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Forum Replies Created
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One more thing. We have 4 computer work stations networked to TABS and they have all worked flawlessly. We have never had user conflicts or file access problems. And after all this time, we finally decided to transfer our scheduling from paper to TABS. Our techs can now find out what their next jobs are and access the work order from the work stations in their bays.
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We have been using TABS since last spring. We have been very pleased with it. Tech support has always been available when we had a question and has been very responsive about making changes to handle some of our individual preferences and idiosyncrasies (which all shops seem to have). The remote access feature allows them to log on over the internet and actually look at and explain or make changes on our computers immediately if necessary. Maybe most companies can do that, but if tech support isn’t available or doesn’t know what they’re doing, then it’s of no benefit! TABS has always been there and been knowledgable any time we needed them. And most of the time we’ve needed tech support, it’s been to just answer questions, not because of glitches with the software.
Another thing, which has been helpful for us, is that they have ongoing unlimited online training (with a real person) included in their package. This allowed us to launch the basics and use it right away, then gradually train and work different staff into the other features (such as customer followup postcards) over time. You could dive into it all at once if you prefer, or if you’re like us, gradually start using the extra features. That way we didn’t have to take too much time away from the day to day operations of the shop. But the choice is yours.
The integration from NAPA online prolink ordering and ATD online ordering into quotes and work orders is great! (TABS also integrates Alldata, Mitchell, etc., etc., etc.)
We export the daily data seamlessly from TABS into Quickbooks (general ledger account daily totals, not invoice detail) and it has worked quite well.
Most of the reports can either be printed, or export the data in Excel format for further use, sorting or manipulation as desired.
I can’t think of much “ugly”. If you have your inventory items, quantity on hand and cost already set up in Excel or similar format, they can import them for you; otherwise, it will take some time to manually enter beginning data.
It’s important that the service writer use the right inventory/labor items on the work orders/invoices since those are the source for all your sales category reports and exporting to Quickbooks accounts (should you decide to integrate TABS with your accounting software).
TABS handles accounts receivable and billing. You can choose to track vendor accounts through TABS or not. (We continue to use Quickbooks for that function, as well as payroll and financial reports.)
That’s all I can think of off the top of my head. Hope it helps.
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I spent a lot of time researching different software before changing. In addition to whether the software can seamlessly integrate online with Mitchell, Alldata, NAPA, ATD, RealTime Labor Guide (or whatever services you use), here are a few suggestions to consider in making your decision:
1) Check to see if you can continue to use the software for invoicing, etc. if you do not want to pay the ongoing monthly support fee after you pay any up front amount. You may not be able to create new work orders/invoices or export data if you discontinue the monthly support plan, but make sure you will still be able to access existing data. Some software might actually allow you to continue to input new data, create new invoices and export data if you discontinue the monthly or quarterly support fee, but you don’t get any software upgrades or tech support if you needed it until you renew the support plan. (I assume this is the difference between software that you “subscribe” to or software where you purchase a “license”? At least ask those questions.)
2) I also recommend that you look to the future and where you would like your business to be, not necessarily where it is now; then choose software that enables you to grow. A little more spent now is better than having to completely change over again down the road because the software is too limited. And starting a good customer followup program through new software might just bring in the repeat business for recommended services to pay for that new software! If you are currently using paper invoicing only, you will find a HUGE time savings in accessing customer records. Remember, time is money!
3) Can the software export data to Excel or spreadsheet format for additional manipulation or purposes? (e.g. online mailing or customer followup services.)
4) Ask about the programmer(s)’ credentials. (What experience and training are behind the software?) If there is only one programmer, what is his succession plan? If he doesn’t have one already in place, you could end up with no support at all if something happens to that one guy.
5) Some database “foundations” seem to be more prone to file corruption than others. Ask and compare what different answers you get from different companies.
6) Are there other shops in your state that are using the software? How many? Some states (like California) have very specific ways the software must handle things like discounts and sales tax. If the programmer is not familiar with those idiosyncrasies and you are audited down the road by your state’s sales tax division for example, you could be in a world of hurt.
