Optimized Operations, Future-Proofed Success: Rebooting a Marina Reservation System

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This client, a major player managing marinas and boat rentals on a lake, faced a challenge. Their core business revolved around hourly, half-day, and full-day boat rentals. Previously, they relied on a third-party reservation platform to manage these bookings. Unfortunately, when that vendor was acquired, the hourly rental functionality was scrapped, leaving the marina operator in a difficult position. To get back on track and even improve their operations, ENO8 stepped in. We successfully reverse-engineered a superior reservation platform solution, specifically designed to reinstate and enhance all aspects of their business.

 

  • Industry: Hospitality
  • Services: Design, Development, Testing
  • Platform: Web Application

The Background

This pristine lake, part of the state park system, boasts some of the clearest water in the state. Its convenient location near major cities makes it ideal for day trips or weekend escapes. To cater to these visitors and take advantage of the fantastic swimming and fishing opportunities, the marina offers a variety of rentals. Cruise the crystal-clear waters on one of their 105 pontoon boats or jet skis, available by the hour.  For a longer adventure, consider renting their houseboat for the day.  The marina also provides everything you need for a fun day on the water, from bait, tackle, and fishing supplies to fuel, snacks, and even refreshments for the adults.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

A marina operator, facing a critical business disruption, requires a new technology platform to manage boat reservations and billing. Their previous system, relied upon for all operations, is being discontinued after being acquired by a conglomerate.

Major Challenges:

  • Time Constraint: A new solution is needed within three months before peak season to avoid significant business losses.
  • Hourly Rentals: The platform must specifically handle a high volume of hourly boat rentals, a key aspect of the marina’s business model.
  • Offline Functionality: The system needs to operate reliably despite intermittent internet connectivity on the lake.

 

Our Strategy

ISHIR didn’t just replicate the old platform. We took a proactive approach, developing a new solution with innovative features to streamline the marina’s operations and boost profitability – all within the tight three-month timeframe.

The core functionality – hourly rentals – remained a priority. However, we went further by integrating algorithmic optimization. This intelligent system maximized boat utilization by dynamically adjusting availability based on incoming reservations, extensions, and required cleaning time between rentals.

Beyond rentals, the solution provided a comprehensive suite of reporting tools:

  • Real-time inventory reports offered a clear picture of available boats.
  • Utilization reports tracked fleet usage and identified optimization opportunities.
  • Trend and forecasting reports provided valuable insights for future planning.

Furthermore, the platform seamlessly integrated in-app payment processing. The most impressive aspect might be the solution’s adaptability. We built in the ability to handle a wide range of variables, including:

  • Variable pricing schedules: Cater to different types of rentals and customer segments.
  • Customizable business rules: Adapt the system to specific operational needs.
  • Flexible schedule management: Modify opening hours, buffer times between rentals, etc.

The system dynamically adjusts reservation availability, pricing, and deadlines based on these configurable settings. This level of customization ensured the platform perfectly aligned with the marina’s unique operations.

THE VALUE WE DELIVERED

ISHIR’s agile development process proved critical in delivering a superior, customized solution within the aggressive timeframe. The marina’s previous platform, the backbone of their business, was abruptly rendered inoperable. Our team not only rebuilt functionality, but transformed it into a powerful management tool.

Here’s a closer look at the value we delivered:

  • Improved Operational Efficiency: Algorithmic optimization maximized boat utilization and streamlined reservation management.
  • Enhanced Oversight & Reporting: Real-time and historical data empowered data-driven decision making for future optimization.
  • Future-proof Scalability: The platform is built to accommodate growth and adapt to evolving business needs.

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

ISHIR operates on a principle of client data and intellectual property ownership. In this case, the marina operator retains full ownership of the custom solution. This empowers them to:

  • White-label the Solution: Repurpose the technology for their own brand or even resell it to other marinas facing similar challenges.
  • Unlock New Revenue Streams: The marina can leverage their innovative platform as a source of additional income.

ISHIR’s solution transformed a critical business disruption into an opportunity for the marina to not only recover, but thrive in a competitive marketplace.

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