car rentals digital strategy challenges
TRANSCRIPT
The new Sharebox S18 cabinet in operation. - We experience high interest for contact free customer service, says Arne EivindAndersen, CEO of Sharebox.
May 07, 2020 15:33 CEST
Car rentals digital strategy challenges
The biggest roadblock to “business as usual” in this COVID-19 period is socialdistancing, as many of the businesses around the world are still based onface-to-face interactions across the counter or outlet based transactions,which is why digital transformation for car rentals is required.
So, how can a digital machine automate car rental operations? Is it possibleto self-service car rental operations? And is tech available today that´sscalable, easy to use and multi-integrated with bookings?
Mobile self-collection
The car rental industry has adapted more slowly to new and digital customer-experience realities than other sectors. A good example for the currentdisconnect between what customers expect and what they get to experienceis booking: rather than a proactive, routine, and seamless experience withbenefits such as self service check-in, the car rental experience is often ahassle involving a serious time commitment that is difficult to plan.
- We do believe the concept of “self-unlocking,” will play a huge role in thecar rental industry going forward. Everyone is searching for critical digitalsystems where a customer can book a car and sign a rental agreement ontheir mobile phone. Customers need the ability to locate their assigned car,pick up the key, and drive away, says Arne Eivind Andersen, CEO of Sharebox.
Customers don´t want to wonder when their vehicle is ready for pickup.They receives automatic updates on her smartphone, along with mobilityoptions to get to the car rental pickup points on airports or downtown.
Sixt fast track successIn Norway Sixt has come a long way creating a digital strategyprioritizing “mobile as first point of sale” and display it with due prominenceon the website as well as in the marketing campaigns. Sixt fast track makes itpossible for customers to order, collect and deliver a rental car, without beingin direct contact with the company's employees.
Customers book a car via the website and go directly to Sixts car deliverywhen arriving at the airport or city. Using a code received on mobile, access carkeys from a fully automated Sharebox.
- Many people will spend the least amount of time on pickup anddelivery. Now we simplify the entire customer journey and save time andresources for both the customer and ourselves. A win win situation, says saysIngvild Torp Pedersen, brand manager in Sixt Car Rental.
The Norwegian branch of Sixt offer fast track service on 25 Norwegianairports and major cities. In the Sixt setup Sharebox are integrated withmobile phone controlled lockers that remove any complexity, overcomingsignificant technical barriers. A considerable favorable setup to completetransformation of manual check-ins with a self-service customer model.
- We at Sixt Norway are proud to be the first to have a seamless fasttrack solution for car rental. We will continue to develop and improve thesystem continuously to give our customers a most stress-free rental carexperience, says Ingvild Torp Pedersen brand manager in Sixt Car Rental.
The Agile Solutions platform keep track of the rental contract, reportdamages, check vehicle status, check-in information, cleaning process andhas been fully integrated with the automated lockers from Sharebox. Thisenables the customer to pick up keys on the go without visiting a rentalcounter. Completing the rental forms and payment for the rental are donethrough the customers mobile phone from a link sent by SMS to the customerfrom the rental system.
How it works
Fleet managementAll fleet check-in can be managed in an app running on all platformswhich can be managed on any mobile phone or tablet. Date, mileage, fuel etcis registered into the rental system and the damage history (existingdamages included images) are available from the app. New damages can beregistered and reports of new damages become available in the rental systemimmediately for follow up.
Database and technologyA powerful SQL database fully hosted in the cloud with state of theart security and unlimited processing resources that grow with yourbusiness. A set of apps for all kind of devices and all kind of form factors
Installation and trainingDynamic setup of locations, rates and other infrastructure. The front and backend systems provides a wide variety of settings allowing you to customize thesystem to fit your rental operation. The rental locations are set upindividually, allowing full flexibility in market adaptions.
Employee performanceIncremental sales are an integrated part of a rental operation. Reporting onperformance and KPI's to improve efficiency and performance at all levels.
BookingsMake reservations directly into the system through user-friendlyand customized web pages. Provide your corporate look by easilydesigning the interfaces in the Agile web engine before deploying them inthe cloud.
Business intelligenceA cloud based database with unlimited processing resources as the backbone- user friendly and logical interfaces, designed with the rental process infocus as front end. State of the art logistics and hands on reports includingan application for check in and damage control.
AccountingOne stop shop - handles fleet, customers, rates, rental contractsand invoicing. Transfer all transactions to your accounting software andthe posting is completed.
Customer interactionThe combined Sharebox - Agile setup gives your rental staff all thetools needed to serve your customer in a professional and expeditemanner. Information about the customers rental history and preferences isthe basis for the conversation.
Logistics and utilization
Utilization is directly affecting your financial results. Effective tools tomanage utilization is crucial to your business efficiency and performance.
Rates, products and yieldingEfficient competitiveness rely on flexible rates. Build, copy and edit rateswith individual attributes for insurances and products. Integrate withfranchisers rate codes for import/export.
Sixt fast track at Oslo Airport
Fully integrated, Sharebox and Agile Solutions enables car rentals to enhancetheir operations, making them more efficient and providing an elevatedcustomer experience through smart mobile technology including keyexchange cabinets with digitally operated lockers.
Sharebox purpose-built hardware and API-integrated software platformmakes the technology meaningful in a car rental setting. The car rentalsoftware and front end can be integrated with the Sharebox back endsystems in a wide variety of settings, allowing customizing of the system tofit any rental operations worldwide.
Operations with text messages and mobile openings are set up individually,allowing full flexibility in market adaptions. The combined setup give staff allthe tools needed to serve customers in a contact-free and expedite manner.Consumers are concerned about Covid-19. Effective and digital tools arecrucial to business efficiency and performance in the new normal.
About Agile SolutionsFor more than 15 years, Agile Solutions has designed and delivered softwaresolutions for medium and large rental operations. Agile is the supplier of businesssystems and infrastructure for major partners such as Sixt, Europcar, National.
About ShareboxThe combined Sharebox - Agile Solutions integrated setup on airports andmeeting points in Norway. The service are introduced in the US and severalcountries across Europe, including England, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark andSweden during 2020.
The company digitize the customer journey for anyone who will either handin or retrieve physical keys with self-service functions through mobile-controlled key cabinets integrated with payment services and customerrelationship software.
The goal is to take a world leading position during 2021 for short-termrentals providers , car rental
and car repair workshops/dealers.
Sharebox has 201 shareholders after a successful crowdfunding in 2019. Thefounders together with seedgrain fund Skagegrak Maturo and Aust-AgderNæringsselskap are the largest investors.
Contacts
Kjetil Faye LundPress ContactCMOMarketing and [email protected]+4790923795
Dan JørgensenPress ContactCountry Manager Australia / Regional Manager Asia PacificPR - [email protected]