The features and capabilities found in modern repair shop software will fall into two main categories:
Ultimately, the modern features we’re about to dive into will free up your time as a shop owner. Instead of stressing over small day-to-day details, you’ll be able to focus more on the high-level aspects of advancing your business.
When researching different repair shop software options, the baseline feature you should look for is that it is cloud-based.
Cloud-based repair shop software means that you can use the system from any device that has internet access. You no longer have to rely on workarounds or bulky, clunky hardware that might crash, become corrupted, or get damaged.
With cloud-based software, your team can work more efficiently and autonomously. Technicians can type inspection notes from their smartphones without having to leave their bays, service advisors can check a repair detail if they’re out running an errand, and you can work remotely from anywhere with internet access—even at a trade show or as you’re spending time with your family.
Another benefit of cloud-based repair shop software is that you don’t have to pay for and manage expensive overhead costs, like buying new hardware and hiring third-party support staff. And because all of your data is on the cloud, you’ll have more peace of mind that your shop won’t suffer from data loss if the hardware breaks down.
Real-time reports are one of the most useful tools for making savvy business decisions.
Real-time reports provide deep insights into the health of your business, like your average repair order, car count, close ratio, and gross profit. With real-time reports, you can instantly get an accurate picture of how your business is doing; you don’t have to spend valuable time painstakingly running calculations.
By diving into metrics, you can get answers to important financial questions that will guide you as you grow your business. For example, you’ll be able to determine if you can afford to hire more technicians or install that new bay. Or, if you see that your shop isn’t doing well during a certain quarter, you can increase your marketing efforts to turn things around.
Workflow tools enable your team to seamlessly collaborate, removing barriers to productivity.
With workflow tools, service advisors gain a holistic overview of every repair order currently at the shop, and which technician is working on what, so they can appropriately assign repairs. Technicians will know exactly what they are responsible for. Your team can work together in harmony, without interrupting each other’s flow.
A repair shop where service advisors and technicians are running back-and-forth to clarify details and update each other is a chaotic one. It also sends a negative message to your customers when they see that chaos. With workflow tools, your team members can get a bird’s eye view of what’s happening by logging onto the system, and will be able to collaborate in real time.
Auto repair shops usually use a variety of different software solutions to keep things running.
Integrations within repair shop software are built-in “connections” to other tools you need to keep your business running, including:
Integrations help you easily access the tools you need to maintain a successful business. You can access all of your crucial business tools in one place; you don’t need to have a million tabs open. For example, you can check on a repair order and then leverage modern marketing tactics without shifting between multiple tools.
By using cloud-based software, real-time reports, workflow tools, and integrations, your team can work more efficiently, and you can make informed decisions about growing your business.
In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore customer service features that you should look for when selecting repair shop software.
Businesses are buckling down and tightening their checkbooks in an effort to control expenses to avoid or reduce the effects of a potential recession.
But in the auto repair industry, there are unique opportunities that come with uncertainty in the market – and that’s more business opportunities.
As people across the country reduce their spending, they are more likely to repair vehicles than to replace them, offering auto repair shops the opportunity to actually increase business. With the right strategies, you may find that it’s entirely possible for your shop to not only survive an economic recession – but thrive and grow.
Many mechanics and auto repair shops are finding success by utilizing new apps that can help speed up inspections, car repairs, diagnostic readings and more. These apps can help everyone from dealerships and repair shops to mobile mechanics and DIYers. Here is our selection of the best mobile apps and online resources by use type.
Torque Pro: Torque is a vehicle diagnostics tool and scanner that uses an OBD II Bluetooth adapter to connect to your OBD2 engine management. It can use the GPS to provide tracker logs with OBD engine logging so you can see what you were doing at any point in time.
It works on any vehicle that uses the OBD 2 standard (most vehicles built after 2000, but can work for vehicles as far back as 1996). The app needs a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to work. Torque is currently $4.95 and available in the Google Play Store.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2: Car Scanner offers OBD code scanning, sensor data and more. You can also reset DC fault codes with this app. It uses an OBD 2 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter to connect to your OBD2 engine management.
Car Scanner is currently free and available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
RepairSolutions2: The Repair Solutions app guides you from diagnosis to fix. It pairs with the newest generation of compatible OBD2 decoders and scanners to deliver the most comprehensive automotive repair database with verified fixes from ASE Master Technicians.
The mobile app requires an OBD2 scanner for most functions. It is currently free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Tekmetric Mobile: Tekmetric Mobile is specifically designed for the automotive industry and helps car mechanics be more efficient with tasks like digital vehicle inspections. Technicians can take pictures and videos straight from their mobile phone to show customers where a repair is needed. It also provides auto mechanics with an easy way to manage their time clock.
Tekmetric Mobile is free but an active Tekmetric subscription is required to use this app. Tekmetric Mobile is available for iOS and Android users.
SafetyCulture: SafetyCulture has designed a workflow app that helps teams collaborate and manage tasks. While not specifically designed for the automotive industry, this app can be used for digital vehicle inspections.
This app is free currently for teams with 10 people or less. It is available for iOS and Android users.
BG Technician App: With access to fluid application guides, tech tips, and service guides, auto repair professionals can harness the power of the BG Tech App in the palm of their hands. The BG Tech App instills the confidence needed for technicians to discuss common car maintenance problems and solutions that prevent those problems. The BG Technician App is free and is available for iOS and Android users.
