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Modern Shop Management Software

nkabbara
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nkabbara Rookie

nkabbara

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Hello All,

 

My brothers and I have been running a car dealership for the last 10 years and are looking into expanding into the auto repair side of things. I started my research into Shop Management Software and boy is the market saturated! I've gone through at least 60 applications and 11 demos. The following systems made my short list (order irrelevant):

 

Each one of these has their pros and cons, but I felt like Andrioli's HITS Auto Repair would be the best fit for us. I was surprised that they aren't mentioned anywhere here on the forum. I suspect it's because they started as a tire shop management app.
Has anyone here tried them? Pros? Cons?
Thanks in advance!
-Nash
nkabbara Rookie

nkabbara

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Looking at the HITS site I only see a management system. What will you use for repair data? I use Mitchell and have for a long time. Its not everything for everybody but it works well for me.

 

Hi Jeff, for repair data either AllData or Mitchell. HITS will pull the Mitchell labor rates in for pricing purposes, but no more than that.

mikerisich Community Regular

mikerisich

Posted
Posted

 

Hello All,

 

My brothers and I have been running a car dealership for the last 10 years and are looking into expanding into the auto repair side of things. I started my research into Shop Management Software and boy is the market saturated! I've gone through at least 60 applications and 11 demos. The following systems made my short list (order irrelevant):

 

Each one of these has their pros and cons, but I felt like Andrioli's HITS Auto Repair would be the best fit for us. I was surprised that they aren't mentioned anywhere here on the forum. I suspect it's because they started as a tire shop management app.
Has anyone here tried them? Pros? Cons?
Thanks in advance!
-Nash

 

 

Hi Nash,

 

Nice to meet you!

 

You’re right about shop management systems, they each have their pros and cons, and none of them are perfect. The thing that matters most when deciding which direction to go is how you’re going to need it both presently and in the future.

 

For instance, you may want to enhance your shop management system down the road with something like digital multi-point inspections, or the like, and may not be to find a compatible solution if you’ve chose the wrong management system.

 

That being said, we have vast experience and knowledge with several of the top management systems on your short list. If you’d like, we be happen to give you thorough advice on which system may be right for you. We can be reached at 610-400-1019, press 2.

 

If you’re going to AAPEX/SEMA this year you can find us at the Mitchell 1 and Omnique booths. Here’s the info: http://boltontechnology.com/sema-and-aapex-2015-show

 

Hope this helps.

  • Like 1
nkabbara Rookie

nkabbara

Posted
  • Author
Posted

 

Hi Nash,

 

Nice to meet you!

 

You’re right about shop management systems, they each have their pros and cons, and none of them are perfect. The thing that matters most when deciding which direction to go is how you’re going to need it both presently and in the future.

 

For instance, you may want to enhance your shop management system down the road with something like digital multi-point inspections, or the like, and may not be to find a compatible solution if you’ve chose the wrong management system.

 

That being said, we have vast experience and knowledge with several of the top management systems on your short list. If you’d like, we be happen to give you thorough advice on which system may be right for you. We can be reached at 610-400-1019, press 2.

 

If you’re going to AAPEX/SEMA this year you can find us at the Mitchell 1 and Omnique booths. Here’s the info: http://boltontechnology.com/sema-and-aapex-2015-show

 

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you Michael. I'll be sure to call you before we commit to any of those.

 

 

-Nash

  • Like 1
  • 11 months later...
mikerisich Community Regular

mikerisich

Posted
Posted

Hey guys,

 

If you’re a Manager SE or ShopKey SE user, this is for you.

 

I want to give you a head up regarding a common break-down in productivity and efficiency that most shops are experiencing.

 

Long story short, if you haven’t taken the time to learn and customize your management system to be ready to produce the levels of results needed to push your daily operations forward, then you’re missing out on opportunities to help run a better business.

 

I want to be completely clear, this is an unnecessary struggle; one that is now completely avoidable thanks to a team of Auto Repair Veterans that we've been working with. Collectively they have over 50 years of experience, and have helped me develop an easy solution to this headache.

