DataScan by Solifi – two established finance tech providers merging under one banner. If you’re a current Solifi or DataScan client in the wholesale, equipment, or auto finance world, you likely felt a jolt when the news hit. Solifi, a major secured finance software provider, has acquired DataScan, the long-time leader in floorplan (wholesale) lending and inventory risk management. In plain terms, two of your key technology vendors just decided to join forces. That raises an important question: what does this consolidation mean for you and your operations?
In this post, we walk through the implications for your current systems, support structure, technology roadmap, and risk management posture. Consider this a friendly chat with your peers in the industry — no corporate buzzwords, just practical insights (with a dash of humor) to help you navigate the road ahead.
Business as Usual – For Now, At Least
First, take a deep breath. In the immediate term, not much will change overnight. The official line is that customers of both companies will see continuity in the solutions and service they trust today. DataScan will even continue to operate under the new “DataScan by Solifi” brand, with its leadership joining Solifi’s team. In other words, you’ll still log into the same system, and you’ll call the same support folks as before, at least for the foreseeable future. Think of it like two familiar teams now wearing the same jersey; the game continues as it did yesterday.
That said, keep your eyes open. Mergers have a way of unfolding gradually. Six or twelve months down the line, you might notice new logos on your software interface, or get emails about updated terms and services. It’s wise to stay in close contact with your account representatives and ask how the combined company plans to support your specific setup.
The promise is that Solifi and DataScan’s combined scale will bring benefits of a global platform and more innovation. But as any sports fan knows, when two all-star teams merge, there’s an adjustment period before they start scoring points together.
When Two Systems Become One (Eventually)
The real impact will show up on the technology roadmap. Solifi and DataScan each have their own software platforms, and now Solifi has to figure out how to integrate DataScan’s tools into its ecosystem. The plan is to blend DataScan’s wholesale lending and inventory audit solutions with Solifi’s cloud-based Open Finance Platform.
In theory, customers get the “best of both”: DataScan’s RiskGauge digital audit capabilities enhancing Solifi’s suite, and Solifi’s global cloud platform boosting DataScan’s reach.
In practice, merging two complex systems is no small feat. It’s a bit like trying to combine two big jigsaw puzzles into one — you may have to trim some pieces to make them fit. As a client, consider how this might affect the software you rely on every day. Will your current system interface or workflows change as features are integrated?
If you’re using DataScan’s wholesale loan servicing, at some point Solifi may offer a new module or migration path within its platform. If you’re on Solifi’s software, you might start seeing add-ons powered by DataScan’s tech. These changes won’t happen overnight, but it’s worth planning ahead.
Ask about timelines — are they sticking to the old roadmap, or adjusting to a new combined one?
Importantly, guard your flexibility. Vendors often announce big innovation plans post-merger, but behind the scenes, developers are busy reconciling two product lines. That could mean that enhancements or customizations you were waiting on might slow down. If you’re in the middle of an implementation or considering one, verify how this might impact your schedule.
Support and Service: Who You Gonna Call?
On the support front, the promise is continuity. DataScan’s CEO (now President under Solifi) said customers can expect the same service they trust, plus the added benefits of Solifi’s scale.
That suggests your support contacts, account managers, and processes remain in place for now. Still, prepare for some tweaks. Support teams may merge or adopt new tools. You may eventually call a single number or portal instead of two.
Keep an eye out for changes to the support structure. Will there be a new portal you need to register for? Will maintenance contracts or SLAs change? Ask. Clarify. Document.
In the long run, make sure that support quality doesn’t slip through the cracks. If you value a dedicated support rep who knows your setup, make that known.
Potential Pitfalls: Rigid Systems, Slowdowns, and Price Hikes
Here are a few areas to keep on your radar:
System Rigidity: Solifi’s system isn’t known for flexibility. It’s a legacy architecture that isn’t modular or easy to plug into modern APIs. DataScan has a dated UI and heavy manual workflows. Merging them doesn’t fix that. If you’ve struggled to integrate with other tools, that might not get easier anytime soon.
Implementation Slowdowns: Even before the acquisition, changes took time. With product integration in play, that may get worse. Teams are now juggling roadmap alignment and internal restructuring. If you’re mid-implementation, confirm that timelines are still valid.
Pricing Shifts: Current contracts are likely safe in the short term. But with consolidation comes leverage. Solifi may restructure licensing, bundle features, or introduce new pricing models. Keep an eye on renewal quotes. Ask questions. Negotiate.
Risk Management Gaps: Ironically, the deal was partially about shoring up weaknesses in risk capabilities. DataScan lacked real-time alerts and open-banking features. Solifi leans manual too. Improvements are promised, but you should ask for timelines and demos before assuming they’re ready.
Future-Proofing: How to Stay Agile and Ahead
Here’s what we recommend:
- Pressure-Test Your Current Setup
Identify pain points. Is integration slow? Reporting clunky? That tells you what to keep, what to fix, and where to stay flexible. - Demand Clarity on the Roadmap
Will there be one unified system? When? Will legacy modules be deprecated? Ask early so you can plan ahead. - Stay Modular and Flexible
Architect your systems so you can snap components in and out. The more API-friendly your setup, the easier it is to adapt. - Keep an Eye on the Market
Just because your vendors merged doesn’t mean you have to go all in. There are nimble alternatives like VeroOS, a modular, API-enabled platform designed for asset finance. You can deploy only what you need and integrate it with what you already use. VeroOS is known for quick implementation and real-time risk tools, including alerts, dashboards, and audit tracking right out of the box. - Evaluate Your Risk Toolkit
Are you operating on yesterday’s data? If so, look for tools that offer real-time alerts and portfolio analytics. Whether you get that from your current vendor or bolt on another tool, make it a priority.
Final Thoughts
Consolidation is a big shift. But with preparation, you can turn it into an advantage. Stay informed, ask direct questions, and don’t be afraid to explore smarter, faster tools.
Think of this like sailing with a bigger crew. There might be some chaos while everyone finds their role, but with you at the helm and a clear plan, you’ll navigate just fine. And if that ship doesn’t turn fast enough? There are plenty of speedboats ready to get you where you need to go.
Stay agile. Keep your options open. And make sure your tech stack works for you, not the other way around.
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