How technology paves the way for a smarter marina

In today’s digital landscape, technology is reshaping how businesses function, and the marina industry certainly isn’t excluded from that. In fact, marina owners find themselves benefiting significantly from the move from pen and paper to cloud-based digital solutions. Brent Wierson discusses how Molo software solutions can enhance marina space management, optimise service and repair, boost customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth for businesses.

With the integration of advanced management tools, such as real-time fuel pump controls and streamlined payment systems, marinas can transition from traditional methods to efficient, customer-focused operations. By leveraging these innovations, they can optimise efficiency, increase profits and offer exceptional services tailored to modern boaters’ needs.
Streamlining operations
Molo’s robust software facilitates efficient management of slips, mooring and drystack storage, allowing for systematic schedule and tracking of all vessels. Features like transient slip bookings and recurring storage optimisation ensure marinas maximise space usage and revenue, thus reducing wait times and improving service reliability for customers and businesses alike.
Using technology to enhance fuel pump management delivers additional opportunities to optimise profits. Use with fuel technologies, like FuelCloud, introduces powerful real-time pump integration. For example, fuel sales are imported into Molo with a single click, drastically reducing manual data entry and associated errors. Additionally, monitoring pump activity by individual staff members ensures accountability and operational transparency.
Advancing service management and repair
Software can also be used to organise estimates, work orders, technician labour tracking and inventory into one system creating a much more informed shop. Whether a prior estimate is being copied by pulling up job templates, or the job is being started from scratch, the software supports a wide array of workflows. Private notes and unlimited attached files can also be included.
Work orders are paired with a powerful service calendar to schedule technician time, travel lifts, and more. The calendar can even support linked appointments for launches, hauls and job due dates. Tracking actual and billable hours for multiple technicians is simplified via the mobile or desktop option. The software also allows inventory to be tracked at multiple locations at once to easily manage stock and parts on hand.
Enhancing customer experience
Technology significantly improves customer interactions by speeding up and simplifying processes. Molo’s real-time fuel pump integration enables quick and secure refuelling with contactless payments via smartphones, tablets or POS systems, making for a streamlined experience which enhances customer satisfaction, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
Additionally, the mobile nature of the software allows for flexibility and quicker transactions between marina staff and customers. The technology even streamlines and eliminates awkward traditional tipping when fuelling or with other dockhand related activities by offering customisable tipping options with either percentages or fixed amounts. This modernised tipping process enhances convenience and satisfaction for both customers and staff.
Optimising revenue and payments
Molo’s seamless integration with major accounting systems such as QuickBooks and Xero enhances financial management. The software manages accounts receivable, payment processing, invoicing and inventory with ease. Automated invoicing for storage and memberships ensures timely revenue collection, while credit card and ACH payment options provide flexible payment solutions, improving cash flow.
The software allows the user to easily create recurring charges for dockage, storage, add-ons and fees. Together with automatic charging, recurring revenue can be put on autopilot. Invoicing becomes more flexible and accurate by offering support for monthly, quarterly, and even custom instalments. Invoice line items can also be configured per hour, per foot of LOA, per square foot, per cent, and more.
Data-driven decision making
Advanced software solutions enable data collection and analysis, a significant advantage for marina operations who want to manage and continue to grow their business. Molo’s system offers insights into various operational aspects, helping managers make informed decisions. This data-driven strategy aids in identifying trends, optimising resources and improving overall business performance.
Integrating technology into marina management leads to smarter, more efficient and customer-friendly operations. Molo’s marina management software showcases the transformative potential of technology, helping marinas streamline tasks, enhance customer experiences, boost revenue, and make informed decisions. By adopting these technological advancements, marinas can remain competitive and flourish in today’s digital world.