Key Management Solutions for Auto Dealerships: A Deep Dive into Somerville Auto Group’s Success with Keycafe

Jason Crabb
Keycafe
Published in
3 min readAug 7, 2024

Managing a large fleet of vehicles is no small task. For Zeemac, a Vancouver-based commercial fleet leasing company and a division of Somerville Auto Group, key management was becoming increasingly complex. With hundreds of vehicles to track and maintain, the traditional methods of storing and accessing keys were proving to be inefficient and risky. Delays in finding the right key, potential security lapses, and the time-consuming process of managing keys were all challenges that needed a modern solution.

That solution came in the form of Keycafe.

The Challenge: Inefficient Key Management

Zeemac, like many fleet management companies, had relied on traditional methods for key management. Automotive boxes, metal lock boxes and hooks on the wall, were used to store keys, but these systems were far from ideal. Employees often spent too much time searching for keys, leading to delays in servicing vehicles and preparing them for customers. Additionally, tracking who accessed which keys was difficult, making it hard to ensure accountability and security.

The Solution: Keycafe’s Streamlined System

Keycafe offered a solution that addressed Zeemac’s key management challenges head-on. Unlike traditional automotive boxes and metal lock boxes, Keycafe’s system provided a cloud-based platform that automated the process of storing, accessing, and tracking keys.

With Keycafe, Zeemac was able to securely store keys in smart key lockers. Access to these keys was managed through the Keycafe app, ensuring that only authorized personnel could retrieve them. This automation reduced the time employees spent searching for keys and improved overall security by ensuring authorized access only.

The Impact: Increased Efficiency and Enhanced Security

The implementation of Keycafe’s system had an immediate and positive impact on Zeemac’s operations. Employees could quickly and easily locate and access the keys they needed, significantly reducing delays in vehicle servicing and preparation. This efficiency allowed Zeemac to better meet the needs of their customers, improving overall service delivery.

In addition to improving operational efficiency, Keycafe’s system also enhanced security. The real-time tracking feature allowed Zeemac’s management to monitor who accessed which keys and when. This level of oversight reduced the risk of lost or misplaced keys and ensured that all key usage was fully accountable.

The combination of increased efficiency and enhanced security made Keycafe an invaluable tool for Zeemac, helping them streamline their operations and improve customer satisfaction.

Why Fleet Management Companies Should Consider Keycafe

Zeemac’s experience with Keycafe highlights the significant benefits that a modern key management system can offer to fleet management companies. Moving away from outdated automotive boxes and metal lock boxes to Keycafe’s advanced system provides several key advantages:

1. Improved Efficiency: Reduce the time and effort required to manage a large inventory of vehicle keys, allowing employees to focus on more important tasks.

2. Enhanced Security: Ensure that keys are only accessible to authorized personnel, reducing the risk of loss, theft, or unauthorized access.

3. Better Customer Service: Streamlined key management means faster vehicle servicing and preparation, leading to more satisfied customers and smoother operations.

4. Increased Accountability: Use real-time tracking to monitor key usage and hold employees accountable for their actions.

For Zeemac, switching to Keycafe was not just about improving key management; it was about optimizing their entire operation. If your fleet management company is facing similar challenges, it’s time to explore how Keycafe can make a difference.

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