In today’s fast-paced automotive world, the service lane is the lifeblood of dealership profitability and customer loyalty. But for too long, this area has been bogged down by handwritten estimates, delayed approvals, and fragmented communication. Enter Xtime a powerful cloud-based platform designed to modernize every aspect of dealership fixed operations.
From online scheduling to digital check‑ins, visual inspections, contactless payments, and retention marketing, Xtime transforms service departments into high-performing, customer-friendly centers of excellence.
1. Why Xtime Matters in Fixed Ops
Fixed operations—service, parts, and related processes—typically generate consistent revenue that can outpace sales in lean months. Yet many dealerships still rely on paper repair orders, phone-based approvals, and outdated workflows that frustrate both technicians and customers.
Xtime answers this challenge with a suite of modular tools that digitalize and streamline every customer touchpoint:
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Effortless appointment booking
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Digital check‑ins & walkarounds
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Media-rich vehicle inspections
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Mobile & contactless payments
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Automated retention campaigns
Together, these capabilities enable dealerships to increase revenue per repair order (RO), reduce cycle time, and bolster customer satisfaction—while freeing teams from administrative bottlenecks.
2. Core Xtime Modules: A Deep Dive
2.1 Xtime Schedule
This module delivers 24/7 online and mobile scheduling, integrating seamlessly with OEM recall and warranty systems. Customers can view real‑time availability, book appointments, and receive automated reminders—all while dealerships optimize bay and technician capacity.
Benefits include reduced phone volume and fewer no-shows .
2.2 Xtime Engage
Engage transforms the check‑in experience using tablets or kiosks. Advisors can greet customers by name, present service history, and support electronic approval and shuttle or rental selections.
Key features include self-check-in, real‑time texting, intelligent diagnostics, and in-lane financing options .
2.3 Xtime Inspect
The digital multipoint inspection tool empowers technicians to upload photos and videos directly from their mobile devices. Customers receive proof-based repair recommendations upfront, fostering transparency and faster decision-making.
With real-time approvals and internal chat capabilities, technicians and advisors can collaborate efficiently .
2.4 Xtime Pay
Payment shouldn't be a hurdle. This module enables contactless options via text, email, or in-lane tablets. All payments sync with the DMS and accounting systems, reducing lines and errors while increasing customer convenience .
2.5 Xtime Invite
Invite automates retention by targeting customers due (or overdue) for service. Campaigns can include maintenance reminders, follow-ups for declined services, and seasonal promotions—helping maintain steady service lane traffic.
3. Real Impact: Why Xtime Works
3.1 Increased Revenue Per Repair Order
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Visual proof (photos/videos) significantly boosts upsell approval.
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Xtime dealers report measurable gains in dollars per RO .
3.2 Enhanced Customer Experience
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From online booking to seamless pick-up, customers enjoy a transparent, connected interaction.
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Surveys show 65% of consumers rate digital tools as “critical or very important” .
3.3 Improved Efficiency and Staff Satisfaction
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Digital workflows reduce manual work, phone calls, and paperwork.
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Advisors and technicians can collaborate through in-app messaging and dashboards .
3.4 Higher Retention via Automated Campaigns
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Invite ensures customers stay on schedule with preventive maintenance and service promotions.
4. What’s New in Xtime? 2025 Highlights
In early 2025, Cox Automotive introduced significant enhancements:
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Advanced messaging center: Bulk texting, message archiving, and better service communication .
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Upgraded multimedia features: High-resolution video with noise cancellation, subtitles, and fast approvals (as quick as 7 minutes).
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Real-time performance dashboards: Track ASR (additional service recommendation) performance and technician throughput .
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Simplified reporting & deeper DMS integration: More efficient workflows and management insights .
5. Integration & Ecosystem
Xtime is built to support seamless integration with key dealership systems:
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Major DMS platforms: CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack
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OEM recall and warranty systems during scheduling
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Payment processors for secure, compliant transactions
Moreover, as part of Cox Automotive’s Retail360 ecosystem, Xtime connects service to sales and CRM tools—helping dealers create unified customer experiences from search to service .
6. Voices from Service Pros
Reddit reveals a mixed but realistic picture:
“XTime as a customer facing tool is fantastic. It's clean, crisp, and user friendly.”
“It logs and timestamps every part of the process.”
But not every dealership loves it:
“Xtime sucks butt… I fucking hate it, it’s slow and makes us do everything twice.”
Opinions vary—and often hinge on DMS choices like CDK, Dealertrack, or Reynolds.
In short, Xtime delivers—but success depends on clean implementation, proper integration, and full staff adoption.
7. Best Practices for Dealers
To fully leverage Xtime, dealerships should:
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Invest in onboarding and training
Proper setup ensures the system aligns with workflows and staff learn how to use it effectively. -
Ensure team alignment
Advisors, techs, and parts staff must adopt the platform together to avoid duplication and confusion. -
Monitor performance metrics
Use dashboards to track appointment volume, RO values, ASR performance, and technician efficiency. -
Optimize campaigns
Invite data-driven campaigns based on mileage, past visits, or declined services. -
Keep integrations updated
Regular DMS syncs and API connections prevent data disconnects and ensure smooth quoting and parts flow.
8. Real Results & ROI
Dealerships using Xtime regularly report:
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15–25% increases in customer-pay ROs
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Faster approvals, often within 7 minutes when multimedia is used
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Major reductions in no‑shows via messaging and reminders
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Higher CSI scores, better online reputation, and more repeat customers
These gains arise from improved transparency, automation, and workflow cohesion.
9. Is Xtime Right for Your Dealership?
Xtime is ideal for:
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Franchise dealers and multi-rooftop groups
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Service teams ready to embrace digital-first workflows
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Dealers aiming to increase service revenue and customer satisfaction
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Organizations integrating DMS, CRM, and customer communication platforms
While it's powerful out of the box, Xtime demands team commitment and proper setup to unlock its full potential.
10. Your Next Steps
To explore Xtime further:
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Visit xtime.com to review product modules and customer stories.
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Request a live demo, tailored to your service department size and existing systems.
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Review case studies from dealerships that’ve achieved significant performance improvements.
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Plan a phased rollout—start with scheduling and check‑in, then layer on Inspect, Pay, and Invite.
Xtime is more than a tool—it’s a transformation engine for dealerships serious about elevating fixed‑ops. By digitizing every phase of the service process, Xtime brings transparency to the customer, clarity to the team, and income to the bottom line.
From faster approvals and fewer no‑shows to happier customers and measurable revenue gains, Xtime empowers dealerships to thrive in a digital-first era.