If you really want to run a successful auto repair shop and really make money, it is time to fully embrace technology. Some top technology trends, like auto shop management software, took the industry by storm years ago, and for good reason.
In fact, if you want to stand out in the sea of auto repair businesses, you should invest in the best auto repair software available. There are many reasons why an auto repair shop will benefit from auto repair shop management software.
So without further ado, let’s get into some of the reasons and benefits of investing in auto repair shop software.
What is Auto Repair Shop Software?
Auto repair management software is a system that makes it easier for an auto repair shop to run its day-to-day business. Auto repair shops can use this software to build relationships with customers, make more money, and schedule tasks for their employees, among other things.
It’s another tool in your toolbox to help your shop repair more automobiles while spending less time behind a desk!
There are two different types of software for an auto repair business:
1. Web-based or cloud-based software
To use this type of auto shop software, you’ll need an internet/data connection. Most cloud-based software charges a monthly subscription fee.
This cost is sometimes calculated per user, location, or device. With this package, you may reap the benefits of shop management software without having to download software onto each terminal or piece of work equipment. You will also not be charged for software upgrades for technical issues, new features, or interface enhancements.
2. On-premise software
You’ll most likely pay a one-time cost to install and own on-premise shop management software. You’ll also have to pay for any software upgrades and technical assistance you require. Although downloading and installing the program on all of your primary devices (POS hardware such as PCs, laptops, terminals, mobile devices, tablets, and so on) requires extra setup, you will own this auto repair shop software for as long as you find it useful.
And, while the one-time fee may be in the thousands of dollars, you may find that an on-premise car repair business management software is more cost-effective in the long run.
What Are Some Common Features of Auto Shop Management Software?
Managing auto shop customers can become quite difficult especially when you are juggling operations, finances, and marketing of an auto repair shop. This is especially true if you are trying to grow your auto repair business.
But lucky for us, auto repair shops can use the power of auto repair shop software to make day-to-day operations and certain tasks much easier and more efficient.
Below, you’ll find a list of some of the common features of auto repair software that make operations so efficient:
Payments:
Use your point of sale to accept credit cards, cash, and other payment methods (POS). You may be free to select your own payment processor, or you may be required to utilize the preferred provider of auto repair software.
Estimates and Invoicing:
Create precise estimates that include labor times, parts used, and other details at auto repair shops. Then, send quotes to your customers. Create digital invoices to be paid faster.
Appointment Scheduling:
Use an online calendar to easily arrange service appointments. Customers can arrange appointments directly on your website. Meanwhile, technicians can view their jobs online before arriving at the business. Set up service reminders to email or SMS customers about upcoming appointments. When it’s time for a checkup, you can nudge them using reminders.
Inventory Management & Parts Ordering:
Real-time visibility into your inventory, surpluses, and shortages. Connect and add your preferred vendor catalogs online to save time. Then, in minutes, order original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket components. Set up automatic component reordering when your inventory is low to avoid forgetting anything.
Work Order Management:
Create premade or canned jobs and assign work orders with ease. Send a text or email to your customers to keep them up to date on the status of their jobs. You can also attach images for internal use and share them with customers.
VIN Decoder & Plate Lookup:
Use a VIN decoder to look up the vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for each job, or search by the license plate.
Labor Rates and Tracking:
Manage technician time tracking and set hourly or chargeable rates using your automotive repair software.
Customer Relationship Management:
Get rid of paper files on clients and previous jobs. Keep an online customer service history so that your specialists are up to date before beginning any job. You can maintain and automatically update your digital customer directory which makes customer management much easier.
Marketing:
Use customer information to generate efficient lead nurturing and customer marketing programs.
Integrations:
The majority of automotive repair software is compatible with other helpful business management solutions. You should be able to import financial records into your shop software accounting software, such as QuickBooks, at the absolute least. This allows you to automate invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll.
Customer Service:
Your auto repair software vendor should offer useful technical assistance. Check that their assistance hours correspond to your requirements.
Reporting and Analytics:
Generates reports with key performance indicators for shop owners. This helps them track the performance of their business in the auto repair industry and manage their finances and cash flow. The real-time dashboard displays the complete performance of auto shops at a single glance.
As a business owner, you’ll know that if you manage to juggle all these tasks efficiently, it paves the way for your success.
However, let’s get jump into some of the most important benefits of using auto repair software.
4 Reasons For Investing in an Auto Repair Shop Software
Below, you’ll find a quick and helpful list of some of the top reasons for investing in auto repair software.
Improve Cash Flow and Profitability
Shop owners are constantly seeking ways to increase their profits. Another common issue is cash flow.
The good news is that online invoicing greatly accelerates the payment procedure. That means you’ll have cash on hand sooner after each repair order. With an all-in-one tool, you can also create more precise bids, cost estimates, and budgets.
Many repair businesses have labor profit margins that exceed 60%. As you can see, car shops rely on effective technicians to stay in business. Equipping your technicians with industry-leading tools is a win-win situation.
Finally, the ability to track sales by technician provides instant insight into what is and isn’t working.
Provide A More Enhanced Customer Experience
The auto sector prioritizes the client. When 80% of car shop customers return, you can’t afford to deliver poor service.
Many auto shop software features are designed expressly to strengthen client connections. In today’s fast-paced atmosphere, email and SMS service updates and reminders, for example, are essential. You may also provide a more tailored service with the software.
Greeting a customer by name goes a long way, but it’s not easy without an organized shop management system. It is significantly easier with a computerized customer directory.
You can also tailor promotions based on customer spending and other information. And who doesn’t like one-of-a-kind discounts and deals on the services they require?
Monitor Key Performance Indicators
Understanding what happens every day is the only way to develop and expand your business. With auto repair software, analysis is second nature.
Most software solutions feature a dashboard where you can quickly examine the number of jobs and their statuses. You’ll also be able to track sales and measure your ROI. It also offers seamless inventory management.
Using a range of reports, you can discover crucial company trends.
Enhance The Efficiency of Your Shop
When it comes to running a car repair shop, one of the most crucial factors is time. But doesn’t everything seem to take forever? Getting customers into your business, producing estimates, working on the automobile, and then doing the paperwork takes up to 24 hours a day.
Here’s how software can help you save time and streamline your shop’s processes:
Create quick estimates: Auto repair software includes built-in parts and labor instructions, allowing service advisors to swiftly generate an estimate. The days of manually computing estimates and making mistakes while presenting them to consumers are long gone.
Maintain inventory: With supply chain restrictions causing auto parts scarcity, it can be difficult to obtain the proper parts in time for projects. You can use shop management software to examine the components needed for each project and see if they are in stock. Then, utilizing software, it’s simple to swiftly order items that aren’t in stock, reducing client wait time. This increases your shop’s production and keeps customers pleased because they receive their automobiles back sooner.
Workboard: Wouldn’t you prefer a tidy and well-organized workboard to a cluttered one? The software allows you to plan ahead by displaying which tasks are coming up, which technicians are available, and the progress of each work.
Technician app: It is critical to communicate with your techs throughout the day. This allows you to keep track of what your techs are working on, as well as their productivity and allows them to run things past you if new issues develop.
Basically, auto repair software uses all of its features to make everything more efficient and effective.
