PBS Systems v10 APEX

PBS Systems v10 APEX is a dealership management system spanning sales, service, accounting, parts, and customer management. It is best suited to automotive dealerships seeking connected workflows across those departments. Its breadth is a strength, but custom pricing and support that closes on Sundays are meaningful trade-offs.

Overview

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Calgary, PBS Systems says it serves more than 3,500 dealerships across North America and the Caribbean, supporting all OEMs. v10 APEX combines day-to-day dealership operations with digital tools for sales and service, making it a broad operational platform rather than a single-purpose CRM or service product.

That scope may appeal to stores aiming to coordinate customer, inventory, service, and financial work in one system. PBS’s partner program can provide API access or a two-way data interface for partner data needs. PBS also identifies itself as an Elavon Payments Partner and Registered Partner/ISO of Elavon in the United States and Canada.

Key features

Sales and customer management

Digital quoting and deal setup, financing, CRM follow-ups, and mobile e-signatures saved in electronic deal jackets cover several steps in the sales process. Lead-source capture and SMS messaging support follow-up, while workflow automation can reduce repetitive tasks. The CRM’s predictive marketing identifies vehicles due for service, and internal lead-generation tasks help surface sales opportunities. These tools make APEX relevant to dealerships that want sales and retention workflows tied to their wider operation.

Service, parts, and accounting

Service teams get online appointment booking, technician dispatch, automated reminders, and recommendations based on vehicle history and condition. The Digital Service Suite adds Tools On Demand, described as mobilized service software, and Advisormatic, which automates work from arrival through the next booking. Parts inventory is visible live to technicians, and turnover tracking is intended to help avoid stockouts—useful where service throughput depends on parts availability.

Accounting features include live financial data, accounts payable workflows, executive reporting, commission management, budgeting, and forecasting. This breadth can connect department activity with financial oversight, though dealerships needing only a narrow departmental tool may not benefit from adopting such a wide system.

Integrations and security

The partner program offers API access or a two-way data interface, providing a path for partner data exchange. The support page displays an AICPA SOC 2 Type 2 compliance badge. These are relevant considerations for dealerships evaluating integrations and security posture, but they do not by themselves establish compatibility with a particular partner or describe specific security controls.

Pricing

v10 APEX is paid software with custom pricing; PBS invites buyers to request a demo. No published seat count, quota, trial term, or renewal term is provided. Dealerships should request a quote and confirm how pricing applies to their locations and required modules before comparing total costs.

Platforms

v10 APEX supports Android, iOS, and web, with API access also identified. That combination supports mobile and browser-based use alongside partner connectivity, though the platform list alone does not establish which tasks are available on each device.

Who it's for

APEX is aimed at automotive dealerships, including stores looking to bring sales, service, parts, CRM, and accounting into a common platform. Its stated reach across more than 3,500 dealerships and support for all OEMs make it a candidate for varied dealership operations. It is less compelling for buyers seeking a focused CRM or a transparent, self-service price before speaking with a vendor.

Support is available Monday through Friday, 3:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT, and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT; support centres are closed Sundays. Hours may also change for provincial, state, and national holidays recognized across PBS office locations. Dealerships that need Sunday assistance or predictable holiday coverage should weigh that schedule carefully.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Broad dealership coverage: Sales, service, parts, CRM, and accounting tools can support cross-department workflows in one platform.
• Connected service and parts workflows: Booking, dispatch, vehicle-based recommendations, and live parts visibility address linked service operations.
• Multiple integration paths: Partner API access or two-way data interfaces can accommodate partner data requirements.

Cons

• Custom pricing requires a sales conversation: Buyers cannot assess the cost from a published price.
• Sunday support is closed: Dealerships needing support that day will need another coverage plan.
• Holiday hours can change: Support availability may vary on recognized holidays across office locations.

Alternatives

DealersCloud CRM is a paid Android, iOS, and web option with a Core Platform covering CRM and lead management, inventory and VIN decoding, deal desking and F&I, accounting and financial reports, marketing feeds, and a custom dealership website. Choose it when those listed CRM, inventory, deal, and website capabilities better match the job than APEX’s broader operational scope.

Advectus Heavy Truck DMS is another paid Android, iOS, and web alternative.

DexDMS is a paid web subscription for independent dealerships, with one subscription and no setup fees; pricing is provided after a demo. It may suit an independent dealer looking for that subscription arrangement.

EasyCars is a paid option for Android, iOS, and web. Autosoft DMS, Dealer Controlled Systems, Dealertrack DMS, and DX1 are paid web alternatives.

Browse Dealer Management Systems Software or Automotive CRM Software for more options in those categories.

Verdict

PBS Systems v10 APEX is a strong candidate for automotive dealerships that want sales, service, parts, CRM, and accounting workflows under one roof, with digital tools and partner integration options. Its extensive departmental coverage is the main reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need published pricing for an immediate cost comparison or Sunday support as part of your operating coverage.