So, let’s talk about real world shop life. It’s not easy running a small auto business.
You’re looking to be as efficient as possible but also don’t want to lose the craftsmanship your customers expect. Lots of independent mechanics would do well to think about work flow like general contractors do, especially with all the online tools available now.
Here are eight ideas to do so while keeping your service sharp and your day organized.
1. Get Organized With Digital Boards
Have you ever misplaced a repair order or “forgot” where a vehicle was in the lineup? Digital workflow boards can eliminate that problem.
These apps allow you to document when you are tracking vehicles, sharing tasks and checking on job status in real time, without sticky notes or tattered sheets of paper.
With mechanics documenting details in real time, your team members will always know where to go next without unnecessarily digging around in their memories. You will save time on every job and eliminate the parking lot shuffle!
2. Use Quick Payment Systems
No one likes to wait in line for a customer to work out payment, the old cash register just isn’t cutting it.
Digital payment solutions let you take cards, wallets or even phone payments right at your service counter.
For smaller jobs you can even text the customer a pay link. It puts money in your hands faster, and puts paying and checkout easier for everybody.
3. Talk Less, Text More: Real-Time Communication
It’s easy for stores to play phone tag with customers, and those five-minute hold times add up.
Try texting customers with updates.
Snap a picture when you find a problem and send it to them. You’ll get faster approvals, and customer will appreciate the clear communication.
Bonus, you have a written record for everyone.
Already, these three simple steps can save a boat-load of wasted time. Now let’s get into our technology upgrades, inspired by our counterparts in the construction industry.
4. Estimate Like a Contractor With GC Software
Mechanical contractors and general contractors face the same challenges every day.
They deal with parts, labor, sublet work and they need to provide quotes that look professional and clear.
Well, that’s where GC estimate software comes into play and it’s not just for builders!
Many invoice apps today allow you to create custom templates, save common jobs, and send estimates directly.
Mechanical contractors were eager to use GC estimate software to create bids and change orders quickly without losing the time spent collecting and recording information.
Can you imagine having that kind of power in your shop? Goodbye hand-written guesstimates. You provide your customer with a clean, clear quote every time!
5. Inventory Control Apps
You’re out of oil filters again for a Toyota? Inventory apps track what you have, tell you when you’re getting low, and identify slow-moving inventory gathering dust.
You can set auto-reorders for the common parts, eliminating the last-minute rush to your parts supply store. The next time a tech opens a work order, they won’t be digging through the shelf trying to hunt down the correct gasket.
Let’s go even deeper and examine a few adjustments that will help maintain your quality while saving time.
6. Maintenance Schedules for Your Shop Tools
Shops work better with machines that are well maintained. Set up digital maintenance reminders for lifts, alignment racks and air pales to help keep the shop running and your machines in working order.
When the machines are operating properly, the techs spend much less time determining what weird noise or malfunction is occurring, and everyone’s safety is better maintained too.
7. Standard Procedures for Repairs
Have you ever had every technician perform the same job in a different way? Create cheat sheets with common repairs and best practices into concise step-by-step guides.
Standardizing your process, like a good general contractor, minimizes mistakes and makes troubleshooting faster.
Bonus Pro- Tip: Save time by engaging in a quick team huddle to address smaller challenges before they snowball into bigger headaches. Listen to your team and note fixes before you waste valuable time.
It’s Not Just About Going High Tech
Every organizational step you take should reflect your shop’s personality. What’s important is to minimize confusion and have everyone moving in the same direction.
If contractors can coordinate concrete, painting, and drywall crews during the same week using the right apps, mechanics can do the same thing with their workflow. Just start with one improvement and see how it impacts your day.
Your shop operates smoother, your customers take notice, and at the end of it all you might get home a bit earlier.