Automotive Shop Management Software

I'm new to the group and am also a new non-mechanic shop owner, although my partner has about 25 years as an import tech.

We put about $100k into our shop, which is no small amount. However, it's actually about $50k short of where we should be. One of the things we have not been able to acquire is shop management software like Mitchell's or RO Writer. I think it's very important . But how badly are we hurt by not having it on the front end?

Look up a company called Dealertrax, they have some really nice affordable stuff for start up and can upgrade later on as you desire. It's what we started off with out here, and I have used the full tilt package at another shop I worked at. It's a great bang for the buck, and you own it.

We use mitchell have for a long long time. great support if needed and overll love the product

Mitchell1 for me as well. The new SE version works good and does everything that I really like. Their CRM program is getting a big upgrade right now.

I'm also a fan of Mitchell, then R.O.Writer.

You can also look at Baymaster & Invomax as solutions.

I am currently using a really old system called Service Expert EZ that CCI/Triad put out about 12 years ago. I love the program. It doesn't have all the bells & whistles of others but they is exactly what I like about it. It is simple to use & does everything that I need. BUT, it only runs on Window 98. So at the moment I am running a virtual pc on 98 on an XP computer, but would like to get a new computer in the near future. So I have been looking into different management softwares, like Mitchell & Activant service writer. Service writer worked other than I could not go back into the invoices to see information like profit, vendor, etc. Mitchell had too much involved just do a simple invoice. I looked on the RO writer website, but I didn't see any demo information other than having a saleman coming in to show it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I am currently using a really old system called Service Expert EZ that CCI/Triad put out about 12 years ago. I love the program. It doesn't have all the bells & whistles of others but they is exactly what I like about it. It is simple to use & does everything that I need. BUT, it only runs on Window 98. So at the moment I am running a virtual pc on 98 on an XP computer, but would like to get a new computer in the near future. So I have been looking into different management softwares, like Mitchell & Activant service writer. Service writer worked other than I could not go back into the invoices to see information like profit, vendor, etc. Mitchell had too much involved just do a simple invoice. I looked on the RO writer website, but I didn't see any demo information other than having a saleman coming in to show it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Don, I also had Service Expert, it was a great system. The reason I switched to Mitchell was that we were told at the time that CCI/Triad would not support or enhance the program any longer. I do like Mitchell, but not happy with the progression of the features, it seems like they stalled in that area. They have great support and the new SE version works great with online part ordering. I would take a look at Mitchell, Max Tracs and any other program. It's not an easy choice and there is no program that will suit all your needs unless somone builds it for you. Good luck!

Rob,

We started our shop about 2.5 years ago, and had an even lower front-end budget. We pinched every penny we could on the front end and kept our debt very low. One of the ways we did this is by using Quickbooks Premier as our operating system. It has good inventory controls and is very easy to massage into automotive use. Cost was less than $300 for 1 license on Amazon and no other fees. Since we use Intuit for payroll, we have to update the software every 3 years. If I can help or answer any questions, let me know

I would encourage you to keep you debt low and buy what you have to have on the front end and add to it from a "wish-list" as you grow. Slow and steady wins the race. We were profitable after 5 months and continue to grow at a steady rate. Take good care of your customers. They are the best for of advertising available and the cost is low!

By the way, we could use some good Memphis BBQ!

Kelly Wilson
Kelly & Stan's Automotive
770-992-7184

I need to find a different management program for our shop. I want software that will not allow me to invoice out a customer until the cost of goods and parts vendor are recorded. Please tell me what you are currently using. What was the inital cost and what are any maintenance costs? Does it integrate with either Mitchell or Alldata for parts and labor?

Service 2000 by Genesis Four is the best software I have ever used. http://genesisfour.com/. It performs well with Mitchell, WorldPac,and Alldata. My book keeping is easy, keeps the technicians times and efficiency. The work sheets and invoices look very professional. I couldn't be happier.

Great discussion here !

with all the feedbacks from the beginning of this thread, i thought i'd be able to make an easy choice, but none of them are avalaible in french (i'd rather pick a a software discussed here, but i don't want to get into trouble with local laws, nor with picky customers).

so i'll have to analyse locally developped french software, but they're all on a monthly fee basis, i prefer to buy once.

I'm also a fan of Mitchell, then R.O.Writer.

You can also look at Baymaster & Invomax as solutions.

What do you think of Baymaster?

What do you think of Baymaster?

This is my first post on the forum but I am a long time lurker! I just wanted to chime in about Baymaster. Great software, EXCELLENT support! You get tons of capability for a reasonable price.

This is my first post on the forum but I am a long time lurker! I just wanted to chime in about Baymaster. Great software, EXCELLENT support! You get tons of capability for a reasonable price.

Thanks, a demo is headed my way. GLAD you decided to join. Don't be a lurker any longer.