the above plus:

Parts Inventory
Parts and Service Invoicing
Service Appointment Scheduling
Technician Workflow
OEM Updates and Integrations

How’s It Different From the CDK Foundations Suite?

While both suites are part of CDK’s broader ecosystem, they serve distinct dealership profiles and offer different levels of functionality:

In short, the Fundamentals Suite is about efficiency and ease of use, while the Foundations Suite is about depth and enterprise scalability. Choosing between them depends on the size, complexity and growth trajectory of your dealership.

How Does the Fundamentals Suite Simplify Dealership Workflows?

From desking to signing, the suite supports a fully paperless workflow. It includes:

A centralized electronic forms library
Integrated document management
Seamless e-signature capabilities, including lender contracts
Digital document storage with built-in regulatory compliance

This means less time spent on paperwork and more time focused on customer satisfaction and product sales.

What Benefits Does It Offer for the Accounting Office?

The accounting system within the suite is trusted by more U.S. dealerships than any other. It allows:

Seamless data flow from Sales and Service to Accounting
Drill-down visibility into each department
Built-in regulatory compliance and reporting tools
Accurate cash management and audit trails you can trust
Multi-company accounting

Is It Secure and Compliant?

Yes. The suite is SOC2-compliant, ensuring high standards for data security and privacy. It also includes:

Audit trails
Fraud detection tools
Secure document storage and retrieval
Access to approved financial statements for all major OEMs and NIADA

How Does It Support Service and Parts Departments?

The suite enhances your dealership’s Service department by providing:

Real-time access to repair order information
Online service scheduling for 24/7 customer convenience
Streamlined parts management for transparency, accuracy and consistency

Can It Grow With My Dealership?

Absolutely. The Fundamentals Suite is field-proven and scalable, making it ideal for dealerships planning to expand. It’s designed to evolve with your business, offering more power in the Back Office, showroom and Service Bays — all in one integrated package.

What Makes It Different From Other Systems?

Unlike generic solutions, the Fundamentals Suite is:

Tailored for small dealerships
Built on the industry gold standard platform
Continuously innovated with the latest technology
Designed to enhance the customer journey and optimize internal workflows

Whether you're looking to streamline operations, improve customer experience, or prepare for growth, the Fundamentals Suite offers a trusted, secure and scalable solution. It’s not just software. It’s a strategic partner for your dealership’s success.