 

To learn about why this struggle exists and how to fix, check out Grow Your Business with Jump Start.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

ATLAuto Rising Star

ATLAuto

Posted
Posted

Out of your list, R.O. Writer is the best, BY FAR. I have researched every single one of these plus many more. Go with R.O. Writer - you will not look back.

 

I say this as a shop owner who has run MAM VAST for a number of years (VAST is used by tire stores, particularly Goodyear) and recently switched to R.O. Writer. It has improved every aspect of our business within 2wks of implementing it. I am beyond happy with it. PM me if you want any details.

Dmitry Newbie

Dmitry

Posted
Posted

You should look at this one as well.

FastTrak Auto Shop Management Systems

714-230-3960

www.fasttrakauto.com

Jeffrey Apprentice

Jeffrey

Posted
Posted

I don't see Pace on the list? We have been using them for almost 10 years. I like the preventive maintenance tracker. Its prints due dates and mileage on the invoice and allows you to send out emails or postcards with maint. due. If you have problems they are very quick to respond and resolve the issue.

I would recommend checking them out. http://www.pacecomputer.com/

mspecperformance Mentor

mspecperformance

Posted
Posted

cloud based SMS would be very helpful. Since the SMS market for our industry runs at a snails pace I wonder when more companies will adopt this. I would rather not worry about my database being wiped out by a cup of coffee.

  • 1 month later...
Trealubit Explorer

Trealubit

Posted
Posted

Bump on Omnique. Great system, cloud based and full of features. From appointments, reminders, productivity and efficiency tracking, parts ordering, text and email and more. Little pricey but totally worth it.

 

Check out RO writer as well. I liked it but not cloud based.

