
Got the Shop Management System Blues? Get Tekmetric
Life got a lot easier for auto repair shops when Tekmetric introduced their Shop Management System software. The system is set up to be used by anyone from a one-man garage to a multi-facility franchise and is intended to handle the operations of the entire shop, from scheduling customers to sending them a text message when their vehicle is ready. And better yet, the software is free through the end of the year, so you still have a couple of months or so to check it out and fully use it – everything, not just a demo version but the entire unlimited version – without any obligation, fine print or strings.
Tekmetric
The Tekmetric shop management system was built by Sunil Patel and Prasanth Chilukuri in response to their own frustrations with various software that was available for auto repair shops. As the founders of Motorwerks Autogroup in Houston back in 2007, they were well aware of the extra expenses and loss of time associated with the need to have multiple software programs that did not necessarily work well together. The Tekmetric software was born from that frustration and has quickly proven itself to be a popular shop system.
Tekmetric’s Digital Vehicle Inspection
The Tekmetric software is an excellent answer to the problems that arise with paper-based inspection systems. It is equipped with image capturing software as part of the inspection procedure so that the technicians can take pictures and video of the vehicle as needed to validate any damage or potential issues that the vehicle may endure in the future, such as tire wear or worn mechanical parts. Checking things off on a greasy paper makes it easy for technicians to skip procedures that they do not want to do, whereas the digital software eliminates that problem. Service advisors can also look at the inspection documentation to make sure nothing was missed. The system also allows for customers to receive automated texts or emails when services are due or when any potential vehicle issues arise, such as when the tires may be due for replacement.
Improved Process Workflow
One of the biggest wastes of a repair shop’s time is having to be on the phone trying to reach a customer, explaining why their vehicle needs additional services than what the customer originally thought, providing estimates and worst of all, dealing with an irate customer. With Tekmetric’s shop management system, the work order is instantly placed in the system and immediately available to the shop techs. Once a tech is done with the work order, the estimate can be sent to the customer via email or text. The advantage of this feature is that the customer has time to look over the estimate and make a thoughtful decision instead of feeling as though the service advisor is “putting them on the spot” with a phone call. Many customers in this situation will refuse services, but if given the chance to look over the shop’s information on the estimate sent to them, they become more agreeable to the shop’s advice. They may still be unhappy with the service that their vehicle needs, but customers do realize the importance of operating a safe vehicle.
Tekmetric’s shop management system will help with getting parts ordered, manage the inventory, schedule appointments, create and save as many users, suppliers and customers as needed, and the shop can customize all of their rates, fees and taxes while notifying customers of anything that is needed for their vehicle maintenance or repair. This is truly an all-in-one shop management system that eliminates the mess and waste that many shops have to endure with paper-based systems and endless phone calls.