Alex recently sat down with Ratchet + Wrench Radio to discuss a whitepaper she authored on how shop owners can identify inefficiencies in their shops. During the conversation, she discussed how shop owners can recognize these inefficiencies and fix them with shop management software.
Here are some of the highlights from the podcast.
Alex Bunkers: "The saying time is money is no truer than in the automotive industry.
You're literally charging people time. I don't know of a single shop owner that would say they love having to dig through a file cabinet to find an old RO or a purchase order, and it's hard to keep track of tech hours on a journal or spreadsheet (which, we have some shops that come to us doing that).
So having a shop management system allows you to stop spending time in your business and more time on your business—or just more time at home or on vacation with your family."
As any shop owner knows, running a business is an art and a science. Yes, shop owners need to listen to their intuition, but they also need to follow the data.
Tekmetric generates several real-time reports that help shop owners track their key metrics for specific date ranges.
As service advisors punch key repair details into Tekmetric, the system tracks it all, and then generates real-time reports.
Tekmetric saves shop owners time spent calculating their metrics, so they can instantly access insights and spend more time thinking through what those numbers tell them.
By taking their time back, shop owners can grow their shops faster and more methodically."
Alex Bunkers: “You probably do have some idea if you work in a shop what your bottlenecks are. But before you start, evaluate where your bottlenecks are formally. I would start, actually, with breaking out all the processes in your shop into two tracks.
The first one being all of your customer-facing things and kind of a step-by-step of what your customer goes through.
And that's something we like to call the customer journey. For most shops, this is probably going to look something like vehicle drop off, DVI and diagnosis, send the estimate approval, order parts, right, all the way through to payment and pickup. T
he second track would be all the back office things you do, your inventory audits, parts reconciliations, right, things that aren't part of the customer journey."
With streamlined workflows, auto repair shop teams are more unified. They can collaborate from one central hub, all while playing to their unique strengths.
Shop management software with workflow features, like Tekmetric, simplifies the process of streamlining workflows. Shop owners can set up manageable, trackable, adjustable workflows that minimize communication gaps and inefficiencies.
Tekmetric offers three main workflow tools for shops: the Job Board, the Tech Board, and DVIs.
The first is the Job Board, which gives service advisors a whiteboard-esque view of every repair order moving along at the shop, so they can track the progress of each repair and everything is humming along smoothly.
Next, there’s the Tech Board, which shows service advisors what’s on each technician’s repair to-do list and how far along they are with their assigned tasks, so they can know which technician is free to take on the next repair.
Finally, with digital vehicle inspections (DVIs), technicians can pinpoint issues and suggest necessary repairs, send the information to service advisors to create estimates, and then send the estimates directly to customers’ devices.
These three workflow features help service advisors and technicians reduce miscommunication and stay organized.
Alex Bunkers: “When you don't track metrics or take a serious role in orchestrating your customer journey, you're leaving money on the table.
We've worked with thousands of shops during my time at Tekmetric and I definitely notice a correlation between the annual sales of the owners who are actively involved in the operations, building the structure, training their teams, and tracking metrics, versus those who are having a hard time just staying on top of everything.
So, sometimes you have to make yourself slow down to speed up."
Let’s look back one more time at the importance of analyzing the data. It only takes an hour each week, or two hours every other week, to dive deep into real-time reports and monitor how things are going.
For example, spending a few minutes each day just to thoroughly analyze the End-of-Day Report can yield a wealth of insights into how to make more money for your shop and take back time in other parts of the day.
Examining the data makes it easier to know how your shop is doing on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis, and course-correct more intentionally as needed.
With just the right tools for the job, every repair can be so much easier. There's a reason some car manufacturers produce their own unique tools, and while they might seem unnecessary, they can turn hours into seconds.
Even so much as a proprietary socket with a unique angle to remove an oil drain plug tucked right up against the subframe, as silly as it may seem, is worth the extra little investment. The adage still rings true, that ultimately time is money -- saving time keeps your shop running like a well-oiled, rear-midengined dry-sump V8.
Running an independent auto shop requires the right tools, and not just the right impact wrenches or the right alignment rack.
The right shop management system can revolutionize the way your shop runs, from the moment customers call or walk in, to receiving payments and getting vehicles back on the road.
Learn why Tekmetric is the right tool for the job for shop management from some of the brilliant minds behind the revolution:
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Enhanced Customer Experience: Put your customers first with a suite of features that allows you to easily communicate to build the trust needed to run a successful repair shop. Simplified operations in your shop naturally lead to improved customer service.
Higher Efficiency: Save time on manual tasks with a set of features that allows you to run your shop the way you see fit with easy-to-build automation, custom RO labels, and templates across the shop. Focus on the customer, and not a computer screen.
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In the ever-evolving automotive industry, staying ahead of the curve means constantly learning and growing. For automotive service technicians, certifications aren’t just credentials—they’re powerful tools that open doors to better job opportunities, increased pay, and credibility with customers and employers alike.
Whether you're just starting out or already working in auto repair, understanding the most common types of mechanic certification can help you create a successful, long-lasting career. This guide will break down the most recognized certifications, how to attain them, and why they matter for every auto mechanic who wants to stand out.
Mechanic certifications come in many forms, each tailored to different specializations and career goals. The most common types include:
Issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), these certifications are the gold standard for automotive mechanics. They cover a wide range of specialties, from engine repair to electronic systems and air conditioning.
ASE certification is considered the most prestigious and widely accepted credential in the automotive world.
