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Posted

We have been using bolt on technology for about 6 months now and love it, and the customers love it.  Plus with easy access to pictures of the before and after repairs is worth it for any potential future problems.  No longer is there lost tech sheets blowing around in the shop, and overall better communication between the techs and office staff. Monthly cost is $299 for the service, and we bought samsung galaxy tab a for about 139 each, plus bought screen protectors and casesat about $20 per tablets, and then there is a $79 configuration fee per tablet that is a one time fee.  Not super cheap to setup and get going but the befits and increased revenue is huge.  We performed very through inspections and have seen our average RO go up almost $50.  So yah its paid for it self many times over.

Posted

I have looked at AutoVitals and Bolt On and am leaning towards Bolt On due how much it integrates into our ASA TireMaster system.  With AutoVitals, there was no two-way communication between that and TireMaster.  I wasn't keen on the separate monitor running the dashboard, but also couldn't see toggling between windows at the counter on one monitor.  Bolt On is pricier, but they seem to be a quickly growing company with lots of positive feedback/reviews.  The guys doing the demo had deep knowledge of the product and did an interactive demonstration with me, whereas AutoVitals was just a smoke and mirrors sort of presentation.  I, too, am curious to hear everyone else's thoughts on this topic.  Are there other decent options out there I haven't seen yet??? Are Bolt On and AutoVitals the only games in town?

Posted

We started using Bolt On in Feb and we are glad we went to it. A few thousand to set up, but worth it. Our ARO went up $50+ because of the more consistent inspection process. It was not easy to implement, we had a very consistent work flow process before and the digital demands a total reworking of the work flow process. It was a challenge, but worth it.

Posted

I have used AutoVitals and Bolt On. Bolt on is miles ahead of AV in my opinion. Bolt On is much more intuitive and easier to implement, especially if you use Mitchell.

Posted

I think it really depends on which company has full integration with the shop management software you are using.  If the digital inspection does not have full integration with the shop management software, you will lose out on a lot of functionality.

  • Like 2
  • 3 months later...
Posted

I have shop management software that isn't integrated with either. They are developing their own digital inspection form and it's buggy. Just switched two years ago to this shop management software and I love it - except for not having any integrated inspection after market product. Ironically, the software I switched from IS integrated with Bolt On and Autovitals. Ouch...

Thinking of using a digital inspection form separate from our shop management software. Not ideal but if I can improve ROA and sales it will be worth it. 

  • 2 weeks later...

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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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