What is Auto Repair Software?
Auto repair software is a tool that helps technicians to streamline their day-to-day repair work and office tasks. Repair and service centres use these tools to maintain customer’s databases, view vehicles history, create maintenance schedules, manage the inventory of repair parts, etc.
It includes multiple features to help auto repair shops boost customer relationships, increase profit margin, and manage their workflow in one place. Auto repair shop software is most useful for auto repair shops, motorcycle shops, small engine repair shops, boat repair shops, etc.
Why Use Auto Repair Software?
Auto repair shop software is useful for automobile and repair shops in the following ways:
- Track Inventory
- Create Bills and Invoices
- Schedule Work Shifts
- Manage Spare Parts
- Set Billable Hours
- Create Performance Reports
- Manage Customer Database
- Automate Service Reminders
How Does Auto Repair Software Work?
Auto repair software is a tool designed to meet the management requirements of operating an auto repair shop. It enables users to oversee each aspect of the business with multiple tools. It automates multiple tasks such as billing, invoicing, sending alerts, scheduling appointments, etc.
The platform works by integrating with multiple programs such as CRM, inventory management, and Point of Sales (POS) system to meet the complex management requirements of repair and service companies.
Key Features of Auto Repair Software
There are multiple features users get in auto shop software including;
- Billing and Invoicing: The tool enables users to create all the bills and invoices for the repair and maintenance services rendered. It can also help in processing the payment received from customers.
- Workflow Management: Car repair software helps users maintain everyday workflow. Users can easily assign tasks to their technicians, fix work orders, and prepare invoices once the work is completed.
- Service History Tracker: Software for auto dealership enables users to record and maintain the service history within a single database. This service history can be used to look at the service details if any customer revisits the repair shop.
- Set Service Charge: Auto repair shops can set billable rates and costs per hour for multiple types of services. The software enables customers to learn about the cost they need to pay for a particular service.
- Quotes and Estimations: Users can easily view database of the workforce and repair parts. It enables users to estimate the final cost of repair and maintenance services. Moreover, users can also send and receive quotes for their services through this software.
- Inventory Management: The inventory management feature enables workshop owners to track and manage inventory across multiple shops and warehouses. They can track the availability of auto repair parts when there is any need.
- Customer Relationship Management: CRM makes it easy for users to manage all their customer's database on a single platform. This will enable users to easily search phone numbers, vehicle numbers, photo IDs, etc., for repeat customers.
- Scheduling: Repair shops can easily schedule appointments with their customers and send reminders via email and message. They can also create workers' login to schedule tasks.
Benefits of Auto Repair Software
There are multiple benefits of using auto repair software, such as:
- Easily to Decode Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Auto repair software makes it easy for users to decode the VIN number. With the decoding of this number, users can obtain information about vehicles, such as model number, history, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
- Better Customer Experience: The system helps enhance customer experience by providing them with estimated service cost and service time in advance. Moreover, it stores all the customer data, including repair issues, enabling them to work faster and reduce the turnout time.
- Easy to Track Workers' Performance: The system helps users to keep track of their employees' work and measure their performance. This will enable users to focus on the areas that need improvement, thereby improving the work efficiency of the workers.
- Improved Communication: The system helps in improving communication between the staff and employees. Your staff can easily access the information of customers and vehicles in real-time. Real-time information will help your staff stay updated about the repair status, eliminate work duplicity, and improve customer service.
- Track the Company’s Performance: Automotive workshop management software aids users to measure the performance of their company. By tracking metrics such as sales pattern, profits, parts orders, number of customers, and technicians' productivity, auto workshops can identify the areas for improvement.
- Automates Multiple Tasks: Software for small auto repair shops enables users to automate most business tasks such as sending reminders, billing, invoicing, etc. Automating all these tasks enables users to focus on productive tasks like increasing profits and improving marketing strategies.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Auto Repair Software
The users need to consider the following determinants to find the right auto repair software for their business requirements.
- Integration: It should integrate with CRM, inventory, and POS systems to improve work efficiency.
- Scalability: The software should be able to scale itself in the future when the business expands.
- Deployment Option: Users need to decide whether they need on-premises or cloud base software.
- Analytics: The system should be able to analyze different data types to generate reports.
- Features: Ensure it has all the features to streamline your workshop’s operations.
- Price: Choose from paying upfront or pay per use basis, depending on the number of users.
Trends Related to Auto Repair Software
Some of the trends users can expect in auto repair software include:
- Mobile Accessibility: Mobile accessibility enables auto repair shop owners to manage all their key functionalities like creating invoices, scheduling appointments, and updating service history straight from their smartphones. Therefore, helping them to work from remote locations.
- IoT Integration: IoT integration with vehicles can help users to easily identify their repair and servicing needs. In addition to that, it will also direct drivers to the nearest auto repair shops if there is any issue.