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Investing in an cloud-based auto repair shop management system is one of the best ways to refine your shop’s processes and get things under control. However, the decision to invest in a shop management system is a big one.

Before you begin researching different options on the market, you should ask yourself two key questions:

• Am I at the stage where I need a new shop management system?
• What do I want from a shop management system?

As you search for a suitable shop management system through automotive repair shop software reviews, it’s important that you diligently research any system you’re considering.

Repair shop management has many moving parts that require a collaborative environment. There's a lot of information to share, whether that's service advisors getting information from customers or providing updates to them, or even technicians and service advisors discussing the repair process of that customer's vehicle.

Without clear communication, you'll be playing a game of telephone, with details changing or getting lost, causing repairs to fall short, or forcing service advisors to pick up the phone and bug customers throughout the day. None of that is ideal.

That's why clear and effective communication is the key to providing great service in pretty much every industry, especially auto repair. 

The better your team can communicate with your guests, the more at ease your guests will feel about their repairs, and the more likely they are to walk out of your shop happy and willing to come back to your shop the next time they need a repair.

In turn, your team will feel even more energized and incentivized to provide great customer service. Win-win!

Auto repair shops generally calculate the cost of their repairs with numerous factors that contribute to the entire process. 

This includes the cost of parts and any necessary upcharges for the shop to generate a profit, as well as the cost of labor.

In this guide, we will help your independent auto repair shop learn how to maximize your profit margin specifically on your shop's labor rate.

Want to learn more? Check out our latest Auto Repair Industry Index! We cover everything from overall industry health to unique shop settings for Tekmetric users to get the most value out of the work they already do!

Building a strong company culture is key to not only employee retention and satisfaction, but also performance. Tekmetric’s leadership team chose to go beyond company values to create a culture operating system.

"I believe culture can be our strategic advantage.” - Sunil Patel, CEO

The operating system is built around 24 Fundamentals, designed to complement Tekmetric’s four values: Focused, Reliable, Authentic and Compassionate.

The Fundamentals are specific characteristics and actions that can be measured and practiced on a daily basis. The Tekmetric team collaborated closely to create the fundamentals, avoiding a top down approach and ensuring buy-in from across the organization.

“What we thought was really cool about it is that they're relatable,” said Karina Amanullah, Head of People and Culture. “Everybody knows how to do each one of them. Even if they haven’t mastered them, they know what they are and there's no ambiguity. “I think the most valuable piece is when you read them you understand exactly what type of company we want to be.”

Added Amanullah, "It makes it clear what kind of culture we want to build. How we want to communicate with each other. What we believe in. What we don’t believe in. Formalizing it and getting it down on paper is powerful.”

Since the rollout in February, the Fundamentals have become part of the everyday work of each team at Tekmetric.

Each week starts with an email from Founder and CEO Sunil Patel on his thoughts on the Fundamental of the week, which is also discussed in team meetings, leadership meetings and during the monthly all company meeting. New hires are introduced to them during onboarding.

And, more importantly, they are becoming part of the everyday vocabulary within the company.

“We're starting to use them as common terms within the company,” said Amanullah. “I hear them used in meetings and I think it’s nice to see them become part of our language. The ultimate goal is to get people so comfortable with them that it's not a thing. It's just what happens at Tekmetric.”

“As we continue to grow and scale our company, consistent messaging and culture amongst our teammates and externally with customers is hard to preserve," said Patel. "I believe culture can be our strategic advantage.”

The Fundamentals

1. ADOPT A GROWTH MINDSET.

Be a lifelong learner. Seek out and take advantage of every  opportunity to gain more knowledge, increase your skills, and become a greater expert.  Accept new challenges and learn from them. Take the time to share what you’ve learned  with others on the team if they can benefit too.

2. SHARE THE WHY

Before others can understand what to do or how to do it, they must  first understand why. Explain the big picture. The more people understand the reason  for what we’re doing, the more actively they can participate in the solution.

3. THINK TEAM FIRST

It’s about us, not about you. Don’t let your ego or personal agenda  get in the way of doing what’s best for the team. Be there for each other and be willing  to step into another role or help a co-worker when that’s what’s required for success.  Help each other succeed.

4. DRIVE IMPACT

While effort is important, our customers expect results. Follow up on  everything and take responsibility to ensure that tasks get completed. Set aggressive  goals, use measurements to track your progress, and hold yourself accountable for  achieving those results.

5. GET CLEAR ON EXPECTATIONS

Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing  expectations upfront. Set expectations for others and ask when you’re not clear on what  they expect of you. End all meetings with clarity about action items, responsibilities, and  due dates.

6. TAKE OWNERSHIP

Take personal responsibility for making things happen and see them  through completion. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can’t be done. If you see an opportunity to make us better, act on  it. Accidentally stepping on toes is inevitable and should always be forgiven; we're all on  the same team.

