Quantcast
Jump to content


What Auto Repair Management Software are you Using?


Recommended Posts

Hello everyone,

 

Our shop currently uses Identifix. I dentifix allows your to type down the symptoms the car is having and automatically shows you what other mechanics did to fix the problem. Kinda of sounds like cheating but if you want to turn vehicles around quick, its great for business. If you have a check engine light on, you can always enter the codes and Identifix will tell you what part was replaced to fix that issue. Now alot of Auto Repair in Tracy like to guess which part might need replacement but Identifix actually allows you to start somewhere.

 

Best Regards,

Erik Gonzalez

Owner of EEE Auto Service & Towing in Tracy

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
  • 4 weeks later...

We use TireShop by Freedomsoft. Small company out of north carolina.  Awesome program, easy to use.  Great for service, quick lube, AND Tires!  Just integrated

with autotext.me digital inspections and texting.  Great price too!  About $300 per month.  They have about 300 users in U.S.

Edited by Richard Ehler
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Mitchell and RO writer are the market leaders. Integrate with many digital inspections, marketing companies, etc.  Probably can't go wrong with either one.

We use TireShop by freedomSoft, integrated with autotext.me for digital inspections. We handle 1,000 car per month flawlessly.  We have a quicklube, service, and tires all in one.

Edited by Richard Ehler
Link to comment
Share on other sites

starting protractor for the new general repair shop we are opening. Being a total "C" on the DISC profile at times I research the crap out of stuff including SMS. I have yet to really put the software in action however I have gone through hours of training and self study and wow what a great program. The drawbacks are there is a steep learning curve and the interface isn't that "pretty" but then again most every SMS is pretty ugly. Also it really requires you to use the software exactly how it was intended since there is integrated accounting within the system as well. It has A LOT of features which I was missing out on mitchell. Linear matrix, robust and custom reports, integrated accounting, etc etc.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

In my comparison TABS &  Winworks were the best value for my shop. My shop is small- 5 lifts, 4 empty bays, and a small yard (about 30-35 cars). TABS was easier to use but couldn't fix my duplicate ordering problem. Winworks is always pleasant and quick to take care of us.  And $50 / month for updates &  tech support is as reasonable as it gets. Many  people thrive on new technology, but I'd rather be sitting in my bass boat than stuck in front of a PC learning new programs & updates. This business dominated my time for years. Never again.  Missed too many ball games & school stuff with my kids. Now I do everything my way and on my schedule. Now it's time to  take my "grand kids" to the lake.......

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 8/2/2017 at 8:47 AM, mspecperformance said:

starting protractor for the new general repair shop we are opening. Being a total "C" on the DISC profile at times I research the crap out of stuff including SMS. I have yet to really put the software in action however I have gone through hours of training and self study and wow what a great program. The drawbacks are there is a steep learning curve and the interface isn't that "pretty" but then again most every SMS is pretty ugly. Also it really requires you to use the software exactly how it was intended since there is integrated accounting within the system as well. It has A LOT of features which I was missing out on mitchell. Linear matrix, robust and custom reports, integrated accounting, etc etc.

 

Did you manage to get any relief on their pricing?  They are a bit pricey at $400/month and another $250/month for digital inspections?    I like their base product, think I want to use it, but I am wondering about value?  The one thing that Protractor does is update their software.   They make updates every 2-4 weeks, adding new features and fixing problems, which I find to be a positive.  Even though they are cloud based, Canadian law mandates that us users maintain ownership of our data.  They allow you to download the database weekly and back it up in their cloud much more often.  (With cloud systems, one always needs to ask about data ownership, because this is not cut and dried in the US).   Also, Protractor is month-to-month, with no contract.   They believe in themselves.

I was ready to go with RO Writer, but I've started seeing a lot of internet noise regarding a total lack of response from their tech support on critical issues.  When you couple this type of problem with their insistence on a 3 year contract, it seems very dangerous.    Many using RO Writer are using their older software.  I'm guessing the growing pains are with their new SQL system because the complaints seem to have ratcheted up recently.   When I ask them about this issue, they dodge this question hard.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
I recieved an email today announcing AMS company stopped selling RO writer and switched to Protractor.  May want to check out why.  I did demo a while back seems pretty nice.
Probably because RO Writer corporate hated them. They bad-mouthed AMS when I spoke with them, making me think less of themselves as a result. AMS has a great online reputation for helping folks with RO Writer issues. I think that they were the last remaining RO Writer distributor. I'd imagine that AMS will offer great service for Protractor folks. I spoke with AMS, but they couldn't sell to me and handed me off to corporate.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I have used alldata for many years, and loved it. Tried Mitchell hated it was not easy to use. Started using Identifix and its a dream it helps with repair problems does estimates looks up parts with your suppliers price checks. I think the price is a little steep at $180.00 a month I think it could be less expensive. They even order us lunch and had it delivered to our shop. I don't think I could function without Identifix.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

Is anyone out there using Service Shop by Genesis 4? I have been with the company a long time, currently I'm considering upgrading to the new subscription based system but hesitate a bit. I would like to know if anyone has gone from the old buy software version and pay for support compared to the new subscription based system. I also have had years of issue with them about updates they said would be coming but never showed up. If someone has it and can let me know what they think I will appreciate it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

We’ve used ROWriter since we started and it is has been a great product with great support....until recently....  With Windows 10 came a variety of issues, especially when Windows 10 updates.  Lately when we have a issue and it needs to go to a second tier of support, it’s taken up to a week to get a call back.  Support from the head office in Florida or one of the US Based remote techs is much better than the support I’ve had from their Mexico support team.   

