Running a dealership involves a whole host of complex asset management issues. Not only are the cars themself both highly valuable and uniquely vulnerable, but there are also facilities, tools, and sensitive customer data that all need to be protected.
Dealing with these various security vulnerabilities requires implementing a series of asset management systems. Below, we outline some of the key areas to keep in mind, from inventory management to vehicle tracking solutions.
Vehicle management software
One of the most fundamental but also complicated things to take care of is implementing a comprehensive inventory management system.
Especially in contexts where vehicles are moved between multiple dealerships in the same chain, it can be surprisingly easy to lose track of what you’re working with, which can leave you unacceptably vulnerable to all sorts of losses.
To deal with this, a vehicle inventory management software solution is key. This software can provide you with all sorts of sales and maintenance-related insights as well, which help with a whole lot more than just security.
Key management solution
Key management is often the crux of managing vehicle safety in car dealerships. You need a way of securing each individual key, while also providing access to those who need those keys with minimal complication.
Key management lockers from providers like KEYper Systems provide this level of control, while also automatically logging access data in a digital logbook. This makes it much less likely that instances of unauthorised key access occur, but also makes it easier to track lost keys in the case that something does go wrong.
Fixed asset tracking
There will also be a number of high-value assets that should never leave the lot, but which can be surprisingly difficult to keep track of. Things like computers, diagnostic tools, and jacks all need to be on hand and available for immediate use at all times.
In most cases, some sort of RFID tag or other tracking system is critical here. You can log and track these assets in a separate database, ideally one which also allows you to keep an eye on usage and servicing data to make sure you stay on top of tool maintenance.
Tracking solutions
With cars that are loaned, rented or leased, it can be a common practice to install tracking tags in multiple locations in the vehicle. If the vehicle is stolen, or if the client consistently fails to make payments, these tracking tags make it much more likely that the dealership will be able to track and recover the vehicle in question.
Asset management solutions really are a must in car dealership contexts, and the sooner you implement solutions such as those outlined above, the sooner you can start to benefit from them.
Make sure that you start with a thorough audit of all the assets at play in your business. Based on what you find, you can then choose a selection of systems that actually cater to those problems, saving you from inadvertently investing in redundant or useless systems.
Like this post? You might want to take a look at my motoring content.