7. PRACTICE BLAMELESS PROBLEM-SOLVING

Demonstrate a relentless solution focus,  rather than pointing fingers or dwelling on problems. Identify lessons learned and use those lessons to improve ourselves and our processes so we don’t make the same  mistake twice. Get smarter with every mistake. Learn from every experience.

8. MAKE DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS

Make good decisions by relying primarily on facts and  data, rather than solely on opinions or emotions. Be objective. Analyze the data and use  this information to make better decisions.

9. TAKE INTELLIGENT RISKS

Innovation, improvement, and success don’t come from  playing it safe. They come from a thoughtful and intentional willingness to try the  unconventional and to ask “What if?” Try a new way. Think differently.

10. ACT WITH INTEGRITY

Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing  in every action you take and in every decision you make, especially when no one’s looking.  Always tell the truth, no matter the consequences. If you make a mistake, own up to it,  apologize, and make it right.

11. SHARE INFORMATION

While we should be vigilant about protecting confidential  information both internally and externally, share relevant information freely throughout  our organization. The more people know, the better we can collaborate. Learn to ask  yourself, “Who else needs to know this?”  

12. DEBATE, THEN ALIGN

Healthy, vigorous debate creates better solutions. Debate  concepts without making personal attacks. Check your ego and push for the best solution,  rather than your solution. Once a decision is made, however, get fully aligned by putting  your complete support behind it.

13. DO WHAT’S BEST FOR THE CUSTOMER

In all situations, do what’s best for the customer,  even if it’s to our own short-term detriment. Understand our customers’ world. Know  their challenges and frustrations. See the world from their perspective. Put their needs  ahead of our own. There’s no greater way to build a reputation than to steadfastly do  what’s right for others.  

14. PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS

Missing just one detail can have an enormous impact  on everything that comes after it. Be a fanatic about accuracy and precision. The goal is  to get things right, not simply to get them done. Double-check your work. Get the details  right the first time.

15. BE A TEKMETRIC AMBASSADOR

We’re all responsible for, and benefit from, our  company’s image and reputation. Consider how your actions affect our collective  reputation, and be a proud and positive representative of Tekmetric. We love to say,  above all else, when representing Tekmetric, be someone you yourself would enjoy  spending time with at a backyard barbecue.

16. LISTEN GENEROUSLY

Listening is more than simply “not speaking.” Give others your  undivided attention. Be present and engaged. Minimize distractions and let go of the  need to agree or disagree. Suspend your judgment and be curious to know more, rather  than jumping to conclusions. Above all, listen to understand.

17. SPEAK COURAGEOUSLY.

Speak honestly in a way that helps to make progress. Say what  you mean, and be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause  conflict when it’s necessary for team success. Be courageous enough to say what needs  to be said. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.

18. HONOR COMMITMENTS

Do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going  to do it. This includes being on time for all phone calls, appointments, meetings, and  promises. If a commitment can’t be fulfilled, notify others early and agree on a new  deliverable to be honored.

19. CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER

Our relationships go deeper than simply being teammates  at work. We spend a lot of time together, and we genuinely care for and about each other.  Whether it’s a kind word during a tough stretch, a friendly smile each morning, or a  helping hand in stressful times, show your compassion.

20. BE A FANATIC ABOUT RESPONSE TIME

Respond to questions and concerns quickly,  whether it’s in person, on the phone, or by email. This includes simply acknowledging that  we got the question and we’re “on it,” as well as keeping those involved continuously  updated on the status of outstanding issues.

21. SHOW MEANINGFUL APPRECIATION

Recognizing people doing things right is more  effective than pointing out when they do things wrong. Regularly extend meaningful  acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our organization.

22. MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES

Take care of yourself at home and at the office. Eat well,  exercise, and get adequate sleep – take care of yourself so that you’ll thrive personally  and professionally. Support each other in making healthy choices. To give your best, you  must be at your best!

23. “BRING IT” EVERY DAY

Have a passion for what we do and be fully engaged. Make the  most of each day by approaching every task with energy, focus, purpose, and enthusiasm.  Put your best work and effort on the table. Work with a sense of urgency to get things  done.

24. KEEP THINGS FUN

While our passion for excellence is real, remember that the world has  bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Stuff happens. Keep  perspective. Don’t take things personally or take yourself too seriously. Remember that  attitudes really are contagious – inject fun into what you and we do.‍

In partnership with Advance Professional, Tekmetric now seamlessly integrates with MotoVisuals. This powerful collaboration aims to elevate the customer experience, streamline shop processes and empower automotive businesses like never before.

MotoVisuals offers a wide array of simple-to-follow animated videos, simplifying customer education. Shops report their close rate increase from industry average of 55% to over 90% when MotoVisuals is integrated into their workflow.

Central to this integration is a dedication to saving Service Advisors’ time, improving customer communication, and ultimately boosting your shop’s profitability. Here's how leveraging MotoVisuals within Tekmetric’s Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) is poised to transform your shop:

The holiday season is now in full swing, and as a shop owner, you’re probably thinking about how to best lead your team during this time.

