After three decades of trusted service, Pitane Mobility is taking a new path.
The company, known for its software solutions for the taxi sector, is opting for a radical change in its business model under the leadership of founder and director Gerrit Saey. With a focus on digitalization, more efficient working methods and a modern customer approach, Pitane wants to respond to the rapidly changing mobility market. This change of course not only marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a future-oriented strategy.
farewell to tradition
Where Pitane Mobility relied on physical demonstrations and extensive personal presence for years, it is now opting for an approach that focuses on the use of digital resources. Traveling across the country to present products to customers is a thing of the past. Demonstrations are now offered online, which according to Saey not only saves time, but also better meets the needs of the customer.
“With digital tools, we can achieve much more in less time,” Saey explains. “The quality of our service remains the same, but the process becomes more efficient and sustainable. This is not only beneficial for us, but also for our customers.”
the help desk
Another important change can be found in the helpdesk. Where customers used to be able to get free support five days a week, Pitane is now opting for a streamlined model. The free helpdesk will continue to exist, but with shorter opening hours and a clearer framework for what is and is not included in the free service. Customers who need more extensive support or help outside regular working hours can now use a Service Level Agreement (SLA).
These SLAs offer extra flexibility and security, but there is a price to pay. Saey emphasizes that this is not a step backwards, but a logical step to make the service provision future-proof. “We still want to help customers as best we can, but the idea that everything should always be available for free is no longer appropriate in this day and age. It is all about efficiency and valuable service.”
Despite the changes, Pitane Mobility continues to grow. The company has managed to not only expand its customer base, but also strengthen its position in the market. According to Saey, innovation and adaptability are the keys to this success. “The market is constantly changing, and we are changing with it. With Pitane Link and our new strategy, we are ready for the future.”
Although Pitane Mobility’s new strategy is not entirely about technology, digitalization plays a key role. By using modern software and tools, the company can streamline processes and serve customers faster and better. From online training to automated support, everything is aimed at making more impact with fewer resources.
“The possibilities that technology offers us are unprecedented,” says Saey. “We are constantly looking for ways to make our software more user-friendly and to support our customers in their own digital transition. It is not about innovation for the sake of innovation, but about offering practical solutions that work.”
showpiece
The showpiece of the new strategy is Pitane Link, an innovative platform that functions entirely on the basis of online technology. Customers can access the software on any device they want, regardless of their preference for operating systems such as Windows, Android or iOS. This makes the software not only flexible, but also widely applicable. According to Saey, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the basis of these developments. “AI enables us to integrate functionalities such as automatic updates, real-time analyses and personal support. It makes our product smarter and more efficient, which our customers immediately notice in their daily work,” says Saey.
With Pitane Link wants to set a new standard in the taxi sector. The software enables taxi companies to automate and streamline their processes, without having to invest in expensive hardware or specific systems. “We make it easier than ever for our customers to use our services. Everything is done online, directly accessible and always up-to-date,” Saey adds.
Pitane Mobility's renewed business model was first tested in Flanders. Here the company booked remarkable results, with an average of two to three new taxi companies joining per week. According to Saey, the key to this success lies in a clear and user-friendly approach.
A clear webshop, the option to activate services online and automatic connection to Chiron, the database of the Flemish Government, have made a big difference. The process is fully digitalized, which means that no personal visits to customers are necessary. “This was not preceded by a customer visit,” confirms Saey. “That shows how effective and accessible our new system is.”
“The time when everything was done manually and physically is behind us. That is not a step backwards, but a logical step forward.”
The changes within Pitane Mobility not only require adjustments from the company itself, but also from its customers. Saey emphasizes that a smooth transition is being consciously focused on, in which customers are given time to get used to the new approach. “We want to go through this process together with our customers. By communicating transparently and offering support, we ensure that they benefit from this change just as much as we do.”
customers must move along
According to Saey, it is crucial that customers understand why these steps are being taken. “It is not just about cost savings or efficiency, but about staying relevant in a world that never stands still. We must look ahead together and embrace the opportunities of the future.”
With the restructuring of its business model, Pitane Mobility shows that it is not afraid to make choices that are necessary for sustainable growth. The focus on digitalization and efficiency is not a farewell to traditional values, but a translation of them into a modern context. Saey is optimistic about the future. “Our strength lies in our ability to adapt. That has brought us to where we are today over the past 30 years, and that will continue to carry us for the next 30 years.”
The change marks an important moment in the history of Pitane Mobility and at the same time provides an example for other companies in the sector. The taxi sector is in the middle of a digital transformation, and those who do not move along now risk being left behind. Pitane has chosen to innovate, and Saey is convinced that this is the right choice.
