The Role of Automotive Appointment Scheduling Software for Your Business
For automotive dealerships, having an influx of cars in the service area might seem like a nice problem to have. In reality, servicing more cars than you can handle is an indicator that a constraint in the business needs to be addressed. The importance of auto-scheduling software is highlighted when dissatisfied customers leave to take their business elsewhere.
Finding a healthy balance of cars in your service cycle and the number of technicians in your team is no easy task, but it’s one that has a significant influence on the success of every car dealership. The good news is, there are software and tools available such as automotive appointment scheduling software, also referred to as automotive route sheet software, digital MPI dealership software, and tools that assist with automotive inventory management.
When combined with a Productivity Efficiency Platform, these software and tools help dealerships operate at peak efficiency. Below, we take a look at the role of auto-scheduling software and how it can improve the functions of an automotive business.
Identify where staffing levels can be optimized
When auto dealerships struggle to keep up with cars in the service bay, one of the most common complaints from customers then becomes about the length of time the cycle takes. On the other hand, not having effective auto-scheduling software can lead to lost revenue. Without enough vehicles in the service bay, an increase in downtime occurs with too many service techs waiting with no work to do.
To find the right balance, what auto dealerships need are accurate reporting and data tracking. While an appointment auto-scheduling software can help to fill appointment slots, it doesn’t give a bird’s eye view that can track the following:
- The average number of customers per day
- When the busy season happens
- Where the constraints occur
Workflow 360’s automotive route sheet tool has the capabilities to measure each stage of the process for managers to identify where time deficiencies and bottlenecks occur in the service cycle. Management is then able to better understand where they need to schedule more service techs to keep up with the workflow and where downtime can be reduced.
Helps keep track of productivity
With the right amount of vehicles and service techs comes a more efficient workflow that’s going to support business productivity and throughput. An appointment scheduling software streamlines the customer cycle – from scheduling the appointment to tracking and overseeing payment. The process becomes more efficient by:
- Eliminating double-bookings
- Automating recurrent appointments
- Having customer information saved in one place
- Providing teams with a birds’ eye view of the schedule
- Providing customers with ideal appointment slots
While driving up car count is important for the company’s bottom line, it can quickly become an issue without the proper processes in place. Software and the supporting platform allow managers real-time data tracking to be able to continue fine-tuning the flow of work.
A Production Efficiency Platform enhances appointment scheduling software by measuring the productivity of the service team and identifying where they need support.
Enhances customer service
Customers who have a great service experience are going to come back and refer to others. Having an appointment scheduling software with a Production Efficiency Platform establishes two-way communication which helps auto dealerships stand out as a customer-oriented business.
Increased customer satisfaction naturally retains current customers and attracts new ones, positively affecting your bottom line and the success of your business.
Supports the digital MPI dealership software
Most dealerships integrate their tech stack in a DMS or a platform that allows for the integration of various tools such as digital MPI dealership software and automotive route sheet software. With this integration, companies can access the following on a single dashboard:
- Streamlined communication
- Live reporting capabilities
- Instant access to service requests
- Service history Multi-point inspection reports
- Customer file
This allows service advisors to quickly refer to previous MPIs and see past service recommendations. With everything in one place, service techs can create more upsell opportunities, get quicker customer approvals, and keep vehicles moving in the service bay.
With all things considered, automotive software and plugins should save you time. If you’re experiencing bottlenecks with your current processes, contact us and we can help you improve your dealership’s productivity.
