Connected car platform Dealerware has partnered with MDL autoMation to offer a more personalized experience within the service lane, while also boosting operational efficiency through automated guest recognition.
Meant for service loaner customers, the automation feature aims to speed up the vehicle retrieval process to enhance efficiency and repair orders, according to a company news release. Service loan customers in the U.S. can take advantage of the platform as of August 19. Because MDL autoMation operates in Canada, dealers that have both of its products can take advantage of the integration. However, it should be noted that French-language support is projected for the end of the year.
“When a guest arrives at the dealership in a loaner vehicle, MDL automatically reads the loaner vehicle plate, associates it with the repair order and we get an alert — so while one valet greets them by name, another retrieves the key to stage the guest’s vehicle,” said Bobbie Pyka, Mercedes-Benz of Austin. “Our service advisor also receives a notification to meet the guest on the service drive.”
The new integration means that returning customers receive a personalized greeting when entering the service drive to return their loaner vehicle — good for dealers looking to connect through their screens, due to the pandemic.
It also means dealers can serve more repair orders with the same fleet size, which Dealerware said is key to increasing profitability and decreasing costs. And service advisors get a head start on retrieving the customer’s vehicle.
“Moments matter. Beginning (with) vehicle retrieval, whether on your central lot or on satellite lots, as soon as possible allows dealership staff to reduce time and remove friction,” said Russell Lemmer, President of Dealerware. “This new partnership empowers dealers with better ways to serve their customers, increase business operations and streamline processes to build loyalty in meaningful ways.”
