Here’s a New Year’s resolution for every dealership general manager: Resolve to invest in software featuring built-in behavior tools that enhance software and team performance return on investment.
So often, we hear, “Software will fix my problems.” I don’t believe that — and I sell software! The truth is, I’ve thought that before, and I was wrong. I’ve learned from my mistakes and changed my focus.
No, software cannot fix all problems, and its monthly nut can be an enticing target for cost-cutting this time of year. A better way is to reframe software not only as a production tool but also as a behavioral tool. Now that investment increases production efficiency while also leading and developing your people. Software tool metrics help users hone skills, improve diagnostic abilities and grow into coaches and mentors.
Take, for example, how workflow software is also a behavior tool that improves efficiency and provides insights into the service write-up process, customer communications, service loyalty and used-car reconditioning.
Here’s the reality: technicians stop working for two reasons — parts and information. And half of parts procurement is, you guessed it, information. I believe that 85% of the things that slow us down in fixed operations come down to communication, with the remaining 15% being supplies.
The start-stop process between sales and service, service and parts, parts and service, service and detail, and detail and digital merchandising — it’s all avoidable.
My point is, your focus shouldn’t be on software as a tool for managing people. Instead, focus on using the software to help you lead your people. Imagine building the processes you’ve always dreamed of, putting them into action and watching your team eliminate obstacles simply by communicating when and where it matters.
It is this central focus on communication that makes service delivery, vehicle reconditioning and 360 customer connections so valuable to busy dealerships and their staff. When your team has one place to leave and retrieve information, they build trust. Trust in a cemented process. Trust in such systems’ built-in communications-forward alerts. Notifications and reminders foster confidence in your processes, so everyone knows their coworkers will deliver.
These advanced automotive software and customer communication platforms help dealerships increase service traffic, loyalty and revenue. By connecting directly to the DMS and actively communicating across service software suites, connected communications automate personalized messages, track customer interactions, and provide actionable insights in real time. This all-in-one solution streamlines fixed operations, improves customer relationships and boosts profitability by helping service advisors stay connected from scheduling an appointment to sending a service follow-up.
This trust is reinforced by the accountability these platforms provide. And when I say accountability, I don’t mean a “gotcha” tool for management to wield like a big stick. Accountability is feedback. It creates self-accountability. It fosters transparency because the communication channel records the car’s lifecycle, telling a story everyone can follow.
The lifecycle of the vehicle story doesn’t just streamline communication — it gives you actionable insights. The software provides stats on exactly who’s crushing it and who might be causing bottlenecks. You no longer must manage from 10,000 feet, pulling everyone into a meeting because you’re unsure who needs feedback. Instead, you can focus your energy where it matters most, giving recognition or coaching to the right people at the right time.
As you plan for the year and stare at your financial statement, wondering where to find gross or cut expenses, grab a mirror. The person staring back at you is responsible for both.
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