Organizing the processes within an automotive repair operation is one of the principle responsibilities of management. Well organized, clearly defined processes will have a huge impact on business success. There are numerous processes within an auto repair shop with the vehicle repair process being primary. Following are points on organizing three significant processes within and
Managing Process Flow in Automotive Repair Read More »
An automotive repair operation at some point may find the need to organize personnel and divide responsibilities between people. In doing so it’s important to recognize whether activities within the business are value add or non-value add. It’s also important to be careful that when a person is given responsibility the necessary authority is given
Personnel Organization in Automotive Repair Read More »
All aspects of a business operation are interrelated. The physical layout of an auto repair shop floor is the basis upon which the business operates. When determining the layout of a shop floor all factors and their relationships to each other should be considered. Workflow in terms of vehicle movement as well as personnel should
The Auto Repair Shop Layout and Operational Performance Read More »
The physical environment within an automotive repair business will always have an impact and in some cases determine the definition of work processes performed. Many a shop owner has surveyed the layout of their shop and wished they had designed it from the ground up. However, ever manager has to make the most of the
Physical Planning and Automotive Repair Proficiency Read More »
The focus of process planning is the elimination of waste and lag time between steps. When focusing on the operational processes that support a vehicle maintenance and repair operation the objective is to achieve maximum efficiency in both value add and non-value add activities. The result will be improved efficiency and increased throughput. Following are
Process Planning and Efficiency in Automotive Repair Read More »
Scheduling work in advance through appointments can have a significant impact on auto repair shop operations leading to greater efficiency, higher sales and more profits. A shop that operates primarily through walk in business will not be able to achieve the same efficiencies as one that works through advance scheduling. A shop that works without
The Impact of Appointment Scheduling on Automotive Repair Operations Read More »
By Bob Cooper We work with many world class shop owners throughout North America, and over the years we have discovered that the majority of them have a number of things in common. Beyond the fact that they are owned and operated by people who have clearly defined goals, the right ethics, and a commitment
Checklist for Building a World Class Shop Read More »
The interaction between the service advisor and the technician is still handled outside the software system by some shops. Managing these activities through the software system can have a major impact on productivity, sales and profits. The more these activities are performed through the system the more time is available for value-add activities. In the
Managing Technician Work through the Auto Repair Shop Management System Read More »
An area of activity that is sometimes handled outside the software system is parts sourcing and procurement. The reasons for handling things this way vary but if parts processing can be performed through the shop management system the benefits are significant. Efficiency and accuracy are improved and time saved during the process can be spent
Parts Sourcing and Procurement through the Automotive Repair System Read More »
The points in the repair cycle at which customer interactions occur are often handled outside the shop management software system. These activities are often based on processes that were formulated years ago and are still handled that way. As software systems have evolved and grown to encompass these activities some shops keep the processes in
Managing Customer Interaction through the Auto Repair Software System Read More »
