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Have You Ever Changed from One SMS System to Another (shop management software)?
Two questions if you have switched:
1: Which software did you switch from – what was your old software?
2: Were you able to retain some kind of “read only” version of the old software at no cost so you could look up service history and other information?
#autoshopmanagementsoftware
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10 Replies
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We switched from Mitchell and later from Pace/Yes. (They were both good systems, but we were looking for a change.)
In both cases we were able to keep a read only version at no cost that gave us access to everything we had ever entered. They were exactly the same as when we were using them except we could not enter or edit anything. We kept them both for several years until the information was no longer needed.
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What did you switch to from pace, and why?
We have pace now and it looks like they were purchased by a bigger company. Not getting the same service.
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We switched from Tracs to Lankar. Then back to Tracs. both systems let you look at your old data.
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What did you switch to from pace, and why?
We have pace now and it looks like they were purchased by a bigger company. Not getting the same service.Frank, this was a few years ago and we were looking for a few additional features. We switched to Fasttrak. Gained some, lost some.
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Just a few notes if you’re switching to a new program… in many cases you can probably export your customers and inventory then import them into your new software. This is something you should ask your new and old software vendors first.
Usually repair orders / Invoices cannot be transferred because every software vendor makes them a little different. And because they are multiple related files, it is pretty tough to do, even if your old vendor does an export.
I don’t know about other software, but if a customer requests it we can turn our program back into a demo so they can view and print anything, just not modify or add new invoices or inventory.
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Ran my whole shop on QB’s Enterprise solutions for 20yrs. Now looking to switch to Mitchell w/bolt on (a little pricy) or Shop Boss (less expensive and in cloud). Any advise would be helpful. (Need electronic work orders due to distance from office to back bays and would like to try DVI.
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In case you had not yet seen them here are the links to the survey results for Mitchell and Shop Boss:
https://www.automotivemanagementnetwork.com/tools/software-shop-management-surveys/entry/19504/
https://www.automotivemanagementnetwork.com/tools/software-shop-management-surveys/entry/19527/
#shopmanagementsoftwaresurvey
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We have Auto Shop for Windows also known as WinWorks. Though we have not switched when you purchase you own it not lease it which is one of the reason we like and keep it. If you wish updates there is a yearly fee that includes support. If you don’t wish the updates it will continue to work as normal. It you have a need for support then you pay as you go.
Spence
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When switching from any SMS to another, do your homework. Know that there is NO perfect SMS. It is a big change no matter which way you look at it. Also check on the ability of importing all your old data into the new system, many times it can be done but sometimes not perfectly.
When selecting your new SMS find out exactly what kind of training you will get to when starting out. My experience is that many times it is NIL. This makes the transition and future use of the software harder. In addition to the training, find out if they will set up all of the required basics such as categories and canned jobs.
Reach out to shops using the software you are considering. Get in contact with the software companies to see exactly what they will do and hold them to it. Do they lock you in with a contract or not?
Any questions? Ask the collective in this forum and others. Best of luck.
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When switching from any SMS to another, do your homework. Know that there is NO perfect SMS. It is a big change no matter which way you look at it. Also check on the ability of importing all your old data into the new system, many times it can be done but sometimes not perfectly.
When selecting your new SMS find out exactly what kind of training you will get to when starting out. My experience is that many times it is NIL. This makes the transition and future use of the software harder. In addition to the training, find out if they will set up all of the required basics such as categories and canned jobs.
Reach out to shops using the software you are considering. Get in contact with the software companies to see exactly what they will do and hold them to it. Do they lock you in with a contract or not?
Any questions? Ask the collective in this forum and others. Best of luck.
This is true, although it is very important to realize you get out what you put in. ShopController will import your data so you train with your real information. They also don’t hold your data hostage. If your account is current, and you aren’t arrears with payments you can get a copy of your data.
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