Challenge
Apple Auto Mitsubishi of Elkon, MD was regularly losing vehicle keys and nobody had any idea what happened to them. They were spending hundreds of dollars every month to have new keys cut, and the dealership lost customers because vehicles without keys could not be shown. Their key management system at the time - a regular key box - was not keeping keys accounted for. Management decided it was time to explore a more modern solution for their key control system.
Solution
Regarding the search for a key management solution, Apple Auto’s GM commented: “I looked at several different options before choosing Keycafe. The startup costs were 3 times as much as Keycafe and the monthly charge was outrageous.” Now using Keycafe’s key management system, anyone that needs a key checks it out and returns it to the SmartBox using their phone. Salespeople, technicians, and vendors have been granted access, so management has a complete history log of when a key was taken and by which staff member.
Result
Management saw results within the first week of using the system, and after a brief trial period they ordered enough SmartBoxes for all of the dealership’s keys. Around 25 staff members use the system, and each have recovered roughly 2 hours of lost time per month for a total gain of 50 hours per month.
Since installing Keycafe, Apple Auto’s key problems disappeared, and staff can now be held accountable for their use of keys. An unexpected bonus for their team has been Keycafe’s helpful customer service, available 24/7 and easy to reach.