We are trying to find time to evaluate Protractor.  What we’ve seen is impressive but there are a series of modules you HAVE to finish before going live and simply finding the time to do this is difficult for a small shop owner with a young family.  (8 o’clock at night is not my best time for absorbing new information).  The learning curve is steep.

ROWriter has a great product.  We wish they would go cloud based and up their support expertise.  We have a lot of money invested in the product and we hate to walk away from it but the frustration level keeps rising.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm using Protractor.   They do frequent updates and have been quick to fix things that break which are serious in nature.   You can't call tech support, but they do call me back if the issue is too complex to reply/resolve via email.   I especially like their reporting system.  It's pretty thorough and you can customize them as well.    Most of the challenges that I have with it are in the accounting section and the inability to correct all the errors that I routinely make!   (there are work arounds, but I'd prefer actual corrections)   I got started by watching all of their training videos and practicing in their demo system.    Anyway, let me know if I can help you answer any questions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 7 months later...
On 8/4/2017 at 2:43 PM, prestigeeuropean said:

Has anybody tried Shop Boss?

I spent months researching and test driving 44 different SMS solutions before opening up January 2nd this year. I ultimately settled on Shop Boss and couldn't be happier. The price, support, and features are far above and beyond everything else I tried. My ideal features I needed/wanted included email/text, cloud based, unlimited applications/users, and a modern interface. If I have any gripes at all, I don't care for their parts integration (partstech/epicor/nexpart, although the worldpac integration does work well), and I'm not a fan of Motor for repair information, and that's all they offer. I opted for the silver plan (without repair information) and just pay for that separately. Silver plan is $159/month.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 hours ago, DUFRESNES said:

Sounds like you did your homework.  Good for you.  I just have a couple questions.  Does it integrate with Quick Books.  Is it an everything solution.  Does it start by writing the work order and or estimate to the end  of a profit and loss and Balance sheet. 

Yes, it does integrate with Q.B., although I haven't tested that functionality. It has most of the same features built in, and I rely on it 100%, beginning to end.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

         0 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
      Enhancing Shop Operations with John Heller of PartsTech
    • By carmcapriotto
      What if there's a fire in your shop? An oil spill? A natural disaster or God forbid, a death? How do you prepare for that? Well, This week, Hunt talks about preparing for the unexpected:
      Vision Expo: Hunt shares experiences and insights from attending the Vision Expo in Kansas City, emphasizing the importance of community and industry events. Importance of Preparedness: The significance of being ready for unforeseen incidents, such as theft or natural disasters, affecting auto repair shops. Insights from Roundtable Discussions and Classes: Valuable lessons from discussions and classes, including managing risks and implementing preventive measures. Understanding Insurance Coverages: The necessity of comprehending what business insurance covers, identifying coverage gaps, and making sure you have comprehensive protection. Preventive Measures Against Risks: Steps to minimize risks associated with fires, accidents, and other potential threats to auto repair shops. Contingency Planning: The need for having a solid contingency plan to tackle unexpected situations effectively. Financial Readiness and Strategic Planning: Emphasizes the role of financial preparedness and strategic planning in fostering long-term success and stability for auto repair shop owners.  
      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 carmcapriotto
      This week, Hunt takes a deep dive into the hot-button issue of price increases within the auto repair sector. He offers a nuanced examination of vendor pricing, market dynamics, and the psychological elements of setting rates in your business. With examples from real-life scenarios, this episode is a treasure trove for auto repair shop owners striving for balance between profitability and customer loyalty in today’s volatile economic climate.
      • The Psychology of Pricing: Unpacking the reaction to vendor price increases and what it reveals about our own pricing strategies.
      • Market Dynamics: Exploring the balance between cost, value, and competition in the auto repair industry.
      • Strategic Decision-Making: How to navigate the complexities of pricing decisions to ensure business growth and sustainability.
      • Real-Life Examples: Actual examples from a shop owners' group debate to illustrate broader industry challenges.
      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
      The Basics of Owning An Auto Repair Shop - Part 5
    • By carmcapriotto
      Mike Ragsdale is the founder of the 30a Company, and he has an incredible story of being called out by his kids when they got tired of hearing him talk about his dream life without ever pursuing it. This is an incredibly inspiring episode that may result in you exploring how you can create a life you don’t need to escape from.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 
       
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Similar Tagged Content

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...