Although the younger generation uses mobile technology for everything, most car rentals still operate the same way as they did 20 years ago - there are counters, employees who will issue keys, sign the papers, check the documents, process the payment, and then walk around the car together with the person, who rents in order to make sure they’re on the same page as far as the existing damages go. This process is time-consuming, and when the flight arrives, car rental booths have queues up to the gates.
However, some car rentals have already introduced a fully automated mobile-first experience to get rid of the issues that a traditional approach faces. If you operate a car rental business, you'll discover the solution below.
Would moving online solve the issues?
The previous example explained the pain points of airport car rentals. Most in-city car rentals do not have the kind of rush hours that their airport branches do. Some car rentals have even set up a fully online reservation system that will allow you to book the car, verify your identity, pay in advance, and then wait until an employee brings the car to your doorstep.
However, even in the scenario mentioned above, there are the same people working behind the scenes to make all this happen. The difference is that they are not sitting in the booth and communicating with the customer face-to-face. They are sitting in the office and dealing with all of that remotely. And when the car is delivered, the handoff processes are still in-person.
Is there a better way?
While a fully online experience solves some of the problems that the traditional car rental model faces, is this really the way people want to rent cars? While website designs and user interfaces are improving every day, navigating and booking processes are still often painful experiences for the users.
It takes a lot of resources to build a mobile-friendly browser-based booking system, such as AirBnB or Booking.com. However, if you are using a phone when browsing their site, even they are naturally guiding you to download their app for a better user experience.
The younger generation manages all their day-to-day errands from their phone, so naturally, they would do the same when renting their car. And it would be even better if they don’t have to see another human in the process of getting and returning their car - doesn’t that sound familiar and quite like AirBnB’s standard self-check-in model?
Why not mobile apps?
If apps deliver a better user experience on mobile, then why not allow your customers to rent cars via your mobile app?
Development costs - so far the main obstacle has been the fact that car rental companies do not want to become software developers, and hiring a company to build the apps that actually work would end up being too expensive to deliver ROI in the near future. That’s why it would be easier to stick with the status quo.
Technical limitations - another reason why apps haven’t become a popular medium for car rentals is that apps have technical limitations, and human interaction is still required to issue keys, sign the documents, and make sure the car is in good condition when returned.
We see a huge trend in app usage for on-demand car-sharing, which is a different business model entirely. Since the car-sharing industry is relatively young, the companies are not restricted by the bureaucracy and procedures that traditional car rentals are facing. While car-sharing apps may take the business of short-distance trips away from traditional car rentals, they won’t threaten the bread and butter of long-term rental businesses just yet.
Tech to the rescue
How could a traditional car rental business step into the 21st century and automate the whole rental process without spending a fortune on app development while making sure to still leverage its standard operating procedures and current risk management practices?
With a proper technology suite that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg - https://atommobility.com/products-rent
ATOM Mobility has been offering white-label software solutions for the mobility industry since 2019. With customers in more than 40 countries and 140 cities worldwide, any car rental business will be in good company.
An ideal car rental flow - with ATOM Mobility, a car rental would get its own apps for IOS and Android, where users would go through the following (simplified) journey:
Download the app and register.
Upload a driver’s license that will be verified by artificial intelligence (AI).
Choose dates, location, and the model.
Pay in advance.
Unlock the car with the app.
Enjoy the rental car.
Return and complete a standard walk-around-the-car handoff inspection powered by FocalX that automatically recognizes and reports any scratches.
The whole process is automated, and the information for each rental transaction will be available in the back-end for car rental businesses.
The freedom that this new mobile-first flow provides for both users and rental businesses is a great example of how technology can help to provide a better service. Opening up a new location is as simple as driving the cars to a new parking lot.
If you operate a car rental business, we’d be happy to chat - https://atommobility.com/demo
Click below to learn more or request a demo.
🔧 🚗 Simplify fleet management with automation! ATOM Mobility’s latest Task Automation feature creates maintenance tasks automatically, so you can focus on growth instead of scheduling. From mileage-based services to feedback-triggered check-ups, this tool has your fleet covered.
