The Rise of Parts-Running Robots

Between parts shortages, rising repair expectations, and growing backlogs, service departments today are being asked to do more with less. Time is a premium commodity, and every minute a technician spends walking to the parts counter is one they aren’t using to turn a wrench. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the service and parts department generates almost 50% of a dealership’s gross profits. Delays in service operations can significantly impact this critical revenue stream. Dealerships have long explored ways to tighten up these inefficiencies, but one of the newest tools in that toolbox looks like something straight out of The Jetsons.

Automated parts-running robots can be used in your service department to help speed up workflows and keep techs focused on the jobs they’re trained to do. They might look futuristic, but their goal is simple: deliver the right parts to the right place at the right time and free up your team to do what they do best.

A Day in the Shop: Robots in Action

Imagine your lead technician, Alex, working on a tough engine repair that takes several hours. Usually, Alex would stop multiple times to get essential parts like bolts, gaskets, or sensors from the parts counter. Each trip takes valuable time and can lead to lengthy wait times for parts and other disruptions. By the end of the day, these interruptions mean fewer repairs completed and longer waits for customers.

Now, picture Alex working on the same engine repair but with the help of a parts-running robot. The robot brings the necessary parts directly to him while he remains in his bay, focused on the repair. This smooth workflow lets him complete jobs faster and tackle more each day, boosting productivity for the whole team.

A Complement to Your Team

You might wonder, “What if my dealership already has a parts runner?” It’s a fair question, and it’s important to recognize your parts runners are essential team members. They handle tasks that robots can’t fulfill, requiring judgment, complex interactions, or urgent problem-solving.

Robots can round out your team by taking on repetitive, time-consuming delivery tasks. This allows your parts runners to focus on more impactful work like managing inventory, assisting technicians with specialized requests, or improving customer interaction. By letting robots handle straightforward deliveries, your team members can use their skills and experience better, ultimately increasing department performance overall.

A Bright Future

Embracing robotic technology is a major step toward modernizing the service department. With parts-running robots, dealerships can significantly cut technician downtime, streamline operations, and improve efficiency. Plus, let’s face it: adding robots to your team brings a futuristic “cool factor” that could set your dealership apart as an innovator in the industry.

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