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  • Site Administrator

    Administrator
    November 4, 2019 at 8:03 am

    Matthew, the answer to this is going to be highly dependent on what you want the software to do for you. Shops vary greatly. Owners want different things even when the shops are similar. We suggest:

    1: Make a list of features that are important to you.

    2: Review the comparison chart and see which software systems fit your list.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lRLSF-4f5VBaXMv4m_fAs4Vj0J5mzqg82Dk0bMTlRwE/edit#gid=350300638

    3: Look at the detailed survey results for the ones you selected and narrow your list down further.

    Survey results

    4: Contact the ones remaining and ask for a demonstration.

    5: Ask questions in the forums on this site.

    Software is arguably the most important piece of equipment that you will purchase, so it is worthy of spending the effort to get it right.

    Good luck!

  • JeffreyD

    Member
    November 5, 2019 at 3:16 pm

    Matthew

    I agree with Tom in making a list of what you want, in additional to that put them in order of importance.
    It may not be possible to get everything at your price point. You may have to let some things go.
    But also realize once you pick a system it can be difficult to change to another system without losing some information, re entry of some info, not to mention the time and even downtime of the system.

    With that in mind one thing I would recommend is take full advantage of the trial period. Use the system exactly the way you would in the shop. Try every aspect of the software.
    If you have anyone else that will use the software have them try it as well.

    I am a one man shop also and I researched all the software out there when I started but ended up with software that’s just OK. I wish I had spent more time in the trial period.
    Sorry I don’t have a software recommendation.

    Jeff

     

  • Greg Minnick

    Member
    November 5, 2019 at 3:23 pm

    We like ShopWare. I’ve tried several.

    -Cloud based, so you can access it anywhere on anything

    -Easy to add pictures and videos to document things

    -Paperless

    -Easy to create custom inspections and checklists

    -Regular updates

    -The owner of the company also owns a repair shop and knows what we are up against.

    -Customers can access the repair order online and approve work online; easy documentation when work is approved

    -Easy to learn

    That’s the quick list of what I like. Good luck.

  • Rick White

    Member
    November 6, 2019 at 1:16 pm

    Matthew,

    Before you start looking at software programs, I strongly recommend coming up with a list of musts, a list of wants, and a list of like-to-haves from a software system. The reason I say this is because it’s very easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles you’ll see in a demo possibly causing you to make a decision on a system that doesn’t really meet your needs.

    I hope this helps!

    Rick

  • mtnmods

    Member
    November 8, 2019 at 12:03 am

    Huge leap. I’ve been through 11 software changes over the years. I am happy to say that Shop-Ware has been phenomenal in many ways. Not traditional, mind you, but amazing overall. You’re embarking on a huge move potentially, I encourage you to call many shops. You’ll never make a great decision based on forum comments or ratings. You may reach me at

    https://www.simmonsauto.com/.

    ask for Dean RE: shop software and I’ll make sure you get to me. Please again, contact a lot of shops. All software is a compromise but many of those compromises are simply a change in approach to your end game.  Hopefully I’m not crossing forum etiquette barriers here providing contact info. Again, please take your time and have many conversations.

  • jbrenn77

    Member
    November 10, 2019 at 3:56 pm

    I like the YES system by Pace software.  Been using it since 2006.  As others said, make a list.  Then research.  Then demo.  It will take time.  The yes system doesn’t look as flashy as some of the others but it’s capabilities are huge and I’ve never lost data.  Support is good.  Scalable from one shop to as many shops as you want.  800-336-1615.  Ask for Dave.

  • John Burkhauser

    Member
    November 11, 2019 at 8:37 am

    All of the above are great ideas and points.  Additionally I’d seek out a shop that is currently using the software you are considering.  See it in Real action in a real environment.

    There is no perfect solution.  Find the on the fits you best.

  • Shane Vasquez

    Member
    November 11, 2019 at 9:00 am

    Someone already said is but shops are. Found some interesting info as well. One day a Bosch rep stopped by. Apparently they are now the largest holder of stocks in the company. Software is so good they bought up as much as they could.