Automating fleet management with ATOM Mobility: The future of task automation
Managing a fleet comes with many moving parts—from ensuring vehicles are serviced regularly to addressing feedback and operational needs. ATOM Mobility’s new Task Automation feature optimizes this process by automatically creating tasks based on each vehicle’s real-time parameters, such as mileage, time, user feedback, and ride count. This allows fleet operators to focus on strategic growth while routine maintenance and issue resolution become automated. Here’s how this feature could make fleet operations smoother, efficient, and more scalable for shared mobility and rental businesses.
Task automation for fleet management
ATOM Mobility’s Task Automation feature builds on its ongoing focus to simplify fleet management. This new addition enables operators to automate task creation based on specific vehicle metrics, reducing manual effort and enhancing overall fleet efficiency.
The idea is brilliantly simple: instead of creating tasks manually (which can be tedious and time-consuming), this tool will automatically create tasks for you based on pre-set conditions.
With Task Automation, you can set specific parameters that will trigger task creation, such as mileage, ride count, ratings, or time. Picture this: every 5,000 kilometers driven, the system can automatically create a “Tire Check” task. Or if a specific vehicle receives user ratings below two stars, a “Low user review, check up required” task can be triggered. This approach to task generation not only saves valuable time but also ensures that vehicles receive consistent care based on real usage and performance, not guessing.
How task automation works in a nutshell
Setting up Task Automation in ATOM Mobility’s dashboard is designed to be as seamless as possible. The process essentially boils down to three simple steps:
- Log in to the ATOM Mobility platform, and head to the Fleet Maintenance section under “More.”
- Create a new automation: Specify the task type (like check-ups or cleaning ro anything else), set priority (low, medium, high), choose the relevant vehicle model, and add an optional description.
- Set a trigger parameter and value: Choose the metric that will trigger the task, whether it’s mileage, ride count, user feedback, or time schedule.
Once everything’s set, the system will keep track of these parameters for each vehicle, ensuring that when a trigger is met, a task will be created automatically and added to the dashboard. You’ll have everything you need to keep each vehicle in tip-top shape without manual oversight.
Why task automation is a game-changer for shared mobility operators
It’s no secret that keeping up with fleet maintenance can be a full-time job—and then some. Task Automation is built to give you time back in your day and enhance fleet health without excessive manual work. Here’s how it shines:
- Minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency: With automated tasks created on schedule, you’re reducing the chance of missing maintenance, which can lead to unexpected breakdowns or, worse, unsatisfied customers.
- Boosting customer experience: Users expect seamless, safe, and reliable rides. By setting automated checks based on feedback ratings, you can address any hiccups before they escalate, like a regular check-up triggered when user ratings dip, ensuring issues are handled swiftly.
- Optimizing resource allocation: Operators save time, money, and stress by allowing ATOM’s platform to handle task creation. Staff can then focus on actual maintenance rather than constant monitoring and task creation, ultimately lowering operational costs.
Examples of task automation in action
To illustrate how powerful Task Automation can be, here are some scenarios where it could make a real difference for fleet operators:
- Mileage-based maintenance: Automatically set oil changes or tire rotations every 5,000 kilometers. No more sticky notes or vague reminders—once the mileage threshold is hit, the task is created instantly, saving time and maintaining vehicle health.
- Feedback-based follow-ups: Let’s say you have a popular scooter, but a few users have noted a squeaky brake. Once the feedback drops below a specific rating, an automatic check-up task is created. That way, you don’t have to wait for a cascade of bad reviews before you act.
- Time-based cleanings: Hygiene is crucial, especially in shared mobility. You could set a task to clean and sanitize vehicles after a set number of hours or rides, ensuring each user gets a fresh experience without needing someone to track hours.
Task automation meets scalability: ideal for growing fleets
For any business with a growing fleet, Task Automation provides a clear advantage. By using parameters to generate tasks, you can scale up without needing additional manpower just to manage scheduling. As your fleet grows, Task Automation scales with you, handling more vehicles and keeping you updated on the health and performance of each.
Think of it as a maintenance manager that grows alongside your fleet without increasing your operational costs. It’s no longer about manually checking every vehicle at every mile marker; it’s about letting the system manage maintenance alerts while you keep your attention on strategic growth.
