There are some key factors necessary for the successful running of auto repair shops. Managers and shop owners will tell you that your shop size or location is immaterial, what’s important is efficient service, great customer relations and visibility.
To maintain the full functionality of these factors, auto repair shop owners need to utilize Auto Shop Management software. The function of auto shop management software is to program tasks, track customer and vehicle histories, connects your business to key parts dealers, maintenance databases and more.
If you are thinking of using an automotive software to improve the operations of your auto shop but you’re unsure as to what to do, here’s a guide from auto repair shop.
Auto Repair Software
Small businesses and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) utilize the common features of Auto shop management software platforms to maintain their efficiency, which includes accounting inventory management and scheduling. The software specifically helps auto repair shops in:
- Inventory management and auto parts sales
- Invoicing
- Point of sale (POS)
- VIN decoding
- Estimating
- Vehicle tracking and history
Auto Shop Software Features
The features of auto repair shop software may include one, or more of the following:
Estimating and Service Writing: Accessing parts and labor databases to get correct pricing and dependable labor times. Creating several quotes per customer. A quick view of necessary parts for regular repair procedures.
VIN Decoder: Get information encoded in vehicle identification number (VIN), can provide added information about the vehicle including the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) model number and history of the vehicle.
Integration with major parts, service and data associates: Retrieve vehicle histories from CARFAX, and OEM service repair data from ALLDATA. Link with NAPA and CARQUEST, auto parts suppliers, to get pricing and ordering parts only via the software application. More info here.
Work order management: Generate, manage and record work orders, which are communication bridges connecting with mechanics and service writers. Also used also for analytics and reporting or generating quotes and invoices by the front office.
Sales and Inventory Management: Gain access to inventory management for parts and trace them between shops that have several warehouses or locations. Incorporate with POS systems and credit card processors.
Accounting and Invoicing: The majority of systems offer integration with accounting software, example, Quickbooks, Simply Accounting and Sage Peachtree. Streamlining data entry for accounts payable, invoicing, accounts receivable and payroll and handling your checkbook.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Manage customer files and track previous interactions. Seek out customer by phone number or ID number or vehicle specification data, such as VIN or license plate number.
Reporting: Create profit analysis reports and group according to work order, type of service, technician or service writer. Investigate marketing efforts. Equate location performance.
Marketing: Link with statistics from CRM applications for vehicle maintenance and repair advertising campaigns. Maintain communication links with current customers and also sustain lead nurturing, website design and social media promotions.
Scheduling: Support online booking via your website, Facebook, Yelp or other sites. Utilize automatic reminders thru email or text to minimize the number of missed appointments. Generate staff logins to observe and handle technicians’ schedules.
Vendor Framework
Multiple options are available for vendors who select auto repair software product. While some vendors offer general, complete featured platforms, others will target only one niche in the market. The two primary types of solutions offered are:
- Integrated site solutions: Offer a collection of applications that carry out many or all the features stated above.
Examples of vendors with auto shop software that offer fully–featured incorporated sites:
- Winworks Autoshop: Set up on-premise on user’s server. All three versions of the program have capabilities with scaling price but each option provide the same basic functionality.
- AutoFluent: On-premise integrated group platform offering cloud database hosting for retrieving global data.
- Best- of- breed solutions: Stand-alone software applications which serve a specific market: Examples include:
- Web-Est is a cloud-based estimating software designed for self-governing auto body shops.
- Marketing 360 is a cloud- based software solution that delivers a range of web design and marketing services to individual and business providers inclusive of automotive repair experts.
When choosing auto shop management software solutions choose the one that meets your needs best without you paying for uncalled-for features. Think about your existing needs, your short term and long-term goals to help in choosing the platform best suited to your needs.
