Harbourgate
Smoother Sailing with Molo: How Harbourgate Marina Streamlined Operations and Boosted Efficiency
AT A GLANCE
Business: Harbourgate Marina
Marina Size: 100 slips
Staff Size: 4 full-time employees, 1 part-time employee
Seasonal Operation: March to October
Primary Challenge: Transitioning from a server-based system with connectivity issues to a streamlined, cloud-based solution
The Challenge: Overcoming Operational Inefficiencies
For Myrtle Beach, South Carolina based, Harbourgate Marina, managing marina operations effectively required a booking and management system that could handle slip rentals, fuel sales, and retail operations seamlessly. However, the legacy system they were using, FFM, presented several challenges, including:
- Lack of cloud-based functionality, requiring a local server
- Frequent connectivity issues due to outdated infrastructure
- Limited accessibility and cumbersome reporting for accounting
- Manual invoicing and communication, increasing administrative workload
“The biggest issue with FFM was that it wasn’t cloud-based. We had a server at the marina, and our location has frequent internet issues due to aging wiring,” explains Ira Smith. “If we lost connectivity, we could lose transactions or data, which was a huge problem.”
Additionally, manual processes for billing and customer communication were time-consuming, requiring physical mailings and direct calls to notify customers about payments and maintenance updates.
The Solution: Transitioning to Molo
After evaluating multiple solutions, Harbourgate Marina, spearheaded by their corporate leadership, decided that Molo was the best fit. The decision was driven by several key factors:
- Cloud-Based Accessibility: Eliminated reliance on local servers and reduced data loss risk.
- Seamless Accounting Integration: Provided improved reporting and easy data access for the accounting team.
- Automated Invoicing & Payments: Enabled customers to pay online and set up autopay, significantly reducing administrative work.
- Enhanced Communication Tools: Allowed for mass email and text messaging to specific dock groups, improving customer outreach.
“Molo stood out because of its ease of use and robust features. We knew that moving to a cloud-based system would resolve a lot of our operational headaches,” says Ira. “The ability to automate invoicing and communicate directly with customers through the platform was a game-changer.”
Implementation:
A Smooth and Efficient Transition
The transition to Molo was strategically planned, starting in October and going live at the beginning of the new year. Thanks to Molo’s seamless QuickBooks Online (QBO) integration, data migration was quick and efficient.
“Because we use QBO, all our data pulled in easily, which made implementation smoother than we expected. Molo’s team did most of the setup for us, so by the time we started using it, everything was ready to go.”
Molo provided comprehensive training, including:
- Setting up slip assignments and point-of-sale transactions
- Configuring automated invoicing and online payment features
- Training staff on reservation management and reporting tools
- Offering on-demand tutorials and dedicated customer support
“The tutorials and help button on the platform are fantastic,” says Ira. “And any time we need extra help, we can call Molo’s support team and get an answer quickly.”
Results:
A More Efficient and Profitable Marina Operation
Since implementing Molo, Harbourgate Marina has seen significant improvements across its operations:
Billing and Revenue Management Improvements
- Reduction in Outstanding Payments: With automated invoicing and online payment options, accounts receivable calls have decreased significantly.
- More Efficient Revenue Collection: Customers can now pay online or set up autopay, making revenue collection faster and more reliable.
- Improved Reporting Accuracy: Cloud-based records eliminate lost data issues, improving accuracy and reducing accounting headaches.
Operational Efficiencies
- Streamlined Fuel and Retail Sales: The point-of-sale system simplifies daily transactions, tracking sales across fuel and retail operations.
- Enhanced Slip Management: Automated meter readings and billing improve efficiency and reduce manual errors.
- Better Customer Communication: The built-in email and text messaging features allow the marina to send targeted updates to specific docks or all customers with just a few clicks.
Time Savings
- Reduced month-end reconciliation by approximately one week
- Streamlined reporting processes
- Faster response to transaction queries
“It has reduced a tremendous amount of work,” Rafael emphasizes. “It’s actually saved me about a week’s worth of work every month, which I am grateful for. Month-end has always been a headache for me throughout my entire career, and for the marina, I don’t find it at all.”
The Human Touch: Support That Stands Out
Beyond the platform’s capabilities, Harbourgate Marina highlights Molo’s customer support as a major benefit.
“Molo’s team has been incredible. Whenever we have a question, they’re quick to respond and help us resolve any issues. The transition was smooth, and the ongoing support has been top-notch.”
Looking Ahead
With the efficiencies gained from Molo, Harbourgate Marina is now looking to expand its offerings.
“We’d love to add more recreational activities, like a tour boat, in the future. With Molo handling our core operations smoothly, we can focus on growth and new opportunities.”
When asked whether he would recommend Molo to other marinas, Ira doesn’t hesitate:
“Absolutely. It’s one of the best marina management systems I’ve used. It’s easy to use, packed with features, and backed by a great support team. Molo has made our operations so much easier, and I know it can do the same for others.”