Getting started with task automation on ATOM Mobility
Setting up Task Automation is straightforward, but don’t hesitate to ask ATOM Mobility’s team for more detailed guidance. Here’s a quick overview to get you started:
- Select your trigger: Choose between kilometers, hours, ride count, or ratings, based on what matters most to your fleet.
- Define your task requirements: Each task is customizable, so you can specify different needs depending on the type of vehicle or its usage.
- Monitor with ease: Once in place, the automation will handle task creation. Just check in via the dashboard to monitor progress and handle any high-priority issues as needed. All the information and tasks are synced between the dashboard and fleet manager app.
ATOM Mobility’s commitment to innovation means we’re constantly updating our features to make fleet management more efficient and automated. Task Automation isn’t just a convenience—it’s an opportunity to elevate how you manage and grow your fleet in a sustainable way. With automation taking care of repetitive tasks, your team can focus on what really matters: delivering an outstanding experience to every rider.
Why now’s the time to automate with ATOM Mobility
The shared mobility industry is moving faster than ever, and staying competitive means embracing tools that make operations smoother and more efficient. ATOM Mobility’s Task Automation feature is a game-changer that brings automation to the forefront, allowing operators to focus on high-impact work while leaving routine tasks to the platform.
Whether you manage a fleet of e-bikes, scooters, or vehicles, automated maintenance can streamline your operations, prevent issues before they arise, and let your team work smarter, not harder.
Explore more about ATOM Mobility’s fleet management solutions on their blog and discover other products that can help you on your way to creating a micromobility fleet!
🚀 Ready to explore the future of travel and mobility? Here are the top 2024 (Q4) events for business owners and those looking to enter the mobility space! Don’t miss these opportunities to connect, learn, and meet ATOM Mobility team💡
ATOM Mobility will be attending three major events that focus on micro-mobility, car rental and taxi industry. We’re looking forward to making new connections, meeting potential partners, and showing how our platform can revolutionize shared mobility. Here’s where we’ll be and why you should join us!
World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024
- When: November 5-7, 2024
- Where: London, UK
- Website: World Travel Market London
WTM London is one of the biggest events in the travel and tourism industry, but it’s not just for travel enthusiasts! There’s a growing focus on sustainable urban mobility, making it an exciting event for businesses in the micro-mobility and vehicle-sharing space.
With industry leaders from all over the world, this is a fantastic chance to network and learn about how mobility is becoming a key part of travel experiences.
EU Taximesse 2024
- When: November 8-9, 2024
- Where: Cologne, Germany
- Website: EU Taximess
The EU Taximesse is Europe’s top event for taxi and ride-hailing services, but it's not just about taxis anymore. This event is also a great place to explore new mobility technologies, including vehicle-sharing and fleet management solutions. If you’re working in or alongside these industries, this is the event to check out.
Micromobility America 2024
- When: November 14-15, 2024
- Where: Costa Mesa, California, USA
- Website: Micromobility America
If you’re into micro-mobility, is the event to be at! Taking place in California, this event brings together industry leaders, startups, and city planners to discuss the latest trends in urban transportation. From e-scooters to e-bikes, it's a hub for everything micro-mobility. We’re excited to be attending this event to explore how cities can build smarter, greener transport solutions. Whether you're a startup, an investor, or a city planner, we'd love to connect and discuss how we can collaborate to transform urban mobility.
Why are these events a must, if you’re working in the field?
Connect with industry leaders: These events are the perfect place to meet key players in the mobility industry. Let’s chat and see how we can work together to drive innovation in micro-mobility and vehicle-sharing.
Discover the latest trends: Stay ahead of the curve by learning about the newest technologies and business models shaping the future of transportation.
Grow your business: Whether you’re a startup looking for partners or an established company aiming to expand, these events offer incredible opportunities for collaboration.
Shall we meet?
Are you planning to attend any of these events? Reach out to us – we can’t wait to connect!
Don’t miss out on these amazing mobility events in the last quarter of 2024! Whether you're in Cologne, London, or California, these events offer an unbeatable chance to learn, network, and explore the future of urban transportation.