Challenge
In the bustling world of car dealerships, functional key management is a must. Autohouse Kingston, with its rich history of over 30 years in the industry, has always prioritized the security and accessibility of their vehicles. However, with a growing collection of vehicles and a dedicated team of 10 employees, the task of efficiently managing and tracking keys became increasingly complex.
Misplaced keys were always a worry in the back of the team’s minds, leading to delays and disruptions in daily operations. Security concerns were another limitation, as the potential for unauthorized access or theft posed a major risk to operations. These challenges not only caused operational inefficiencies but also threatened potential revenue loss and customer trust.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Autohouse Kingston wanted an auto dealership key management system that would not just safeguard their keys, but also instill a system of accountability and streamline access for staff.
Pain Points
- Misplaced keys led to delays in test drives and operations
- Security concerns with no system for accountability
- Wasted time searching for the right key
Solution
After researching online for a suitable key management system and looking into a few different providers, Autohouse Kingston decided to move forward with Keycafe due to the comparatively affordable pricing. The SmartBox and key management software offered by Keycafe were seamlessly integrated into their workflow.
All vehicle keys are locked up in individual SmartBox bins, and any access is logged with the user and time of use. Upon completion of vehicle use, keys are returned the same way, and again logged in the records. The real-time notifications and the ability to maintain an up-to-date history of all key usage proved invaluable for the dealership.
The Autohouse Kingston team connected with Keycafe and shared some of the ways in which the system has helped them. "Working with Keycafe brought instant results. Not only did it improve our security measures, but the ease of tracking and locking up keys was extremely helpful. We loved the ability to create an up-to-date log of all our keys.”
Result
The introduction of Keycafe's SmartBox brought immediate positive results. The dealership experienced a significant reduction in lost key issues, a common challenge faced by many in the industry. The system's ease of use and security features ensured that keys were always accounted for and available quickly on demand, saving considerable time and effort. The backend logging capability provided an added layer of accountability and transparency.
With the help of Keycafe's system, Autohouse Kingston has successfully transformed their dealership key management, ensuring vehicles are always secure and accessible when needed. The ease of administration, combined with the real-time tracking and logging capabilities, means that key management is now as simple as opening the Keycafe app, anytime and anywhere.
The Outcome
- Drastically reduced the lost and misplaced keys issue common to dealerships
- Keys can be located and picked up in seconds, reducing customer wait times
- Undeniable accountability for vehicle use thanks to a comprehensive key access history
