How Go-ops Replaces the Workshop Front Desk with 24/7 Automation
Key Summary
- The Partner: Go-Ops, a workshop automation platform that’s designed for modern independent garages looking to grow without having to spend too much on additional labour costs.
- The Challenge: Manual front-desk admin and restricted opening hours caused customer friction and high labor costs at KIS Autocentres Brighton.
- How did Go-Ops use KeyNest?: Deployed KeyNest Private Lockers to create a 100% digital, staff-free key exchange for drop-offs and collections.
- Key Results:
- Zero Admin - Eliminated the front desk, reducing staffing overheads and reclaiming floor space.
- 24/7 Access - Customers can drop and collect vehicles anytime, removing office-hour drop-off restrictions.
- Digital Audit Trail - Technicians use fobs for instant key tracking, ending manual logging and lost key searches.
- Automated Workflow - Seamless integration from online booking to secure, post-payment key release.
Go-ops Garage Solutions is a workshop automation platform that’s specifically designed for modern independent garages and franchise operations looking to grow without having to spend too much on additional labour costs.
The goal was to move KIS Autocentres Brighton, a car repair shop and MOT provider, towards a 100% digital service model that could scale with any future expansion effortlessly - a goal KeyNest could enable.
The Service Desk Friction
For most garages and repair shops, vehicle drop-offs are plagued by admin delays - whether it’s staff spending hours managing keys, processing payments, or waiting for customers to arrive during restrictive working hours. The Go-Ops garage automation model was the perfect solution to detangling KIS Autocentres Brighton’s staff working hours from customer schedules.
How did integrating with KeyNest Lockers help?
Go-Ops provided KIS Autocentres with KeyNest Private Lockers as the linchpin of their operations. It wasn’t just a few smart lockers, but a fully integrated key management solution that helped create a closed-loop, automated workflow, convenient for staff and customers alike.
Automated Drop-off: When a customer books an MOT or repair, they automatically receive a secure drop-off code. They can drop their keys at the locker without ever needing to speak to a member of staff.
Seamless Internal Handover: Technicians use secure user fobs to collect keys from the locker, automatically digitally logging the key movement, and saving time by removing the need to search for the key.
Automated Pickup Notification: Once work is complete, the customer pays their invoice online, then automatically receives a notification with their unique collection instructions.
Convenient Collection: Customers collect their keys at their convenience - even if it’s outside of garage working hours.
"The lockers removed the need for a front desk altogether. It’s a welcome shift in how we operate, moving from manual admin to fully automated key exchange." - Paul Earthey, Director KIS Autocentres
How can KeyNest enable future expansion?
In removing the front desk, Go-Ops Garage Solutions has helped KIS Autocentres Brighton reclaim floor space and reduce any administrative costs associated with reception staff. After a successful rollout of two private lockers, KIS Autocentres is planning to install more across any future locations.
Zero Admin: No more manual key handling or front-desk staffing costs.
24/7 Availability: Total freedom for customers to drop and collect around their own lives.
Scalability: A proven, automated blueprint ready to rollout at future sites.
The Verdict
Go-Ops has proven that with the right integration, KeyNest Lockers aren't just a storage solution - they enable a more professional method of doing business.
By automating the hand-off, they’ve created a frictionless experience for the customer and a high-efficiency environment for the workshop.
“The KeyNest Lockers have been so effective, we can’t imagine expanding to new locations without them.” - Paul Earthey, Director KIS Autocentres
