The Prevost Mobile App Initiative begins with the Service Locator
With new mobile apps technology now in the hands of Prevost customers wherever they are, the Canadian-based coachbuilder has planted itself firmly in the 21st Century. The first Prevost mobile app developed through the most recent corporate initiative is the Prevost Service Locator, which allows the user to locate the nearest Prevost service provider in North America. With a simple touch of a smartphone or other mobile device, coach operators can communicate with the nearest service provider nearest from home, office or on the road.
Available in English, French and Spanish versions, the free Service Provider Locator app is available for iPhones and iPad from the Apple iTunes store, or for Google Android devices from Android Market.
The app can find or search for a provider by state or province and display the information on-screen that includes the address, phone, e-mail, website, directions, hours of operation and services provided.
The user can tap the phone number to place a phone call; tap the e-mail address to open a new e-mail pre-addressed to that provider, or tap the web address to open the website in a browser. The app also offers turn-by-turn directions from the current location to any facility in the entire Prevost Service Network of seven Prevost Parts and Service Centers and the 127 Prevost-trained and certified service providers.
“Prevost recognizes that the technologies which are readily available to customers can be used to make their business more productive and efficient,” says Prevost Director of Marketing Michael Power. “We have taken advantage of these tools and turned them into a valuable, cost-effective, any-time, any-where resource, which makes our customer’s business more valuable.”
He says this technology opens the opportunity for operators to provide better quality service and a safer customer experience. Under this mobile application, the Prevost program will also develop additional apps, such as an app which will allow users to access Prevost brochures, Prevost contact information, and current Prevost promotions. This information resource app is due out soon.
Prevost QR codes
As part of this same program, Prevost introduced the use of QR codes to give customers instant access to technical documents, instructional videos and operator manuals and guides. QR Codes are two-dimensional visual codes similar to barcodes. Scanned with a smartphone or other mobile device, the code will automatically open a referenced document or file on the users device. Prevost believes this technology is an important addition to their already robust education and training efforts. It gives operators, drivers and passengers immediate access to resources, which add value to their business processes and driving experience.
Always available on systems they may not use regularly, such as a wheelchair lift, Prevost is outfitting its new coaches with QR codes, which will provide important information to drivers, service personnel and passengers. A code located in the driver’s area allows a driver to instantly access the Prevost Driver’s Guide on their smartphone. The driver can then view the drivers guide to find information about dashboard controls, explanation of display screen icons, and audio video system settings and controls. In addition, a code located at the wheelchair lift will automatically play an instructional video for drivers on how to safely use the lift, showing each step in the process. Drivers will benefit from having information.
Codes located at key areas of the coach will open a technical document regarding that particular component. This will provide operators with specific technical information at the touch of a button, using their existing smartphone as the source. By scanning the code and viewing the technical document, users will be able to find relevant information quickly, making their service activities more efficient.
Prevost coaches also will have a QR code accessible for passengers to view a short informative video on the features of their Prevost vehicle. Operators can also include the Prevost QR codes in their marketing materials, for example to allow their customers to view materials even before they board the vehicle.
Free QR code scanners are available for all smartphone operating systems, including Apple iOS, Google Android, and RIM Blackberry. Many new smartphones now have QR code scanners built-in as standard. Operators can download QR code scanner apps instantly to any smartphone.
Prevost feels that the mobile application program is a natural extension of their long-standing dedication to outstanding customer service. “We feel we can help our customers be more productive by becoming more involved in their activities and recognizing how each operator brings value to their customers,” says Power. “These new tools allow our customers to reach a higher level of efficiency and offer them a way to differentiate their business.”
“Our Mobile Application Initiative allows Prevost to continue to deliver all of what our team finds valuable,” says Andy Kankula, Prevost senior vice president, marketing and sales. “We want to work closely with our customers and provide them resources that increase the value of their business, provide innovative ways to operate more efficiently, and assure our customers our products and services exemplify premium quality in the motorcoach industry.” BR