7) Do you want the data for financial reports, payroll, etc. to seamlessly import into Quickbooks or do you expect the Management Software to stand alone? If you want it to import into other financial software, ask for a demo on how it handles the integration. Is it customizable to your existing sales and expense accounts or are you forced into using preset accounts dictated by the management software? Ask what the management software does and doesn’t do compared to the current flow of your data all the way from the front service desk to the back office taxes. Do you use an accountant? If so, consider what he/she needs and how the management software fits into the data flow to provide that information.
8) After you narrow it down to a few choices, ask for a fully functional trial version (they usually time out after a preset time period) and spend some effort entering some practice information comparable to things that occur in your shop. (Does it give you a cash reconciliation? Bank Deposit amounts? How does it handle cash paid outs? etc.) That’s about the only way you will be able to see what questions might arise during use before you actually purchase the software. This can help avoid surprises by exposing limitations, as well as highlighting benefits, before you purchase.
9) What type of training and how much is included with the software? Do you have to incur cost to travel for training, or can it be done online? Is the training time period limited? If you choose a more advanced software package and gradually phase into using all the features (we still have to run our businesses), you may want more training on some features down the road. If too much time has past, will you have to pay for that additional training?
10) Is the software internet based or housed on your own computer locally? If it is internet based, is your internet service reliable? (If your service goes down, are you out of business until it comes back up?) Is it fast enough? Or, if the software is housed on your own equipment locally, will you need to upgrade your hardware?
11) Choose your software package first, then determine your hardware needs.
12) Check out the management software’s website. If it has dead links, etc., or it looks low-tech, you have to wonder if their software will be the same!
No one software product will meet everyone’s needs. Do your homework. Only you can decide what is the best combination of features, price, value and support that fits your own particular circumstances. Consider typing out questions that are important to you, and record the answers from each company. You might even consider setting up a spreadsheet to easily compare the different software packages at a glance. It will help reduce the confusion and give you a clearer view of what is best for you.
By the way, after including the above in my research, I chose TABS.
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The system we changed from encrypted data so it wasn’t available from that source, but since the invoice/vehicle detail was imported into Quickbooks, the guys at TABS were able to pull the detail from there and import it so we could access customer history in the new software, which was an important factor to us. TABS tech support can also import any data that can be exported in Excel format. TABS has delivered what we needed and more. For the record, I do not represent TABS in any way other than being a satisfied customer. And we all know how important that is in our businesses.
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I agree 100%. TABS also integrates online ordering for American Tire Distributors, NAPA, Real Time Labor Guide, Mitchell, Alldata (and possibly others I might be forgetting) into the estimating, quote, ordering and invoicing process. This is a huge timesaver. Unlike some other programs, you can export your report data into Excel if you wish to manipulate figures further for other purposes. Their customer service has been excellent and TABS tech support has always been there via phone, chat or online support desk/remote connection when we needed an answer to a question or with a request to tweak the software for our individual needs. We have never regretted going with them and thus far have found the value for the money spent to be excellent. Changing software was a big decision for us, but we have no regrets.
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I have used both TABS and InvoMax. TABS has better met our needs. I’d be happy to discuss more specifics off the message board. Is there a way to contact you directly?
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Can you share some of the companies that encrypt data so it can’t be exported?
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Much harder to find employees who want to work. Unemployment has helped many people with legitimate needs, but it is still badly broken. It seems there are fewer and fewer workers with the strong work ethic and sense of responsibility held by my parents’ and my generations. Why work for a legitimate business when you can quit your job, receive unemployment and still get paid under the table with untaxed money for doing mechanical work on your own without a business license?
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We just recently signed up with AutoBiz by Total Auto Business Solutions. We chose it partly because of their integration capabilities (Napa ProLink, ATD (tires), Alldata, etc. We are still waiting for them to convert the data from our previous system, however. http://tabsautobiz.com/
