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Thinking of switching repair information provider


Repair Information  

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I am thinking of leaving Alldata for Identifix. They are now carrying all of the repair information, and their other services have always been great, I just had a hard time to justify having two programs at once as they can be expensive for me to run both. But it now looks like identifix could replace alldata completly. Looking for input guys, thanks. I would continue to use alldata for my management program only.

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We use Alldata, identifix, and Motologic. Definitely don't need all three. I like motologic and if I just cancelled Alldata the guys would learn to navigate motologic. There biggest complaint is they have a harder time finding the information they need in Motologic. I think it's more of we have always used Alldata so that's what they are accustomed to. I find it hard to justify the almost $400 for Alldata vs the $110 for Motologic. I do think you need at least two.

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We use Motologic, Identifix and just signed up for ProDemand. The Motologic is really nice. Genuine OE service data. It isn't reformatted at all. Their wiring diagrams are also really slick. And it's affordable. But I might drop it. Just signed up for Mitchell1 Team Works with Manager SE and ProDemand due to the fact that they are all integrated. I'll work with ProDemand for a bit to get used to it and may drop Motologic in the future. Identifix is a no brainer, couldn't live without it. Also really like iATN.

 

AJ

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We use Mitchell manager as the POS system, the estimator is fast and easy. It comes with prodemand which IMO is too slow to navigate. Identifix and iatn are invaluable as diag helpers! Because we are a true general repair shop there's no way we can be experts on every make and model, identifix gets us up to speed fast. Iatn helps when we are desperate, its tough to get past the users personalities.

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I enjoyed a free 3 month trial of Identifix when I bought my generic scantool. It was pretty good, but there were holes in specific brands/models. Very user friendly interface though, and direct hit is gold.

 

Once my free trial ended, I went back to my typical stuff. OEM tech sites.

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Oh I forgot to add that their info request is a complete joke. Supposedly, what they don't have available right on the website, they can attain through their "archives" and email to you. That's great, the problem is the ppl who fetch you the info are NOT mechanically inclined, or savvy. Identifix claims these are industry professionals, but that is inaccurate. They are just call center CSR.

 

I once had an oddball job: my associate's sister's car a 00 Rodeo. I needed diagrams of the intake water plumbing. The guy sent me fuel injection diagrams, and transmission cooler diagrams. After going back and forth with the guy, he was only able to fetch me radiator, and radiator hose diagrams, and told me there was nothing under the intake water related. Well I tore it apart, and quite the contrary.

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We have Mitchell Manager, use Alldata and Identifix. Did a recent trial of On Demand 5 and neither myself or our 2 techs found it to be useful. Harder to navigate and find info. It is less $ per month than Alldata but the lost time looking for what we need costs alot more $.

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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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