Founded in 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence sets the benchmark for automotive service technicians. ASE offers over 50 different certification tests in categories like:
There’s also a separate path for master technician status, which is achieved by passing all certifications in the required testing areas for that series. For example, technicians certified in tests A1 through A8 are Master automobile technicians.
Master technician status is not for life. You must keep each one of those certifications current to maintain master technician status. If you lose master technician status due to the lapse of one or more required certifications, it can be reinstated by taking and passing the recertification tests.
To become ASE certified, expect to spend anywhere from 1–3 years, depending on your work experience and whether you’re currently enrolled in training programs. Each certification test typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete and can be scheduled at a local test center.
Being ASE certified shows you’ve mastered the skills needed for the job. It’s a badge of excellence recognized by employers, repair shops, and even customers looking for reliable service.
Geared toward high school and post-secondary students in automotive technology programs, these ASE certifications offer a head start in proving foundational knowledge.
Student certifications validate entry-level knowledge in core areas of vehicle repair and maintenance. These don’t require work experience and serve as a stepping stone to full ASE status.
Programs approved by the ASE Education Foundation often include student certification exams as part of their curriculum. These are excellent options for students at auto mechanic schools or in a community college training program.
Student certifications are valid for two years and help you build confidence before entering the workforce as an entry-level technician.
These certifications are specific to vehicle manufacturers and offered by companies like Ford, Toyota, GM, and others. Often, auto technicians working in dealerships will pursue these to show mastery of brand-specific systems.
For repair technicians who want to specialize in a particular brand, manufacturer certifications are essential.
These accredited programs often partner with dealerships to offer real-world, hands-on experience while you earn your credential. These programs can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months and typically require completion of automotive technology coursework alongside on-the-job work experience at a brand-affiliated repair center.
Manufacturer-certified auto technicians often have a faster path to high-paying roles within dealership networks and brand-specific repair shops. These certifications also prepare you to service increasingly complex vehicle systems, especially as brands continue to innovate with hybrid and electric vehicles.
You’ll also find credentials related to diesel engines, heavy truck systems, collision repair, and even hybrid/electric vehicles.
Each of these certification types plays a unique role in an automotive technician’s career path, and in many cases, earning more than one will make you significantly more marketable in repair shops and beyond.
Depending on your interests, you may also want to pursue:
Each of these certifications typically requires completion of a specialized training course and a passing score on certification exams. These programs may be part of a broader certificate program or offered as a standalone credential.
Getting certified is one of the most direct ways to turn your hands-on experience into a long-term career asset. Mechanic certifications do more than look good on a resume—they deliver real-world advantages. Here are some of the benefits of completing automotive certifications:
Most mechanic certifications follow a similar pathway but always refer to the specific instructions for your program.
Start by enrolling in an automotive technology program. These are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and accredited auto mechanic schools. Many programs are supported by the ASE Education Foundation, ensuring alignment with real-world industry standards.
Look for certificate programs or associate degrees that offer hands-on training. Financial aid is often available for eligible students.
Work experience is critical for most certifications. For ASE certification, for example, you need at least two years of on-the-job experience—or one year plus a diploma from an accredited program. You’ll need to show that you’ve worked on everything from brake systems and axles to manual drive train repairs and electrical systems.
Most mechanic certifications require passing written or computer-based certification exams. These are typically held at a certified test center. The exams cover a variety of topics depending on the specialty, including engine performance, electronic systems, and automatic transmission repair.
Many certifications require recertification every five years. Staying current ensures you’re up to date with the latest automotive repair techniques, tools, and systems.
Becoming a certified mechanic takes dedication, but the payoff is worth it. From better job prospects to increased credibility, mechanic certifications help you build a successful, respected career in automotive repair.
Invest in your future. Get trained, get certified, and become a leader in the ever-growing world of automotive repair.
We’re excited to announce that Tekmetric, the leading cloud-based shop management system for automotive repair shops, is joining forces with Shopgenie, the leading auto repair shop CRM, to provide a comprehensive all-in-one solution that optimizes operations and drives growth for auto repair shops. This combination is set to combine the best of both worlds, offering shop owners smarter tools, seamless integrations, and enhanced features to optimize operations and drive growth—all from a single, unified platform.
So, what does it mean for our partner shops? Here’s a few of the benefits you’ll see in the coming months:
Here’s what our leadership has to say:
“This combination sets a new standard for efficiency and customer experience in the industry. At Tekmetric, we are committed to providing shop owners with best-in-class tools to manage and grow their businesses. Similarly, Shopgenie’s ability to solve real-world challenges with intuitive technology has earned it the trust of shop owners nationwide,” said Sunil Patel, Founder and CEO of Tekmetric. “Together, we are building an all-in-one platform that empowers shop owners to attract, retain and serve customers more effectively, driving long-term growth.”
“Tekmetric’s relentless pursuit of innovation and passion for creating products that make shop owners’ lives easier could not be a more perfect fit for Shopgenie and our customers,” said Kieran O’Brien, CEO and Co-Founder of Shopgenie. “Our combined strengths will create a more complete, powerful platform that sets a new standard for auto repair software solutions.”
At Tekmetric, helping shops measure up is at the core of everything we do. With this combination, we’re building a seamless, all-in-one solution to manage every aspect of your shop more effectively. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for the industry and aim to take your shop to the next level. Learn more at https://www.tekmetric.com/shopgenie.
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Product Updates
October 16, 2024
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