TORONTO -

Stating that the product makes dealership employee and customer safety a top priority during COVID-19, Dealer-FX has launched a contactless check-in application that enables physical distancing.

Mobile Check-In is the new application from Dealer-FX, a digital transformation and customer experience management company serving auto retailers and OEMs.

The company describes Mobile Check-In as a safer alternative to kiosk services or face-to-face check-in.

Mobile Check-In offers a “contactless” check-in process. Dealer-FX says that with social distancing in mind, customers can now use their mobile device to check in and sign for service.

That, according to Dealer-FX, allows a safe, physically-distant drop-off experience.

The service is now available at no additional charge to current Dealer-FX customers.

Dealer-FX chief executive officer Bill Lucchini said the company presented its roadmap for a self check-in tool at NADA in February.

“Given how this pandemic has disrupted the automotive industry, our team has dedicated significant time and resources to expedite its launch,” Lucchini said in a news release.

Lucchini continued, “COVID-19 has forced us all to think differently as to how we approach our day-to-day business and engage with our customers. Providing mobile check-in is just one way we can help our dealers adapt.”

Dealer-FX has fully integrated Mobile Check-In with its ONE Platform “and all leading DMS providers.”

The company listed several benefits of Mobile Check-In, and one is that customers can remotely check-in for service.

That allows for a quick and contactless drop-off, Dealer-FX said.

Another benefit is that Mobile Check-In offers full write-up capabilities, and that includes a digital signature for approval.

Additional benefits:

— The ability to add factory-required or previously declined services to the appointment. Dealer-FX says that can increase dollars per repair order.

— Mobile Check-In notifies the service advisor when the customer checks in.

— It allows service advisors to focus on customers requiring additional assistance.

Dealer-FX also said it has developed various initiatives to help address specific COVID-19 concerns and needs. The company is implementing the initiatives to help dealers effectively continue operating their service departments

— Financial relief: The company will provide its customers with a 25% discount on monthly fees for April and May. It will also pass along any discounts from third-party integration partners to dealers.

— Free COVID-19 marketing campaigns: Through Customer Connect free of charge, dealers can enable Dealer-FX’s library of COVID-19 related marketing campaigns. Any assistance needed for configuration or personalization is also free of charge.

— New Learning Academy: Dealer-FX’s new Learning Academy, powered by SmarterU, offers customizable courses for dealership employees to provide ongoing training and skill development. It also provides learner monitoring and reporting. The company says it delivers the courses in a “media-rich, online elearning environment.”

— Moving Forward webinar series: Dealer-FX is launching a new webinar series, “Moving Forward — How to Navigate COVID-19.” Each webinar provides information on best practices for effectively running service operations with social distancing in mind. Industry veterans lead the webinars, which feature interviews with North American dealers sharing their personal challenges and successes during the COVID-19 crisis.