How do profit-driven users of reconditioning software continuously improve time-to-line? Primarily, these dealers focus on managing the communication features of this tool. It’s these features, when managed well, that drive recon’s significant contribution to used car profitability.
These dealers make sure that everyone involved, from the used car manager to porters, understands the who, what, when, where and why of the reconditioning department and the workflow technology supporting it.
As a communication tool, this software provides a process structure for streamlining reconditioning from acquisition to frontline-ready status. It is also an accountability map detailing each step of the recon workflow because it automatically informs responsible parties when various parts of the work are completed, and those to whom the work is passed onto are notified.
The system keeps the GM informed about usage and alerts them to weak metrics to be addressed. Lacking this communication integrity, unnoticed bottlenecks and other delays can quickly upset recon production goals. The system should communicate key workflow steps across multiple devices to provide insight for management from anywhere at any time. Remove this communication and recon falls back to flowcharts, sticky notes and whiteboard schedules hung on shop walls.
Communication creates repeatable processes for reconditioning, in which every step is defined and timed, and every phase of this workflow is measured and tracked so management stays on top of any process surprises that could put output and outcomes at risk.
The consistency created by workflow communications delivers superior results — and a definitive calmness from all individuals because they consistently have status and alert updates for each vehicle, the rate of production for each step of the process, and identification of potential issues.
When addressing the need for consistency in the service and reconditioning areas, nothing advances harmony and agreement between departments and the people working there as do clear rules and processes that describe how work gets done.
Excellent reconditioning communication:
■ Puts you in touch with where every vehicle is in your recon-to-sales process, an essential to maximize sales and profitability.
■ Delivers knowledge of the recon workflow and its control from anywhere in real time.
■ Pinpoints the exact reconditioning position and status of every car — where it is, where it’s going next, its repair estimates, its recon costs by car and more — and is a screen swipe away.
■ Shares status data of every vehicle with the team, so it ends finger-pointing and blame-shifting, thus unifying and empowering your recon team for greater work efficiency.
Every dealership is unique. Your recon tool must be quick and easy to customize to support your recon workflow process — and just as easily changed to meet changing needs.
Profit-driven users of this technology create a speed-to-sale culture that gets cars sale-ready in three to five days. They insist that what every resource team member needs to excel is available on their smartphones, anytime and anywhere, making it easy to show results.
This means always asking “why” of the process. Here’s where access to daily, weekly or monthly reporting on employee activity, step times, holding cost and time-to-line metrics make a huge difference in performance.
Fine-tune your recon now. Focus on consistency, but be flexible, should the software pinpoint opportunities to remove time and save dollars. For many dealers, this is the point where great future gains are identified:
■ Shave two days off recon, which equals one additional inventory turn.
■ Establish exclusive lot areas for vehicles for recon. By knowing precisely where these cars are parked every time, technicians stop looking for their next job and simply go get them. Have commonly used recon parts delivered to technicians when their next vehicle is pulled into their bay. Techs waiting for or looking for parts slows workflow efficiency. Consistent practices keep your flow calm, reducing tension and lost opportunity.
About Rapid Recon
Reconditioning workflow automation from Rapid Recon is the industry standard in time-to-line inventory turn and speed-to-sale vehicle revenue enhancement for automotive retailers. Benchmarking data based on 13 million vehicles processed uniquely positions Rapid Recon to advise dealers on how to improve their store’s profitability. Used by more than 2,000 dealerships, Rapid Recon ensures the accountability of processes, property, and people. Hence, dealers know answers quickly, find assets anywhere, and sell vehicles promptly to grow dealership profitability. www.rapidrecon.com CALL US: +650‑999‑0497