The Advent of Software for Auto Repair Shops
As newer and more sophisticated software applications have started appearing in virtually every industry, the automotive industry is no different. Recent years have found an increase in competition between developers who have made it their mission to create foolproof, versatile, and easy-to-use database-driven software for auto repair shops. AutoVitals was the first to create digital inspections in this industry although our first product was actually web. We have continued to pioneer and have become a company that other companies are trying to keep up with. Since our conception 7 years ago when we collected data via fax, we have experienced a continual and expansive growth of wireless technology, cloud storage solutions, and advanced security software. The Internet and all the users who experience it have led to a redefinition of web-based auto repair shop software on a large scale.
The Importance of Web Based Cloud Technologies
One of the first qualities that experts will point to when it comes to web-based technology for auto repair shops is the need for cloud-based solutions. The best providers already have highly secure, fast, and dependable cloud software platforms that work very well to replace dated scheduling, inventory, and even accounting solutions. The result is a well-oiled system that works extremely fast and operates over large areas. our current point-of-sale database integrations include:
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- MaxxTraxx
- *R.O. Writer
- **Mitchell1 (several variations – Manager SE, Teamworks, & ShopKey)
- *NAPA TRACS (Legacy)
- NAPA TRACS Enterprise
- *Lankar [Add-On only available for newer SQL version. Most shops have an older version and are incompatible)
- AutoFluent by TABs
- *VAST Enterprise by MAM Software
- *Winworks
- *ALLDATA Manage (not the online version)
- *YES by Pace Software
- CoStar
- *M.Key
- RepairWriter
- *Protractor (our recommended integration)
* Denotes that we have 2-way integration with the SmartFlow Add-On
** Mitchell1 must be version 6.0 or greater in order to have 2-way integration and all SmartFlow benefits.*
*** Testing with a select user base, not available for all users at this time
What to Consider Before Selecting an Auto Repair Shop Software
When choosing your software, it’s important to know what it’s supposed to do. For auto repair shop software, it is essential that the platform be fast and dependable, and in our opinion, all-encompassing, so you have one vendor for your website, your digital inspections, workflow, customer communications, and customer retention. This coverage of all touchpoints with one vendor allows you to leverage digital inspections across all other touchpoints making automatic messaging that includes unique images and videos of that customer’s vehicle and specific recommendations. The experience for the motorist is also seamless, they experience consistent branding, interface, and overall look and feel from your website and online request form as the updates, inspection, thank you, and follow-ups. They recognize you right away and because of the experience and transparency you provide, they trust you right away.
The Main Qualities of the Best Auto Repair Software
High-quality web-based software designed for auto repair shops is defined as accurate, dependable, and efficient. It is provided with an easy-to-use UI and a capable team of technicians. Customer support is essential during the first few weeks when the learning curve can be greater. There is an overall process change for the service writers as well as the technicians and this is to be expected. Leadership is necessary for successful implementation. Our training team provides very specific goals and metrics for the number of pictures taken per inspection and how many vehicles are inspected, as well as how many inspections get sent. Once technicians and service advisors know how to use the software, they will never want to let it go, their jobs have been simplified and the repetitive tasks that they used to have to remember are simply automated. AutoVitals is committed to staying in front of the automotive aftermarket industry and continuing to build products for and with actual shop owners, service writers, and technicians. With us, you get a complete development team that is willing to go the extra mile to offer customized, high-quality features, advanced well-designed reports, and an overall complete platform to cover every aspect of their customer touchpoint cycle and increase revenue to meet goals.
The Pricing of Auto Repair Shop Software
When it comes to web-based auto repair shop software, free offers aren’t too many. However, there is still plenty of affordable software out there, and much of it features free trial periods and discounts that act as incentives for prospective buyers. you can test out our free digital shop app and send inspections via text message. Also if you are a NAPA AutoCare center, you get our tablet-based integrated digital inspection platform SmartCheck at no monthly cost with only an initial setup fee to integrate with your database. If you wish to pay less at first and test out the whole process, we can help. We also have thousands of shops in North America so just ask us to refer you to a digital shop near you to see it in action, or give a fellow shop owner a call! If you run an auto repair shop, the initial investment for the installation of web-based auto repair shop software is minimal if you want the results to be minimal, but if you invest more, your results are guaranteed to be higher or you get your money back. We have complete confidence that you will find the total investment to be completely worthwhile.