Between the hot chocolate and the carols, there will be a lot you’ll have to navigate, including holiday pay and time-off requests.

By preparing and leveraging auto repair shop management software, all of this can be a piece of cake (or pie, if that’s your holiday dessert of choice).

As the world around us is constantly evolving, so is the auto repair industry.

An auto repair shop that stays stagnant and sticks to the status quo could be losing out on profits, reputation and valuable time.

Without a growth-focused mindset or the right forward-looking strategies, your shop could be missing out and fall behind others.

Fortunately, implementing a modern shop management system and standardizing your shop’s processes can help unlock your shop's full potential.

Break The Status Quo

Rapid advancements in technology are changing every industry around us, and because of this, customer expectations are higher than ever.

However, making changes to a process that you’ve had in your shop for years can seem like a daunting task.

These days, the best tool a shop can have in their back pocket is a shop management system. The right system should provide you with the tools to increase your bottom line, your reputation with customers and your overall productivity.

Implementing a quality shop management system can be a game-changer for shops when it comes to growing profits.

Systems such as Tekmetric help their users streamline processes, optimize workflow and enable shops to repair more vehicles in the same amount of time it was previously taking them.

Most importantly, the simple act of integrating a shop management system can increase your shop’s bottom line.

Increase Customer Loyalty

Shop management systems allow shops to ensure consistent, quality service to their customers.

As a result, these shops are building a loyal customer base, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth which promotes growth of the business.

Customer trust can lead directly to your shop's financial gain, so it's important to ensure you're using tools, like Tekmetric, to increase customer trust and loyalty.

Gain Back Time

Finally, it's important to recognize whether some of your most time-consuming tasks can take up less time in your day by being automated through a shop management system.

Think about the tasks that you spend the most time on in your shop.

By using a shop management system to automate tasks such as appointment scheduling, inventory management and invoicing, shop owners can reduce both the time their team spends doing simple tasks as well as manual errors.

When less time is being spent on these important yet time-consuming tasks, the time shops get back can be spent on repairs, putting more money in everyone’s pocket as a result.

Breaking the status quo and unlocking your shop's full potential by implementing a shop management system is made easy by systems like Tekmetric.

This, in turn, can increase your shop's revenue and efficiency, build customer trust and satisfaction and provide valuable time and cost savings.

Tekmetric is the perfect solution for shop owners looking to take their business to the next level.

For more information, view our Cost of Doing Nothing E-book Here

Your auto parts inventory management system should match the operational pace of your shop, and the system shouldn’t be so complex or time-consuming that it takes time away from hours better spent repairing cars.

Running a more efficient shop will lead to a better experience for customers, more clarity in the repair process, and ultimately more approved repairs. That means more money for your shop!

Still using pen and paper to keep track of your shop's parts inventory? Let's help you find a better way with a modern, cloud-based shop management system.

The reality is that now is a better time than ever to set your auto repair shop up for success, and even start laying the foundation for multi-shop growth. Especially for shop owners willing to take the time to embrace a new toolset: a modern shop management system.

In our latest Auto Repair Industry Index we took a look at recent industry trends across the country, compiled data from industry resources, and compared it to our Tekmetric data. What we found was really promising!

With a cloud-based SMS, shops can leverage amazing features like Default Inspections and Smart Jobs to not only simplify their workflows and smooth out their operations to run like a well-oiled machine but also set their business up for future growth and success.

Think about your own day-to-day experience in and around your shop. What’s slowing you down, and what do you wish could be easier?

Maybe it’s showing customers inspection findings, maybe it's just keeping track of all your repair orders as you wait for parts or approval to start work. Or maybe it’s bringing in new business.

No matter what you think could be improved, chances are there might be a better tool for the job of helping you manage your shop.

While it’s important to focus on customer service and providing reliable repair work, your shop’s entire repair process, from beginning to end, should be consistent. If your shop has stellar processes for greeting customers, writing estimates, selling work, and completing work, you can stick the landing with a solid check out process.

If done the right way, your shop’s invoicing process will enhance the efficiency in your shop while leaving a positive, lasting impression on customers.

The invoices your shop hands out are a representation of how transparent your shop is. Your customers will gain visibility into exactly what they’re paying for. And the more they can understand an invoice, the more they can answer the question we’ve all asked ourselves when we’re customers, “Okay, what am I paying for?”

So, why not end on a strong note? Make your shop’s customers feel more at ease with easy-to-understand invoices.

Here are four ways to simplify your shop's invoicing process.

Service advisors serve as the major touchpoint between customers and your shop. While they ultimately need to build repair orders for technicians, they need to get that information from the customer. 

And vice versa, when technicians provide inspection findings, service advisors explain those findings to the customer to figure out the best path forward.

That's why service advisors need to make customer service a focal point of their role, to build that trusting relationship between the customer and your shop.

Because when customers feel like they can trust that your shop is giving them the right recommendations, they'll feel more comfortable approving repair orders for the work their vehicles need to keep running safely and reliably.