DMS or workshop management software: which to choose as an independent?

By the IZZI DEVIS team · Published 17 September 2026 · 6 min read

What is a DMS?

DMS stands for Dealer Management System. Historically, these are the tools used by dealerships and brand distributors. On top of workshop management, they add everything related to vehicle sales:

• new and used vehicle stock, with margin calculation;
• VAT on margin for used vehicles bought from private individuals;
• the police register (livre de police, register of second-hand goods, Cerfa n° 13751);
• sales tracking of prospects and sales;
• depending on the offer, links with manufacturers and accounting modules.

What is workshop management software?

Workshop management software focuses on repairs: vehicle reception, diagnosis, quote, repair order, parts and stock, scheduling, invoice, reminders and accounting export. It does not handle buying and reselling vehicles.

For a general mechanical repair, bodywork or motorcycle garage that lives on servicing and repairs, this is the scope that keeps the workshop running day to day. The features to expect are detailed in what is garage management software.

The differences in one table

The price ranges come from a specialist guide published in May 2026 and vary by provider and number of workstations. The “set-up” row reflects a general trend, not a rule.

5 questions to help you decide

1. Do you sell used vehicles regularly? If buying and reselling accounts for a significant share of your turnover, you will need VAT on margin and the police register: that is DMS territory, or a dedicated used-vehicle tool alongside your workshop software.
2. Are you a brand agent or authorised repairer? Your contract may require or recommend a particular tool. Check this before choosing.
3. How many people will use the tool? A workshop of 1 to 5 people rarely needs the permissions and approval workflows of a dealership.
4. Where is data entered? If information has to be captured in the workshop, on a phone, choose a tool designed for that use rather than a desktop workstation.
5. What does your chartered accountant ask for? In either case, insist on an export they can import (FEC, CSV or a direct link).

Three typical situations

Independent mechanic, alone or with an apprentice

A workshop management tool is enough. The priority is to produce quotes and invoices quickly, without forgetting mandatory details, and to be ready for e-invoicing in September 2027.

Body shop working with insurers

A workshop tool with a bodywork module (paint estimating, claim file, assignment of claim (cession de créance)) meets the need. A DMS adds nothing more on this point.

Garage that also sells used vehicles

Two options: a DMS that covers both activities, or a workshop tool combined with a tool specialised in vehicle sales. The second option is often cheaper if sales remain secondary; the first avoids juggling two pieces of software.

Where IZZI DEVIS fits

IZZI DEVIS is workshop management software, not a DMS. It covers the repair chain, from voice-dictated diagnosis to accounting export, including scheduling, orders, stock and reminders. It does not handle vehicle sales (VAT on margin, police register).

It is therefore aimed at independent garages whose main activity is servicing, repairs and bodywork. See garage management software and the Garage universe.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• AutoCopilot — Guide to garage management software (published 18 May 2026) (in French)
• DGCCRF — Motor vehicles: the repair order describes the nature of the work to be carried out (in French)
• economie.gouv.fr — Everything about e-invoicing for businesses (updated 1 September 2026) (in French)

This article is general information, up to date as of 17 September 2026. It does not replace advice from your accountant or legal adviser.