By Garry Enyart & Jeremy Johnson
Missed the session? Grab the on‑demand webinar here: Watch now →
What is RECT? And why dealers care?
RECT (Repair Event Cycle Time) tracks days from RO open to cashiered (drop‑off → pick‑up). When parts are identified and available, many RV dealers can turn a unit in ~4 days; with parts ID/sourcing delays, it stretches to 20+ days. That gap is customer experience, CSI, Google reviews—and gross margin.
How we got here (and why it sticks)
In 2016, OEMs, suppliers, and dealers analyzed 1,000 work orders and mapped the full service journey. Result: shared language, shared data, and an industry‑wide focus on RECT. This isn’t a flavor of the month—it’s the standard.
What causes high RECT in RV dealerships? (and quick cures)
- Parts acquisition
- Use RV Partfinder + Lightspeed Parts Locator (similar parts, substitutions, multi‑store transfers, dealer‑to‑dealer sourcing).
- Assign a parts expediter and track time‑to‑ID / order / receive / to‑tech.
- Inconsistent RO data
- Standardize RO templates, required fields, and naming conventions; train advisors and audit weekly.
- Slow approvals
- Roll out technician video (30–60 sec). Dealers see faster approvals and meaningful service revenue lift.
- Clock games
- Start the RO when the customer arrives. Fix the process, not the number.
30‑Day RECT plan (do this now)
- Week 1: Daily stand‑up huddles (parts ETAs, stuck ROs), lock RO standards, baseline total + warranty + CP RECT.
- Week 2: Pilot tech video with two techs; launch the parts ETA scoreboard.
- Week 3: Turn on Similar Parts, multi‑store transfers, and dealer network sourcing in Lightspeed.
- Week 4: Review Lightspeed Industry Benchmarks; set two goals—beat last month and beat the national average.
Where fixed ops is headed?
- Automotive‑grade parts support: consolidated part numbers, unified naming, VIN‑tied components.
- Tablets in bays: info meets the tech at the unit.
- Practical AI: likely‑parts suggestions, comeback risk flags, pattern‑based approvals.
Tools you already have
- Watch the webinar on‑demand → (full discussion, examples, Q&A)
- Lightspeed Data Services (public monthly RECT trends & market context)
- Industry Benchmarks (in‑product, RV‑only comparisons and targets)
- Days in Shop / Outstanding RO reports (find and fix what’s stuck)
Final Thought
“That which gets measured, gets improved.” RECT isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of how your dealership runs. Make it part of your weekly rhythm, stay honest with your data, and keep chipping away at the delays. Progress may be slow at first, but every day you get a little better is a win for your team and your customers.
Jeremy Johnson
I'm a seasoned veteran in the powersport, marine, and RV industries with over 25 years of experience. I've spent a significant amount of that time in the digital and website space, and I absolutely love it. I recently celebrated my three-year anniversary at Lightspeed, where I get to work with OEMs and dealers and help them succeed in the digital world. When I'm not at work, I enjoy traveling with my family, watching my kids' sporting events, and exploring the beautiful outdoors of Northern Minnesota through hunting and fishing. I'm incredibly passionate about what I do, and I love sharing that passion with others. Whether it's working with my team at Lightspeed or spending time with my family, I'm always up for an adventure.
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