Read any good OEM and aftermarket updates lately? Staying on
top of paint codes? Up to speed on
recycled parts? Know how long it takes to repair the rear end of a 2000 Isuzu
Trooper? Even if you are the best-informed collision repair estimator in the
world, odds are the rest of the folks in your shop fall a little short of
perfection.
So, mistakes get made. Time gets wasted correcting them.
Productivity suffers. Repairs are delayed. And your customers? Well, they’re
not real happy about you or your shop, and they’ll probably let the world know
via social media.
In an industry where profitability rides on accurate
estimating, the real cost of errors is incalculable. Getting it right, the
first time and fast, is mission-critical. That makes your auto repair
estimating software the most important tool in your shop.
According to “Auto Repair Shop Industry Snapshot,” in 2010, 91%
of all U.S. shops owned some kind of computerized estimating system.[1]
But Body Shop Business’s “2013
Operations Profile” reports that 55.2% of all estimates included at least one
supplement, 14.3% had two, and only 26.6 had none.[2]
We’re going to go out on a limb and suggest that not all computerized
estimating systems are created equal -- some are Yugos and some are Ferraris, and
most fall somewhere in between. If you’re in the market for a new or improved auto
repair estimating system, here are a few things to consider.
Auto Repair
Estimating Software Check List
- Accurate, Verifiable Estimates – At bare minimum, you want a system that automatically creates accurate, verifiable estimates that are readily accepted industry-wide. Look for a system that relies on the most comprehensive, current databases for parts and labor. If it includes advanced features like parts lookup, graphics printouts, itemized totals, and alternative or recycled parts, even better.
- Proven Technology – You also want a system equipped with technology that’s been proven in the field. Your customer doesn’t care that a bug in the software was to blame for the estimating discrepancy or a three-day delay in the promised delivery.
- Easy Installation and Training – Look for a system that someone with little experience can even master easily and quickly. If it’s too hard to use, it won’t get used. Also make sure that training and on-going support from product experts are included.
- Communications Access Anywhere, Anytime – Can you use the system to easily communicate with industry partners and your customers? Keeping in touch throughout the repair cycle can help you avoid misunderstandings, delays and disgruntled clients. It can help you clear up problems with vendors quickly, and keep the insurer in the loop, too.
- Automatic Error Checking – Does it check itself for errors? Automatically? Great! That’s a huge time-saver.
- Systems Flexibility – Is it one-size-fits-all or a flexible system you can customize to your way of doing business?
Mitchell has a range of estimating
solutions that satisfy all these criteria and more to help you streamline
your estimating process, avoid costly errors and create happy customers. This
list, along with our
Top 10 RepairCenter KPI pdf, will help you find the auto shop management
software that’s best for you.
[1] “Auto Repair Shop Industry Snapshot,” http://www.pacificedc.org/Library%20Docs/Auto%20Repair%20Shop%20Industry%20Report.pdf
[2] “2013
Industry Profile: Operations Profile,” http://www.bodyshopbusiness.com/Content/Site303/Articles/05_01_2013/1132023640IPope_00000063588.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment