Managing director Ray Dilsons’ opening keynote address at The Blend updated a packed audience of over three hundred and thirty conference attendees on a raft of exciting developments going live on Garage Hive.
Ray was quick to credit Garage Hive’s loyal community of users for driving the continued enhancement of the market-leading independent garage management software system. To facilitate even more structured feedback, the platform is introducing both regular webinars and an ‘Ideas’ page, where suggestions can be made, commented upon, voted up or down and reviewed.
The Microsoft Dynamics platform upon which Garage Hive is built offers sophisticated capabilities. It was explained how enhancements to the cloud configuration are underway to allow seamless customer-specific customisations and even individualised use of third-party business automation apps.
Supply chain integrations took centre stage too, as an ongoing area of focus for Garage Hive. Existing connections to LKQ Euro Car Parts, GSF Car Parts and Autodata are being added to. Connection to PartsLink24 will offer simplified dealer parts ordering, whilst there will also be full access to the Micheldever tyre catalogue for real-time pricing, availability and orders.
Last but not least, an oil ‘look up’ function from Castrol is to become available from within Garage Hive too. Garages can now quickly identify the specific oil and fluids required for the vehicle and add the right products to the customer job sheet in just a few clicks.
“The Blend is an ideal forum for explaining developments and plans for Garage Hive,” said Ray Dilsons, managing director of Garage Hive. “It’s a unique opportunity to meet with so many of our customer community and supplier supporters without time pressures and away from the day-to-day demands of the business.”
Finally, improvement was made to streamline customer communications, with capability to add videos from YouTube or Vehicle Visuals now available within Garage Hive’s Online Job Authorisation. This is expected to not only save front of house service advisor staff time but also boost conversion too by providing customers with timely relevant ‘explainers’ of what work is needed and why.
To discover how Garage Hive’s progressive features and workflows could help streamline your independent garage business, please visit www.garagehive.co.uk.