1A Auto Diagnostic & Repair: The 1A repair app helps guide you through various automotive repairs with over 19,000 videos from professional technicians. You can also shop for auto parts used in the videos directly from the app. This app can also benefit mobile mechanics by allowing them to shop for car parts straight from the app.
The 1A mobile app is available for free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Tekmetric Mobile: Tekmetric Mobile can scan VIN codes and license plates to help you start your check-in process sooner and build ROs faster.
Tekmetric Mobile is free but an active Tekmetric subscription is required to use this app. Tekmetric Mobile is available for iOS and Android users.
VIN Check Report: This app will scan your VIN and show you market value, vehicle history, recalls, and more. Typically this type of app is used by those looking to purchase a car but this app also helps mechanics find title and recall information.
This app is available for free to Android users or you can utilize their website.
VIN Report: This app provides an easy way for you to scan a VIN and retrieve important title, recall, theft, and pricing information. It also can estimate depreciation and market value if you are looking to buy or sell a car. Mechanics will appreciate its ability to quickly find vehicle history information and open recalls.
The VIN Report mobile app is available for free in the Google Play Store or you can use their website.
TireScan Advisor: While many other options exist for measuring tire tread, TireScan has created an app to help automate this task by taking pictures from your mobile phone. This app utilizes AI to analyze your tire’s tread, TIN and sidewall.
TireScan is available for free in the Google App Store.
Anyline: If you are looking for a more robust app, Anyline might be the solution for you. They have created an app that reads sidewall, tread, TIN/DOT, sizing, make and model in real-time. However, they do not disclose their pricing and it is safe to assume that it is not a free app. This app seems to be designed for dealerships and large repair shops.
Tek-Tip: Tekmetric Tire Suite provides automated DOT registration, fitment data, ordering, and more.
BG Advisor App: The BG Advisor App is developed specifically for automotive service advisors and can help with sales, training and more. This app can help service advisors and shop owners explain repairs to customers and win more work for your shop. This app is available for iPhone and Android smartphones.
YouTube is a gold mine for car repair veterans and DIYers alike. Some of our favorite channels include:
Reddit can be another powerful resource for new techniques plus an online community to answer questions you may have. Some of the best subreddits include:
Podcasts can be entertaining and an easy way to learn while working or driving. Some of our favorites include:
Mobile apps are more of a luxury than a necessity for mechanics, however, they can help speed up repairs and boost efficiency. They can also help reduce time spent on paperwork and simplify workflows. If your shop is looking to stay competitive in this technology-heavy era plus boost productivity, mobile apps might be the answer you are looking for.
While all of these mechanic apps and resources can be useful, it is important to find apps that pair well with your needs. Before downloading any apps, make sure to read the reviews and do your own research. Lastly, don’t be afraid to test new apps out in your shop and see what works best for you.
We’re excited to announce that Tekmetric now supports the new Nexpart Multi-Seller integration! This new integration gives Tekmetric customers one-click access to your entire supply chain. Now it’s easier than ever to build detailed estimates and find the right parts & tires from ALL of your suppliers on ONE screen.
For over 25 years Nexpart has been the industry leader in parts cataloging and electronic ordering. Nexpart has built long standing relationships with over 53,000 parts suppliers. In recent years Nexpart released Multi-Seller, an all-in-one ordering system that gives you a bird’s eye view of your entire supply chain.
With Nexpart Multi-Seller you’ll gain access to more suppliers in more places backed by the most comprehensive parts catalog in the industry. Find the right parts for the job fast with real-time inventory and wholesale pricing.
Need tires? Nexpart Multi-Seller now connects you to over 50 national tire suppliers for FREE. Access big names like ATD, NTW, Tire Rack Wholesale and more all in ONE click!
If your shop is equipped for tire services, it’s now easier than ever to make strong recommendations for any budget and keep your customers in house. With parts & tires plugged directly into Tekmetric, you can add a set of tires to an estimate in seconds. If the customer isn’t quite ready to pull the trigger on a set of tires, simply save the quote in Tekmetric. Boost ARO, and get more ROI out of your tire equipment.
Tekmetric enables you to create accurate estimates and get approvals faster which saves you time, boosts productivity, and builds customer trust. Keep your repair jobs moving without delays thanks to real-time inventory tracking, immediate access to part availability during job setup, and integrated parts ordering, now with Nexpart Multi-Seller. With Tekmetric, you can effortlessly monitor all repair jobs and the inventory assets assigned to every vehicle, and if a part isn't available, quickly browse your shop inventory for a swap or order a replacement through Nexpart Multi-Seller, all within a single intuitive program.
As an additional benefit, Nexpart Multi-Seller customers earn rewards points on every parts order*. Every $1 spent on parts earns 1 Rewards Point. Multi-Seller shops can redeem points for up to $500/Year in eBay Gift Cards.
*Available to all US and Canadian Nexpart Multi-Seller users. Tire purchases not currently eligible for Rewards. Learn more and see the full terms and conditions.
To learn more about Tekmetric or book a demo, visit https://info.tekmetric.com/nexpart or call 832-787-0900
To learn more about Nexpart Multi-Seller, you can get started and create a free account at www.nexpart.com
Looking for a full walkthrough? Need help setting up your vendors? Schedule an onboarding appointment with a Nexpart Rep.
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