Improving profitability is a core focus for most dealerships. Route optimization is one of the most effective tools to achieve this goal. However, many dealers are hesitant to use route optimization solutions due to a lack of trust and understanding of the benefits.
With a few simple steps, you can catapult service drive profitability. As any dealer will know, squeezing as much performance out of the shuttle routes is crucial for good business. Although route optimization is highly complex, there are some simple solutions, like Quickride, that dealers can use to help improve profitability and overall operations. Routes are closely intertwined with shuttle service and how automating this process can yield benefits, a topic we will cover in the steps below:
Step 1: Optimize your shuttle's route
Automated route optimization has many benefits, including improved customer service and reduced costs. The system will tell you where to send a shuttle based on the number of stops it needs to make, the time of day, traffic patterns, and other factors. This will help you reduce the amount of time a shuttle spends driving around with no passengers on board.
Step 2: Integrate your shuttle with other technology
If you're using an automated route optimization system, it's also a good idea to integrate that system with other technologies in your dealership. For example, you can use the location data from your shuttle to update customer information on their mobile device when they get on board.
Step 3: Integrate your shuttle with other departments
Don't let your shuttles stay idle. Utilize the shuttle for other dealership needs like the ones below:
Here are examples of other ways you can use the shuttle:
- Shuttles can transport employees between buildings or dealerships.
- Shuttles can be used for parts pickup and delivery
- If you are offering vehicle pickup and delivery, shuttles can be used as a chase vehicle for the other driver.
Step 4: Create an online booking system
The best way to increase revenue is by making it easier for customers to schedule appointments. An online booking system does just that by allowing customers to book appointments from the comfort of their own homes or office. Having a centralized platform that contains all your dealerships' transportation needs, can reduce costs and increase productivity.
Step 5: Promote your shuttle
If you want to attract more riders, it is important that people know about your shuttle service. Use signage at the dealership and around town to spread awareness of the program—and use social media like Facebook or Twitter to spread it even faster.
Step 6: Measure your results
Keep track of the number of riders, the amount of time each ride lasts and how many miles are driven by your shuttle. This information will help you determine if you need more shuttles or other departments can share the service. It is also important to keep track of rider feedback. If there are any problems with the shuttle service, you will be able to address them before they become serious issues.
Conclusion
Operating with a high standard of efficiency throughout all of your operations is vital to maintaining a profitable business model. When everything runs smoothly and efficiently, and everyone is working in perfect harmony, it will be hard for any other dealer to compete with you. But when there are elements that are out of sync and running at inefficient levels, there must be a means by which to correct these issues and get them back on track again. Using Quickride's proprietary algorithm, shuttle management tracking and route optimization are organized in one central tool that everyone at your dealership can use. Quickride can help you optimize your operations and ensure that every single vehicle is being used to the fullest extent possible. This will not only save you money, but it will also make your customers happier by providing them with shorter wait times and faster pickup times. Contact us today to find out how we can help you optimize your operations and make your shuttle system run more efficiently.