The GEM-CAR team presented its two newest mobile apps during the recent 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

GEM-PHONE and GEM-TEXT are the latest digital management tools developed to improve repair shop to consumer communications.

The GEM-PHONE app is downloaded into the technician’s smartphone to allow them to shoot pictures of the components requiring replacement or repairs. The images are automatically synchronized with the corresponding GEM-CAR management system customer work order. This way, the customer can make informed decisions, as they have an increased understanding of the repairs required to maintain their vehicle.

“A picture is worth a thousand words,ˮ explains GEM-CAR CEO, Mathieu Brunel. “When customers have access to an estimate with attached images or videos, sales are increased to the order of 73%.ˮ

The GEM-TEXT app was created to facilitate repair shop to consumer communications via text-messaging. Some of the uses include appointment confirmation or repair completion, particularly during the busier months.

“The success rate for e-mail messages averages approx. 10%, while test-messaging is effective 98% of the time. GEM-TEXT can also be used for promotional campaigns or preventative maintenance service interval reminders. The real-time messages can be read at the customer’s convenience, thus avoiding any inconvenient phone calls.ˮ