  • Vincenzo

    Member
    November 12, 2019 at 11:54 am

    Hello I’m getting to the point of needing a shop management program . Seems to be many to choose from . I’m small independent shop owner working on just about everything cars trucks heavy equipment you name it I dont tend to turn down very much at all . Thanks in advance for recommendations an help on deciding which to choose

    I have used AutoTraker since 1997 and it does the job.  Simple program.

  • Mike

    Member
    November 12, 2019 at 11:56 am

    We changed to Shop Ware a year ago. We are a BCS and are very pleased with the product. Our customer base and staff like it alot.

    Call me if you have questions.

    Mike

    JB Import Automotive

    727 743 5951

  • STEPHEN BIELENDA

    Member
    March 13, 2020 at 11:29 am

    I use ro writer not bad its a lot of money I think I paid 15,000 I dont like the monthly  thing like from Mitchel

     

  • Unknown Member

    Member
    April 15, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    We’ve written a buying guide for shop management software that may help.

  • Vincenzo

    Member
    April 16, 2020 at 8:28 am

    Hello I’m getting to the point of needing a shop management program . Seems to be many to choose from . I’m small independent shop owner working on just about everything cars trucks heavy equipment you name it I dont tend to turn down very much at all . Thanks in advance for recommendations an help on deciding which to choose

    All depends on what you want to do with software program.  Inventory, sales tracking, etc. Many of these programs have trial periods.  Test them out but before you do that figure out what you need the program to do for you

  • STEPHEN BIELENDA

    Member
    April 16, 2020 at 8:59 am

    Matthew, the answer to this is going to be highly dependent on what you want the software to do for you. Shops vary greatly. Owners want different things even when the shops are similar. We suggest:

    1: Make a list of features that are important to you.

    2: Review the comparison chart and see which software systems fit your list.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lRLSF-4f5VBaXMv4m_fAs4Vj0J5mzqg82Dk0bMTlRwE/edit#gid=350300638

    3: Look at the detailed survey results for the ones you selected and narrow your list down further.

    Survey results

    4: Contact the ones remaining and ask for a demonstration.

    5: Ask questions in the forums on this site.

    Software is arguably the most important piece of equipment that you will purchase, so it is worthy of spending the effort to get it right.

    Good luck!

    we are using ro writer it a very intense program dont use alot of it I dint think there is one out there that does it all first thing is you need a company with good support second I want to own my program hate paying every month for some thing you  dont own had a big problem years ago with all data shop program never again

  • Vincenzo

    Member
    April 1, 2021 at 8:29 am

    I have used AutoTraker Plus since 1997 and have had no complaints

  • Mahesh

    Member
    March 26, 2024 at 7:59 am

    💬 My Experience with RAMP Garage Management Software

    Having used RAMP for over 8 years now, I can’t help but commend its reliability and effectiveness. From day one, it’s been my go-to solution for managing my garage operations seamlessly. Here’s why I swear by RAMP:

    Longevity and Evolution: I’ve seen RAMP grow and evolve since its foundation, adapting to the ever-changing needs of the automotive industry.

    All-in-One Solution: RAMP covers everything I need for efficient garage management, from customer communication to scheduling and feedback collection.

    User-Friendly Interface: Navigating RAMP is a breeze, with regular updates keeping it intuitive and up-to-date.

    Global Impact: It’s astounding to know that RAMP now serves over 10,000 garages worldwide, a testament to its effectiveness and scalability.

    Exceptional Support: Whenever I’ve needed assistance, the support team at RAMP has been prompt and helpful, ensuring smooth operations.

    In short, if you’re looking for a reliable, comprehensive, and user-friendly garage management solution, RAMP is the way to go. Highly recommend it to fellow garage owners! 🛠️🌟

  • Mark Alfred

    Member
    April 30, 2024 at 2:17 am

    Hello Matthew,

    Are you tired of juggling multiple tasks to manage your workshop
    efficiently? Look no further than 5iQ Workshop Software! As a seasoned
    user, I can attest to its effectiveness in streamlining operations and
    boosting productivity. Let me introduce you to some of its standout
    features:

    • Dashboard
    • Marketing AI
    • Mobile Apps
    • Customer and asset management
    • Workshop Management
    • Digital Inspection Report
    • Smart Scheduler
    • Reports

    Hope this will help you and if you have any doubts or questions feel free to ask me.

