Repair order rack source

[Jimbob661]

We use a plastic folder that we keep the tech worksheet and keys in until the job is finished. Then the invoice is placed in the folder with keys so everything is together when the customer picks up their car. I want to install a repair order rack to place the folders in to free up some space on my counters and make them easier to find. The problem I'm having is that all the racks I find are not "thick enough" to hold the keys with the folder. Some companies offer a rack where one hangs the keys beside of the repair order. I would prefer to keep it all together, I guess I'm funny that way. Any suggestions on a potential source?

[John Pearson]

just go to the office supply store and they a have some that mount to the wall.

[KMS]

Sound like you have a problem with locating the correct keys. Just tag your keys and add the number to the repair order. I just use the slotted racks for the paperwork and hang the tagged keys where the slot wraps around. Makes it easy. I have also seen companies use a large singe file rack that they put all their folders and keys in. You can try that. It should be cheap enough to try.

[mikerisich]

Hi Jimbob,

 

It sounds like key tags might help with better organization. Our Lube Sticker Pro software prints personalized tags for customer keys which includes customer name, vehicle, VIN, license plate and other details such as when the customer needs to have the vehicle work completed. Please reach out if I can help answer any questions or provide more information.

 

 

[mspecperformance]

Mike it should be noted that the static cling printer that is the more expensive option cannot print out key tags. Unfortunately this was something I found out months later when I got around to asking about how to print key tags. Still love the product, just a bit bummed I was never told this before choosing the static cling GoDex printer

[Shopcat]

I set up a shop that had no previous key control program that works well to this day. Its based on the last number of the repair order. Get a 4 foot by 4 foot piece of thin plywood, mount in a convenient place and evenly space cup hooks from left to right with numbers 1thru zero above them, do 4 or 5 rows from left to right descending down the board leaving room for a set of keys in between.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

* * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * *

The rule is the keys are hung on the board before dispatching, and returned to the service advisor when done, and he will return them to the correct hook. Anyone on your staff can find keys in a jiffy. Low buck, effective and professional.

[Jimbob661]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I found a company who has a nice rack with key holder for a good price.

[b1qwkbird]

Please share what company. We have been looking for this and everything seems ridiculously priced

[alfredauto]

I bought a magazine rack from auction that came from a school library. I use clip boards, key goes on the clip board with the RO, it goes back when completed. Its 5 tier rack, cars that are done move to the bottom slot, news arrivals go on the top. They move down as they progress. It works for about 20-25 clip boards. Cheap and easy, no tags to buy. Keys have to stay with the clip board, piles of keys is bad.

[uniautoser]

I got some from McMaster-Carr.com its the cheapest I have found. They are good thickness and i installed the keys holders on the side of the invoice holder. not bad for the price.

[xrac]

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[ajnealey]

Mike it should be noted that the static cling printer that is the more expensive option cannot print out key tags. Unfortunately this was something I found out months later when I got around to asking about how to print key tags. Still love the product, just a bit bummed I was never told this before choosing the static cling GoDex printer

 

I just purchased a Dymo printer to also start printing key tags with Bolt On. During training, a suggestion was made to also use the key tag printer to label parts as they come in for RO's. Really good idea. Get ours key tag printer this week. We use the Zebra printer for OC stickers.

 

AJ

[Bockauto]

Mspec I had the same problem with bolt on. I really wanted to be able to print key tags.

[SMMotors]

I got the dymo printer for key tags and a zebra for my lube stickers for using with Bolt On. The dymo cost me a whooping $100. It's great because I can print my key tag and lube sticker from my tablet and phone while I'm walking in from getting the mileage from the car.

 

We have racks assigned to each tech which we keep the signed RO and all receipts together. Each tech has a color. I have 7 racks. One for each tech, one for waiting for parts, waiting for approval, and one for completed tickets. On that one I have a strip of woof that has cup hooks that we put the completed work order and keys next to it.

 

No looking like an idot when you cash out the customer and can't find the keys. It's nice because if the paperwork is done and hanging up, a quick look and the keys better be up there. We also park the completed cars in a special section so looking at the lot, I know what's completed the I can spot check the rack and make sure the office is doing their job.

 

 

The racks are also nice because I know what's going on in the shop if I'm not in front of my computer.

[flacvabeach]

I know that not everybody is ready for it, but we recently went paperless with autovitals DVI and smartflow to manage about 120 cars per week and haven't missed the clipboards and paper forms for techs, etc. We have have used handwritten string tags for keys for the past 12 years. Cheap and effective.