When evaluating software for an auto repair or tire business, integration capability is a very important factor to consider. The effectiveness of any system is directly affected by the extent that this area is addressed. Depending on the volume of activity in a business area the impact can vary from minimal to significant.
Labor Guides
A labor guide interface can mean a considerable difference in the auto repair business. The correct number of hours to estimate or charge for a given repair as well as OEM parts required can be obtained through a good labor guide. These are generally considered essential for any business that performs a substantial amount of repair work. So what can an interface between your shop management system and your labor repair guide do for you? It can save you time and ensure accuracy every time you add a repair task to a quote or repair order. Rather than copying and pasting or re-keying information from the labor guide into your shop system it can be transferred electronically saving time and reducing the chance of making a mistake and over or under pricing a job. The impact this type of integration will have is a function of the frequency of occurrence. For example if 30 jobs per week are looked up in a labor repair guide and integration saves a minute per job then the time saved would be 30 minutes a week.
Part Suppliers and Catalogs
Direct interfaces with part suppliers can have a significant impact on productivity and profitability. The ability to connect directly from a shop management system to a supplier and find the right part for a repair and transfer it directly into the shop system with the correct cost and pricing can save time and ensure that profit goals are met. Being able to place an order electronically directly from the shop system can save a significant amount of time not only regarding placing of the order (versus calling on the phone or ordering via a web site) but also in receiving the parts when delivered. The direct impact on the business can be considerable depending on how often these transactions are processed.
Tire Distributors and Catalogs
Direct interfaces between tire shop management software and tire distributors can have a positive impact on sales and service as well as productivity and profit. If a tire distributor’s inventory availability and pricing are accessible at the point of sale the ability to provide a quick quote to a customer can be improved significantly and can even affect the ability to win the sale. Being able to place an order electronically directly from the shop system can save a significant amount of time not only regarding placing of the order (versus calling on the phone or ordering via a web site) but also in receiving the tires when delivered. A tire store with a steady business flow will recognize a tremendous benefit by utilizing an interface of this type.
Conclusion
Shop management software integration capabilities can be very important when evaluating software alternatives. Sales, productivity, and profits can all be positively impacted. So when considering the effectiveness of software always include integration capabilities as the value of the system to your business will be increased based on their impact.