flacvabeach Community Regular

flacvabeach

Posted
Posted

After trying Alldata and NAPA Tracs years ago, we settled on RO Writer and added on Autovitals for workflow, DVI, website, CRM. We went the other way - from repair got into car sales and found the same situation - lots of DMS packages and how do you know which is best? We are using Comsoft MonyMaker because it is recommended by the Virginia Independent Auto Dealers Association. It's kind of old school but has good functional coverage and great support.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
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      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      Nearly every day, I hear shop owners complain: "There's a technician shortage. We can't find qualified people. There's no one out there." If that's true, then who's to blame?
      The industry? The schools? The government? I don't know how you feel, but who promised us an endless supply of qualified technicians?
      Another common complaint is that young people do not want to work in the trades. Well, if that were true, then why are other trades such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing growing? What are they doing that the automotive industry is not? 
      Here's the reality we need to face: We do have a problem, but we shouldn't look for someone or any entity to rescue us. Not the government. Not the trade schools. Not the recruiting companies. No one owes us a workforce. If we want great people in our industry, it's up to us. At some point, we need to own up to the truth: Building a pipeline of qualified technicians is our responsibility.
      In this blog article, I will break down the key reasons we are in this situation today and what we, as an industry, can do to solve the technician shortage. Are you ready to look in the mirror?
      Have We Pushed Technicians Away?
      Let's take a look at flat-rate pay. True flat rate, which pays a technician only for the hours they produce, is a controversial pay plan that emphasizes high production levels and creates a competitive work environment that, if not properly controlled, can lead to increased mistakes and a decline in morale and team spirit. Additionally, the stress and physical demands placed on technicians as they age are not favorable to long-term employee retention. What do we do with technicians as they grow older into their fifties and begin to slow down? 
      I have heard all the arguments and pros and cons of flat-rate pay, and I am not going to judge any pay plan. Let the facts speak for themselves. True flat rate has changed in most areas around the country and has evolved into a pay plan that gives technicians some pay guarantee.
      Many shop owners have learned that team morale, along with the opportunity to earn income, is important to technicians and to the company's long-term success. But let me ask you: how many technicians have left or been pushed out over the years because of the old flat-rate pay system?
      Another issue is the workplace environment. I remember being grateful to be hired as a young technician at a local repair shop. While very thankful, the work environment was not ideal. The shop owner kept the bay doors open year-round (I am from New York) unless it rained or snowed. He felt that if the bay doors were closed, customers might think we were closed for business. We had no heat and no hot water. Many of the jobs were done outside, year-round,  in all types of weather. The starting pay was minimum wage, with no benefits, sick days, or vacation pay. 
      Now, again, I need to point out that I was truly grateful for the opportunity this shop owner gave me. I learned a lot working there, and the experience was pivotal in my career. But looking back, I wonder how many people were discouraged by these working conditions?
      While the physical demands of the repair workplace are daunting, perhaps even more critical is the culture. Too many of my generation shop owners preached the mindset of "my way or the highway." We were the business owners, after all. We started our companies, took all the risks, and provided jobs. Why shouldn't we be the ones to set the ground rules our way?   
      Many of us found over the years that the "my way or the highway" mentality was a sure way to isolate employees and make them more likely to look over the fence for greener grass. In other words, it led many technicians to seek employment elsewhere, where they felt they could be appreciated and recognized for their hard work. The issue, however, was that there wasn't much green grass around. Disappointment after disappointment, bouncing from repair to repair shop, eventually led to despair. So, I ask you: were workplace conditions a contributing factor in today's technician shortage?
      Another factor that we are all well aware of is the complexity of the modern automobile. When I started, the work was mostly physical, and you were required to master essentially three vehicle models: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Let's fast-forward to today. The evolution of automotive technology, along with the extensive training and tools required, has outpaced the typical technician's pay compensation, with no clear career path. Again, leading to frustration and insecurity about the future.
      Here is the bottom line: people don't leave their job; they leave their experience. We must do a better job. 
      The News Isn't all Bad; Your Next Steps to Fix the Technician Shortage
      To fix the technician shortage, it will take a combined effort from everyone in the automotive industry, particularly automotive shop owners. Shop owners are in the perfect position to make the greatest impact, not only on their businesses but also on the future automotive workforce.
      First, shop owners must become better leaders and understand that their ultimate success is directly dependent on the people they assemble around them. Any shop owner who mistakenly believes they can build an empire solely on their abilities is destined for serious disappointment. Business owners who think like this will eventually plateau. Without the collective contributions from a team of qualified people, your business will stall; it will not continue to grow.
      Create a workplace that attracts top talent: a clean, professional, well-equipped facility designed to support productivity, teamwork, and a career, not just a job. Build a great reputation in your community by getting involved locally. Become the auto repair shop that people take notice of as "the" place to work.
      Next, shop owners must become more financially knowledgeable. Knowing your numbers and what you need to achieve for a strong bottom-line profit is essential to paying technicians the money they need and deserve. Profit will also allow you to compete with other trade industries by providing a benefits package that has real take-home value and security.
      When it comes to culture, this is where the rubber hits the road. People crave recognition, praise, and a sense of purpose. Despite what you hear, people are not just money-motivated. Once people feel secure in their financial situation, retaining and motivating technicians can only be achieved by connecting with them on an emotional level. You cannot show enough appreciation. Give out praise for a job well done as if your business depended on it, because it does.
      As technicians age, we need to have a place for them. Expecting a 58-year-old to perform like a 35-year-old is unrealistic. We need to be more focused on career pathing. Provide training, skill development, and coaching to develop leaders and mentors within our older workforce. While their bodies may have slowed, the knowledge they have gained is priceless. 
      Our future is dependent on young people entering our industry. We need to give more young people opportunities. Every shop owner across the country should consider hiring an apprentice, then build an apprentice training plan and career path for them. If every shop did this, we could solve the technician shortage within five years. Get involved with the trade schools and high schools in your area. Look into the NAPA Apprenticeship Program. Don't sit on your hands with this one. Do it today.
      Lastly, don't get left behind. Commit to ongoing training for all your employees. Keep up to date with tools and equipment tailored to your business model. Don't try to be all things to all people and all vehicles. Identify your core profile customer and the vehicles they drive, and become an expert on those vehicles and the services you offer.

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