Over the past few months, we have shared sneak previews of sessions that will be held at 2024 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo (#DDCE2024)! But the introductions we have written have left attendees wanting more.

To that end, session leaders have offered an expanded explanation of what is in store at their session in Las Vegas. FixedOPS Marketing’s Russell Hill offers a deeper insight for the session titled The New Paradigm Shifts in Fixed Operations.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, fixed operations have emerged as the cornerstone of adapting to new consumer demands and technological advancements. This evolution is creating the buzz often called the “New Paradigm Shifts in Fixed Operations.”

These paradigm shifts signify a pivotal moment for dealerships, where traditional approaches are being redefined by digital innovations and heightened customer expectations.

Fixed Operations at the Forefront

Fixed operations has traditionally been seen as ancillary to the variable side of the dealership but it is now increasingly becoming the most pivotal profit center. This shift in perspective is driven by several factors, including the growing complexity of vehicle technology, longer ownership cycles prompting increased service needs, and a shift towards customer retention as a primary revenue driver.

Today, successful dealerships recognize the importance of integrating fixed operations seamlessly into their overall business strategy. This involves not only optimizing efficiency in service delivery but leveraging data-driven insights to anticipate and meet customer needs effectively.

Digital Marketing Technologies for Fixed Operations

One of the most transformative aspects of this paradigm shift is the integration of digital marketing technologies into fixed operations. From AI-driven predictive analytics to personalized customer engagement platforms, to automated video marketing strategies, dealerships are leveraging technology to enhance every touchpoint of the customer journey.

Digital tools enable dealerships to tailor service recommendations based on vehicle diagnostics and customer history, thereby increasing upsell opportunities while simultaneously improving customer satisfaction. In this session, we’ll cover the many tips and tools that exist to simplify the customer satisfaction process.

Optimizing Dealership Service Operations

Optimization is key to thriving in the new era of fixed operations. This involves streamlining processes, adopting efficient inventory management systems, and investing in training to equip staff with the skills needed to handle advanced vehicle technologies.

Embracing automation and AI in service scheduling and diagnostics not only reduces operational costs but also enhances service speed and accuracy. By optimizing service operations, dealerships can achieve higher throughput, improved resource allocation, and ultimately, greater profitability.

This session will cover the various ways dealers are working to improve fixed operations to boost revenue.

Reimagining the Customer Journey

Central to the new paradigm in fixed operations is the reimagining of the customer journey. Today’s consumers expect a seamless experience that integrates both online and offline interactions. Dealerships can achieve this by offering intuitive online appointment booking systems, transparent communication channels, and digital service updates.

Consistency, the right people, and the right path will play an enormous role in customer loyalty in the years to come.

The Growing Importance of Fixed Operations

As vehicle technology advances and customer expectations evolve, the role of fixed operations will continue to grow in significance. Dealerships that prioritize service excellence and technological integration will not only survive but thrive in this competitive landscape.

Increased efficiency in service delivery translates to faster turnaround times, reduced customer wait times, and ultimately, higher customer satisfaction scores. By investing in the latest diagnostic tools and service technologies, dealerships can stay ahead of the curve and meet the demands of today’s discerning consumers.

Actionable Insights for Dealerships

To effectively navigate the paradigm shift in fixed operations, dealerships can take several actionable steps:

Embrace Technology: Invest in AI-driven tools for predictive maintenance and personalized customer engagement.

Optimize Processes: Streamline service operations to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround times.

Focus on Customer Experience: Offer seamless online-to-offline interactions and personalized service experiences.

Train and Equip Staff: Ensure your team is equipped with the skills and tools needed to handle modern vehicle technologies.

Monitor and Adapt: Continuously monitor industry trends and consumer behaviors to adapt your strategies accordingly.

The new paradigm shift in fixed operations represents a transformative opportunity for automotive dealerships to redefine customer service, drive operational efficiency, and increase profitability. Come join Russell B. Hill in this workshop where he’ll dive into the new paradigm shifts taking place in fixed operations.

DDCE2024 Events

#DDCE2024 is a 2.5-day event, Oct. 8-10, 2024, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas that will bring together automotive dealers, OEMs, thought leaders, and solution providers to power business growth and connections. The 2024 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo is your chance to discover innovative solutions and gain cutting-edge strategies, actionable insights, and new ideas to implement for maximum impact.

Digital Dealer Conference & Expo will include:

• Enhanced networking: more meetups and fun ways to connect throughout the event
• A Speed Networking program, which offers dealerships and vendors a relaxed yet efficient way to explore a variety of innovative solutions
• An expo hall with 120+ cutting-edge auto retail solutions
• 75+ actionable sessions
• Masterminds and interactive labs
• And more!

Digital Dealer offers full conference and expo badge options, as well as an expo hall-only option for Dealerships/OEMs. Digital Dealer Conference & Expo attendee badge types include:

• Dealership (exclusively for dealers and employees of a dealership)
• OEM (exclusively for vehicle manufacturers)
• Allied (anyone that supports, services, or sells solutions to dealerships falls under this category)

Click here to register now.