In the fast-paced world of car rental services, application performance can make or break the customer and franchisee experience. Autohopper, a well-established rental brand with over 100 franchise locations across the Netherlands, was grappling with an underperforming Mendix application. Rated just 2 out of 10 by users, it hindered operations and disrupted workflows. In collaboration with Emixa, Autohopper began a digital transformation journey to elevate its application, optimize user experience, and improve business operations.
Recently, Autohopper launched its new desktop application, a sophisticated tool allowing both fleet managers at the headquarters and Autohopper rental agents to work quickly and efficiently. This new application now receives an impressive rating of 8.5 from the franchisees!
The application had been built by a third party and was riddled with issues. At the start of each workday, around 8:00 a.m., the application would go offline—precisely when the rental locations were opening and activity peaked. Employees had to resort to writing rental details down manually, creating inefficiencies and increased risk of errors.
Franchisees rated the system extremely poorly due to its unreliability and poor performance. For a brand that values service, this became a critical pain point.
Emixa started with a thorough audit of the existing system. They initially allocated one developer and one UX designer for a three-month optimization project. However, it became clear that the scope was much larger. Developer Joey Baten ended up staying on the project for an additional three months, making deep-level improvements to the application's core infrastructure.
Their iterative development method—built around user feedback, short sprints, and real-time issue solving—was key to making meaningful progress. It was not just about fixing bugs, but completely reengineering how the application served its users.
The most immediate win was increasing application availability. By restructuring backend logic and improving hosting configurations, Emixa ensured the platform remained stable, even during peak usage.
They also introduced automated workflows—for example, registering new vehicles with the insurance provider was previously done manually. Now, it’s a seamless automated process within the application. This greatly reduced administrative effort and potential for error.
Moreover, Emixa helped unify the application landscape. Previously, functionalities were scattered across multiple tools. The team created a central interface that’s easy to navigate, efficient, and intuitive—thanks to smart UX design choices.
The shift was dramatic. Franchisees who were once frustrated by system failures became enthusiastic users of the new platform. Their feedback was actively implemented during development sprints, which not only improved the tool but also boosted morale and engagement.
The application rating soared from 2 to 8.5 out of 10.
Now, franchisees can rely on the tool for all their day-to-day tasks, from vehicle inventory management to processing rental agreements. The improved usability and uptime translated directly into better customer experiences at rental locations.
Takeaway #1: A solid foundation is critical.
Rebuilding the application from its core, rather than patching superficial issues, was essential to long-term success. Stable architecture ensures scalability and reliability.
Takeaway #2: UX and automation go hand in hand.
Smart interface design and automation features—like automatic fleet registration—drastically reduced the time staff needed to complete tasks. This freed them up for more valuable, customer-focused work.
Takeaway #3: Stakeholder involvement leads to better adoption.
Engaging franchisees in the development process allowed Emixa to tailor the application to real-world needs, increasing both adoption and satisfaction.
Autohopper’s transformation is a prime example of how optimizing an enterprise software application can lead to measurable operational improvements and happier users. Through collaboration with Emixa and leveraging the Mendix low-code platform, Autohopper didn’t just improve a tool—it reshaped its internal workflows and improved its service delivery.
If your business is struggling with outdated systems or underperforming apps, Emixa can help. From UX design and application modernization to low-code development, we offer tailored solutions to drive your digital transformation forward.
Explore our services and start your transformation journey today.