Truck dealerships have been expanding the number of sales outlets and service points in recent years, which means more sales staffs must be assembled. There are only so many seasoned pros around. Dealers, original equipment manufacturers and suppliers have programs to assist the new salesperson in scaling this steep learning curve. The idea is to make the job easier. OEMs and others have tried to make the truck specifying process easier in recent years through the use of computers.
Software now guides sales people through the intricacies of spec'ing a workable truck.
He would manually figure out weight distributions and gearing, search out the compatible drivetrain, suspension and other components, and determine how big an engine should be. And he would laboriously fill out the order sheet. Now it's largely in the hands of the computer. It won't let them build a truck that isn't compatible. Also when the salesperson and customer are done, they can check and find out what the geared road speed is.