Modernize Your Workflow Using Auto Repair Shop Software And Thrive in 2022

Innovations such as onboard diagnostics, computers, and the cloud have modernized the auto industry in the past decade. These auto repair shop software innovations will modernize this industry as we move into 2020.

Inventions have advanced human civilization, from the wheel to light bulbs. Innovations are still pushing us forward today.

Adapting to innovations has been a hallmark of success throughout history. This gave rise to those at the forefront of innovation, increasing their chances of success. Amazon is an example. Amazon was founded in 1998 to sell books online. Jeff Bezos was a pioneer in e-commerce and made Amazon the first to sell its products online. This is why Amazon has become a household name.

Auto repair is no exception. It’s important to adapt quickly to new technology for your chances of success. However, not all innovations will be successful. Even Amazon has seen some innovations fail (do you remember Amazon Destinations?) Amazon and other giant companies can continue innovating and failing.

Innovations in Auto Repair Shops

Many auto repair shops aren’t large enough to invest in unsuccessful innovations. It is important to think about what innovations you will embrace and avoid as a shop owner. If you are a shop owner, it is important to keep your eyes open for innovations and prepare your staff to adapt to them. Partnering with companies that can innovate and minimize risk for shops like yours will help you stand out and win more customers. Your status as an auto repair shop will not be lost.

What does it mean to have a modern auto repair shop? This is a complex question that requires a nuanced answer. Let’s start by looking at some of the most significant innovations that have influenced both the auto and repair industries. They helped to shape them into the industry they are today.

Important Innovations that Have Influenced the Auto Industry & Auto Repair Industry

Okay, we’ll be patient. We’ll start with the obvious. From horses to cars. It is difficult to determine who invents the automobile. The Library of Congress shows that different inventions led to the automobiles we use today. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, for example, created a three-wheeled military tractor in 1769 for the French army. Karl Friedrich Benz was the inventor of the first automobile with an internal combustion engine.

The point is that if it weren’t for Cugnot and Benz, we might have been riding horses and carriages much longer. The cars we drive today aren’t the same as the past cars (like Henry Ford’s quadricycle). Thanks to inventions like the internal combustion engine, diesel engine, and anti-lock brakes, cars have undergone many changes over the past decade.

What has all this innovation in cars meant? There are many things that auto repair shops can fix! The auto shops that adapted quickly to these changes could get ahead of the curve. Auto repair shops that noticed diesel engines becoming more common were able to get their technicians trained in diesel engine work, which allowed them to build distinct expertise and increase revenue.

What makes an auto repair shop modern?

Let’s go back to the question we asked earlier: What makes a modern auto repair shop?

Modern auto repair shops can anticipate and plan for technological changes in the auto, auto repair and related industries.

A modern auto shop saw smartphones as a valuable medium to communicate with customers. The shop owner might have asked service advisors to text customers photos of their cars at different stages of repair or to call to update them.

How can you make your auto repair shop more modern?

There are obvious benefits to modernizing your auto shop. Your shop will be more competitive; you’ll be more visible to your staff, and your revenue will increase. 

Auto Repair Shop Software: Modern Features

Two main categories will be used to describe the features and capabilities of modern repair shop software:

1. You and your team can work more efficiently with these features
2. You and your team can interact with customers more efficiently using these features

The modern features that we are about to discuss will ultimately free you to focus on the important things. Therefore, instead of worrying about the small details of running your shop, you can focus on the important aspects of growing your business.

Cloud-Based

Cloud-based repair software is the best option when you are comparing different options.

How a Cloud-Based Systems Modernizes Your Shop

Cloud-based software allows your team to work more efficiently and autonomously. Service advisors can access their phones to type in inspection notes; technicians can also use their smartphones to check for repairs while on the road. You can also work remotely from any location with internet access if you need to travel to attend a tradeshow or take care of a family matter.

Cloud-based auto repair shop software also has the advantage of managing high overhead costs like hardware purchases and third-party support staff. You can rest assured that all your data will be safe on the cloud, and your shop will not suffer data loss due to hardware failures. 

And all the invoices that you made using your auto repair invoicing software will be backed up on the cloud. This will help you when you need to get back to them in the future.

Modern cloud-based software

Modern auto repair software runs entirely in the cloud. This allows you to work from anywhere, anytime. They also allow unlimited users per shop, which is a great bonus. You won’t be charged extra if you hire additional service advisors or technicians.

Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI)

Digital vehicle inspections are modernized vehicle inspections. Customers can view photos and videos of the vehicle, determine the urgency of any repair and approve or decline jobs from their smartphone. As a result, this is another example of how technology has changed the auto repair industry.

How and why DVIs Modernize Your Shop

Digital vehicle inspections software makes it easier for technicians, service advisors, customers, and others to do their job. Technicians can now create inspections using their smartphones or tablet. Later on, service advisors can then create estimates and send them directly to customers’ phones.

Customers can approve or decline jobs from anywhere they are. Digital vehicle inspections speed up the approval process and reduce the chance of miscommunications between you and your customers. This builds trust between your shop your customers and allows you to sell more work.

Conclusion

You must keep your auto repair shop updated with auto repair shop software. This will help you lessen your workload and organize your auto repair shop more professionally.