The networking of smart machines with state-of-the-art digital services for vehicle washing opens up completely new possibilities of use for operators and users. In this context, WashTec, a provider of systems and solutions for carwash, continues to advance in its innovation strategy with the launch of SmartCare Connect and a wide range of digital services, with the purpose of positioning itself as a provider of comprehensive solutions for its customers.
For operators, WashTec's digital tools present new opportunities for growth; For end consumers, a breakthrough in terms of ease of use.
"What has been common in other industries for a long time – the ability to conveniently order and contract services via apps, subscriptions and flat rates – we are now applying on a large scale to car washes," said Sebastian Kutz, Chief Marketing Officer of WashTec AG.
For operators, this means new opportunities for growth; For end consumers, a breakthrough in terms of ease of use. In some markets such as Denmark or Norway, WashTec has already successfully implemented this type of application. There, the expectations placed on the new solutions have been confirmed, with an increase of up to 30% in the number of washes, according to the company's data. WashTec's new solutions are:
SmartCare Connect
The washing station is equipped with state-of-the-art washing technology, prepared for the future requirements of digitalization. Innovative sensors detect the size and shape of the vehicle in real time, among other data, and automatically adjust the wash programmes accordingly. In addition, they allow the operator to easily and quickly set up individual washing programs, speeds and levels in an intuitive and user-friendly way.
Thanks to this technology, it improves the washing result. At the same time, SmartCare Connect opens the doors to digital distribution channels and services, making it an investment in the future.
WashTec's SmartCare Connect opens the doors to digital distribution channels and services, becoming an investment in the future....
WashNow
WashNow is a completely new distribution platform or marketplace where operators and other market participants, such as car manufacturers, fleet card providers, or carsharing providers, can offer vehicle washes. Through an app or the vehicle's infotainment system, end users can see where a WashNow wash station is available and book it directly. If the car wash is also connected to the platform's payment system, the wash is automatically billed, either individually or as part of a flat rate.
EasyCarWash Pro
This app-based solution allows operators to digitally market individual washes and flexible subscription models. Quick and easy customer registration as well as extensive marketing tools support car washes to acquire new customers and build long-term customer loyalty.
CarWash Assist
This digital service offers operators the possibility of monitoring the installation remotely without the need to be present on site. CarWash Assist is a hotline that car wash customers can use if necessary. "For the first time, WashTec can not only offer remote maintenance, but also intervene directly in the control of the system and thus troubleshoot issues remotely. This enables a largely unmanned operation of SmartCare Connect, allowing managers to be more independent of on-site service and optimize uptime," said company sources.
WashTec's CarWash Assist gives operators the ability to monitor the installation remotely without the need to be present on-site.
Future answers for a stagnant market
With these innovations, WashTec aims to provide cutting-edge answers to the main challenges of the market. On average, vehicle owners wash their car less than ten times a year, and the total volume of vehicle washes has stagnated, according to the German company. Seasonal fluctuations in facility utilisation, rising energy costs, increasing environmental demands and new consumer demands for convenience and speed have affected operators' business models in recent years.
In this context, the combination of a network washing facility, state-of-the-art chemicals and new digital solutions opens up attractive prospects for both operators and end-users, and actively contributes to the digital transformation of the sector. In addition, new solutions also contribute to sustainability, for example through further reductions in water and energy consumption and the use of biodegradable washing chemicals.
"With the transformation from a classic mechanical engineering company to a provider of integrated solutions, we are writing a new chapter in the history of our company, which began in 1885," explained Michael Drolshagen, CEO of WashTec. "To do this, we are reinventing ourselves and taking our customers with us on this journey," said Drolshagen.
The experience of other sectors shows that this change does not happen overnight. WashTec announced that it will introduce the new solutions in the different markets it operates step by step, connect other types of facilities, such as self-service or chain washing, and continue to develop their applications. "The digitalization of car wash is long overdue, and I am pleased that WashTec is now a pioneer in this regard," said Sebastian Kutz, the company's sales director.
More details SmartCare Connect | WashTec gantry car washes
Original article WashTec SmartCare Connect: el cambio de era en el negocio de lavado
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