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Posted

So how many folks have RO Writer and what are your opinions. I've used it and am pretty familiar with it. I am curious if they every released their update they've been talking about and also how you use recommended services. When I was using ROW I did not like how recommended services worked. It was very limiting. Are any of you using ROW and Bolt on Technology together. I'd like to know how well they integrate with eachother.

 

Thank you in advance,

Dan

Posted

RO Writer and Bolt On do not work together. I made the mistake of trying them and now I am looking for something else. They will tell you they integrate but they don't.

Posted

Thank you Andre. I just heard from a friend recently that works with one of the companies and they told me the same. If you don't mind me asking are you keeping ROW? I've been told ROW has there own tablet / smartphone product. Also how do you use the recommended services on ROW? When I was using it at another shop we had a real struggle with revolving maintenance and the customer getting their reminder (i.e. spark plugs, flushes, timing belts all specific to their car and their mileage).

Posted

We use RO Writer and Auto Vitals. We have been very happy with the capabilities of the combination of these 2 companies. RO Writers electronic inspection platform is way - way behind Auto Vitals or Bolt On's platforms.

Posted

That's awesome. Thanks for the input guys. Can either of y'all let me know how you work around ROW's lack of recommended services. One of the few aspects that I like about Mitchell is their recommended services. I'm trying to figure out which way I'm going to push my owner on this. So your input is greatly appreciated.

Posted

I'm not sure what you mean by ROW's lack of recommended services. Recommended services for future visits are picked up from the checklist in ROW, declined services on an invoice, from the time/mileage recommendations you set for routine services(oil changes, tire rotations etc) and from the manufacturers maintenance schedule. Am I missing something?

Posted

What I remember about ROW is that I couldn't get revolving services to be on each of every customers cars. In Mitchell I can have spark plugs, timing belts, trans flushes, etc all in each vehicle with their next date and milage in the recommended service so that the bolt on technology could then send out a reminder when it's due. Will ROW do the same. The checklist from what I remember was very generic and limited.

  • Alex changed the title to RO Writer Questions and Opinions

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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