5 Benefits of Moving Your Service Department to the Cloud

When tech companies say your data is in the cloud, or that you can work in the cloud, it has nothing to do with white fluffy things in the sky. Your data isn’t actually soaring alongside aircraft or in the wind. It has an actual home. It’s stored somewhere — lots of somewheres — and a network of servers find what you need and deliver it.

The cloud refers to software and services that run on the Internet, instead of locally on your computer. Most cloud services can be accessed through a Web browser like Firefox or Google Chrome, and some companies offer dedicated mobile apps.

The advantage of the cloud is that you can access your information on any device with an Internet connection.

How does the cloud impact your dealership’s operations? Many dealerships already use cloud-based systems including their DMS and CRM. Implementing cloud-based systems can offer your dealership the following advantages.

1. Increase employee productivity

Cloud-based servers are regularly updated to the latest version of software applications and hardware. This ensures that employees always have a fast and reliable network, optimizing their performance and reducing downtime. Naturally, this leads to greater productivity for each department in your dealership.

2. Disaster recovery

Cloud providers have systems at multiple sites to make data back-up and disaster recovery more reliable. Should a disaster happen at your dealership where computers are damaged, your data still “exists” in the cloud. You can access your applications and automotive service software from another location and get business up and running smoothly.

3. Reduce your operational costs

Without having to manage physical servers on your premises, your dealership eliminates costly on-site maintenance and managing an in-house IT infrastructure. Cloud-based systems are hosted on secure servers that are managed and backed up by the provider.

4. Improve customer experience

Cloud-based CRM systems and automotive service software make it faster to access customer data and keep the service process on track. The quicker pace of business results in more satisfied customers – from text messages that keep them up-to-date on their vehicle’s progress to mobile payment solutions. Ultimately, increased customer satisfaction and retention is critical for dealerships.

5. Easy access

Dealership data can now be accessed in the palm of your hand, allowing management to work off-site and employees to collaborate anytime, anywhere. Service marketing campaigns can be created and sent from wherever you are, while techs can send pictures and videos to the customer through SMS from data that is stored in one place.

It’s time to work in the cloud

With the rapid changes in technology and how customers interact with companies in the digital age, moving to cloud computing is an investment for the automotive industry. Working with cloud-based systems is a secure, reliable, and innovative way for dealerships to do business.