AutoPoint announced that it will debut its newest dealer-service tool, OwnerCare, at the 2015 NADA Convention & Expo in San Francisco later this week.

Designed to increase the number of customer upsells, the tool allows service customers to view a digital report via their mobile device with the status of their vehicle, providing a precise service estimate along with recommended work and explanations why the work should be completed.

Gary Schuler, the corporate director of fixed operations at Dick Hannah Dealerships, one of the program’s pilot locations, believes the tool helps ease the conversation flow between customers and service staff.

“It’s on the cutting edge of where technology is headed,” Schuler said. “Most customers communicate on an electronic device, be it their cell, tablet, or desktop computer. OwnerCare enables us to get through and get their approval almost immediately. It’s simple for the customer to view the recommendations and estimate, to get any needed explanations — view pictures, or whatever they need to be fully educated. It’s a fabulous system and saves an enormous amount of time for my service department. Our customers love it.”

Following a multipoint inspection, a service technician digitally completes an inspection form, which takes note of each point on the vehicle that has passed, failed, or is a cause for concern. An estimate is generated, including the cost of all services and importance explanations for all recommended repairs. A customer can view the report remotely via a unique link, which can be accessed anywhere via their own devices or on-site with technology the dealer chooses to provide.

“Our service advisors are thrilled that they no longer have to waste hours tracking down customers for approval of needed work,” said Rich Holland, AutoPoint managing director. “It is also producing a significant boost in revenue – we’ve seen recommendation close rates increased by 50 percent.”

More information OwnerCare can be found on the AutoPoint website.