Quantcast
Jump to content

Who are using for digital inspections?


Recommended Posts

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

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. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         5 comments
      I recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
      Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
      Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
      Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
      Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”
  • Similar Topics

    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 154 - Dissecting Conversations and Conversion Rates Using AI with Stan Stokes
    • By carmcapriotto
      This week on Business by the Numbers, I want to talk shop and share insights that hit close to home for every garage owner out there. Today, I’m talking about an often overlooked aspect of your business - the true cost of inaction. Not just the dollars and cents you count every day, but the opportunities you might be missing out on.
      • The Hidden Expenses: The not-so-obvious costs tied to decision-making in your shop. From choosing between internal work vs. retail work to the long-term effects of quick fixes
      • Opportunity Cost Explained: Ever wondered about the cost of sitting on your couch instead of grabbing that $100 helping a buddy out? Opportunity Cost: It's all about what you're missing out on by choosing one option over another.
      • Real-life Examples: From loaner cars to hiring decisions, I aim to illustrate how overlooking opportunity costs can have a tangible impact on your bottom line.
      And hey, if you're hitting up Kansas City for Vision 2024, swing by and say hi. I'll be there, ready to chat and share insights in person. See you out there!
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 140 - The Cost of Safety Negligence in the Auto-Industry With Brandon Dills
    • By carmcapriotto
      Today on Business by the Numbers, Hunt explores key strategies for enhancing business success through effective team management and development, as well as the long-term benefits of strategic employee management and development for sustained business success.
      • Strategic Value of Team Retreats: Insights into how team retreats and paid time off (PTO) contribute to employee satisfaction and business growth.
      • Collaboration in a Hybrid Work Environment: Adapting to modern work models and the importance of in-person collaboration for team dynamics.
      • Investing in Employee Well-being and Training: The critical role of continuous training and employee appreciation in boosting productivity and profitability.
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
       
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By nptrb

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.



  • Our Sponsors










×
×
  • Create New...