The CDK Fixed Operations Suite Works Magic for Middlekauff Ford

Discover how CDK helped usher in a new era of modernized workflows, optimized integration and increased revenue.

They call a portion of southern Idaho the Magic Valley because of the beautiful landscape. And for the team at Middlekauff Ford in Twin Falls, the CDK Fixed Operations Suite is working a special kind of magic by integrating modern technology into their workflows.

We reached out to Service Manager Cody Cole for an update on how our Fixed Operations Suite has transformed their business from a sluggish, pen-and-paper operation into a digital dynamo.

Our Service department was stuck in the Stone Age. ROs were just past rock and chisel. We have been trying to bring our business into at least the 20th century.

One surprise along the way for the team at Middlekauff was discovering where their DMS was failing them when it comes to integrating their tools.

When we went through all the demonstrations with all the different lane tools, CDK was the best. The integration with Ford and Dealertrack was one of the main selling points. The competition doesn’t communicate and integrate as much as CDK does.

Discover how CDK helped usher in a new era of modernized workflows, optimized integration and increased revenue.

A Fully Integrated Solution

It’s true. The Fixed Operations Suite offers a comprehensive Service solution to help dealerships address key challenges such as revenue opportunities, Technician satisfaction and efficiency concerns.

With 14 unique Ford features integrated, it enhances both the customer and employee experience throughout the entire repair process.

Our video and communication platform within the suite utilizes the power of AI to elevate every customer engagement and increase ASRs (Additional Service Recommendations) to bring more money in and deliver strong ROI.

Just from ASR approvals we saw an increase of $7,000 or $8,000 in revenue. Video multipoint inspections and the Quick Lane use of it is really what’s paying for itself.

Better Communication Builds Rapport

Another example of the CDK Fixed Operations Suite revolutionizing business at Middlekauff Ford is customer communication accessed through the Consumer Portal, which is sent to the customer via SMS text message.

Some people are so busy we could leave them messages all day long, but they don’t listen to their voicemail or that sort of thing. Video messaging is a little more seamless for them because they’re not just calling back and leaving us a message. Being a little faster with communication I think has helped aid in the CSI a lot.

Just from ASR approvals we saw an increase of $7,000 or $8,000 in revenue.

Increase in Revenue: $8K

A New Era of Success

With Middlekauff Ford now officially out of the Stone Age and operating successfully in modern times with the help of CDK, Cole and team realize just how far they’ve come.

From where we were to now fully integrating the tool, it’s a monumental jump. Decades worth of technology jump is kind of how I see it. I would say the biggest win is just a better process, better streamlining, better communication with our customers in a more timely manner. It’s more efficient.

In addition to the increased revenue, CDK is helping Middlekauff Ford build customer rapport through transparency.

There’s been people that have put in their comments in the survey that the video inspection is super cool and kind of a behind-the-scenes look showing their car is really leaking or it’s really broken and they can see it right there. We’ve had a lot of good feedback.