    Thanks,

  • Mike

    Member
    April 30, 2024 at 9:32 am

    Matthew,

    There are many things to consider with a service management system. We have been using Shop-Ware for 5+ years. Does that make it the best? Nope, but it works for us. The thing about these systems is not just what you want but what is the customers experience? No longer is the SMS just for your use, its about what the customer experiences in using you system. Consensus in my 20 Group is Shop-Ware or Techmetric. All of the programs do a 1000 functions and it is difficult to make a decision going in. My advise, get a program with a great DVI and customer communication platform. Making the sale and courting the customer is the top priority.

    Regards,

    Mike

  • Mike

    Member
    April 30, 2024 at 9:36 am

    I didn’t realize this was such an old topic. It just poped up in my email when there was another post.

    Mike

    • Site Administrator

      Administrator
      April 30, 2024 at 9:40 am

      You provided info that was not available at that time. We like new input!

  • Juan Garcia

    Member
    August 7, 2024 at 3:56 pm

    I have used programs such as Shopmonkey, ALLDATA, AutoRepair Cloud, Mitchell1, and Tekmetric. From my experience, I can say the following:

    AutoRepair Cloud: Offers excellent value for money, with numerous mobile applications for both clients and the shop. Although their diagrams are not the best, the functionality and mobile app support are impressive.

    Shopmonkey: Has many advanced features but can be a bit challenging to learn at first. It might be ideal for shops that need more complex functionalities.

    ALLDATA: Provides excellent access to technical data and repair manuals, but it can be expensive and not as intuitive for managing customers and daily tasks.

    Mitchell1: Very comprehensive in terms of data and technical support, but I found it lacking some workflow configuration features that I needed.

    Tekmetric: A good option with a modern design and many functionalities, but it can be more expensive than other options.

    Currently, I use AutoRepair Cloud due to its balance of price and functionality.

    • Carlos

      Member
      August 16, 2024 at 9:23 pm

      Te escribiré en mensajes privados si no te importa, me gustaría preguntarte sobre los servicios que ya has utilizado, en particular sobre ARC, ya que el período de prueba es de dos semanas, y me gustaría saber más detalles.

    • Juan Garcia

      Member
      August 20, 2024 at 6:36 am

      I don’t even know what else to say. Try it out for yourself, especially since there’s a free version of ARC available. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask, and I’ll help with what I know.

    • Carlos

      Member
      August 23, 2024 at 1:56 pm

      I’ve started using the free version of ARC, and so far, I have no questions. I’m getting familiar with the program. At the moment, everything is fine, but if any questions arise, I’ll reach out to you if you don’t mind.

    • Juan Garcia

      Member
      August 23, 2024 at 4:29 pm

      If you need anything, feel free to reach out. I’ll share what I know about AutoRepair Cloud.

    • Mahesh

      Member
      August 24, 2024 at 2:25 am

      I am quite happy with RAMP . No need

    • Carlos

      Member
      September 23, 2024 at 9:55 pm

      I’ve been using AutoRepair Cloud for more than a month, and overall, it’s a pretty good service. The affordable price is always a plus. I noticed that some guides and training materials are missing, although it’s not an issue for me. In general, if you compare it to more expensive alternatives like ShopMonkey, there is a difference, but from what I can see, it’s not that significant.

    • Mahesh

      Member
      August 23, 2024 at 8:43 am

      I’ve been using RAMP Garage Software for 6 years, starting with its initial web version, like many other software solutions. Now, it’s available on both Android and iOS, and it has significantly simplified our operations. It has streamlined management tasks for our employees, making everything much easier and more efficient. RAMP truly offers a simple yet effective management solution.

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