Choosing the Right Automotive Shop Management Software: Beyond Aesthetics

by Jacob Spaans | May 30, 2023 | General, Winworks AutoShop

Running an automotive shop requires efficient management of various tasks, from inventory and scheduling to invoicing and customer management. To streamline operations and improve productivity, many shop owners turn to automotive shop management software. However, when selecting the right software, it’s crucial to look beyond surface-level aesthetics and consider the depth of features and customer support. In this post, we’ll delve into the importance of prioritizing functionality over appearance and highlight the significance of robust customer support in choosing the perfect automotive shop management software for your business.

Functionality Over Appearance: It’s human nature to be drawn to visually appealing things, and software is no exception. While a modern and visually appealing interface might be enticing, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a comprehensive set of features. When it comes to shop management software, it’s vital to focus on the depth of features provided.

a. Inventory Management: Look for software that offers comprehensive inventory management capabilities, such as parts tracking, automatic reordering, and real-time stock monitoring. This functionality ensures that you can efficiently manage your inventory, reduce stockouts, and keep track of costs.

b. Scheduling and Work Order Management: Opt for software that allows you to create and manage work orders, assign technicians, track progress, and schedule appointments effectively. These features streamline your workflow, minimize errors, and improve customer satisfaction.

c. Invoicing and Billing: The software should have robust invoicing features that enable you to generate accurate invoices, track payments, and manage accounts receivable. This functionality simplifies the billing process and ensures smooth financial transactions.

d. Reporting and Analytics: A reliable shop management software should provide comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing you to track key performance indicators, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Look for features such as sales reports, profit analysis, and customer insights.

Customer Support Matters: Choosing the right automotive shop management software is not just about the features; it’s also about the support provided by the software vendor. Here’s why customer support is a critical factor in your decision-making process:

a. Implementation and Training: A software vendor that offers thorough implementation support and training ensures a smooth transition and minimizes disruptions to your business operations. Look for vendors that provide onboarding assistance, training resources, and responsive support channels.

b. Ongoing Technical Support: As you integrate the software into your daily operations, technical issues or questions may arise. A software vendor that offers reliable and prompt technical support ensures that you have assistance whenever you need it. Check for support options such as phone, email, or live chat.

c. Software Updates and Upgrades: The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and your shop management software should keep pace with the changes. Choose a vendor that regularly updates and enhances their software to provide new features, bug fixes, and security updates. Ensure that software upgrades are provided at no additional cost or at a reasonable fee.

When it comes to choosing the right automotive shop management software, aesthetics should take a back seat to functionality. Prioritizing depth of features ensures that you have the tools necessary to efficiently manage your shop’s operations. Additionally, robust customer support is crucial for a seamless implementation process and ongoing assistance when needed. By considering these factors, you can select a software solution that empowers your shop to thrive and deliver exceptional service to your customers. Remember, the beauty lies not only in the appearance but also in the functionality and support provided by the software you choose.

The Lost 10mm Socket

by Jacob Spaans | May 10, 2023 | General

Once upon a time, there was an auto mechanic named Tom. Tom was a skilled mechanic, but he had a bit of a problem: he was always losing his 10mm socket.

It didn’t matter how hard he tried to keep track of it, that little socket always seemed to slip away from him at the worst possible moments.

One day, Tom was working on a car engine with a few other mechanics. He was feeling pretty good about himself until he realized he had once again misplaced his trusty 10mm socket.

The other mechanics began to tease him, asking him if he had checked his pockets and his toolbox. Tom searched high and low, but the socket was nowhere to be found.

As the day went on, each mechanic began to lose their own 10mm socket, one by one. The first mechanic lost his in the engine, the second dropped his in the oil pan, and the third lost his in the air filter.

Tom couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched his coworkers frantically searching for their sockets, realizing that they were all in the same boat.

In the end, they all learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you’re bound to lose your 10mm socket. But at least they could all laugh about it together.

From that day forward, whenever they lost their 10mm sockets, they would just shrug their shoulders and say, “Guess it’s time to join Tom’s club.”

Bringing New Business Into Your Shop

by Jacob Spaans | May 5, 2023 | General

Automotive repair shops are an essential part of our daily lives, keeping our vehicles running smoothly and safely. However, in a highly competitive industry, it can be challenging for a shop to stand out and attract new customers. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies to bring more customers into an automotive repair shop by improving the customer experience and building loyalty.

Offer Excellent Customer Service

The first step in bringing more customers into an automotive repair shop is to provide excellent customer service. Customers who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to return and refer others to your shop. Make sure your staff greets customers with a smile, listen to their concerns, and provide clear explanations of the repair process. Additionally, keep customers informed throughout the repair process, provide accurate estimates, and follow-up after the job is completed to ensure their satisfaction.

Provide a Comfortable Waiting Area

Many customers dread having to wait for their vehicle to be repaired, but a comfortable waiting area can make the experience much more pleasant. Provide comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary refreshments such as coffee or water. Consider adding a television or magazines to help pass the time. Also, keep the waiting area clean and organized, with updated reading materials, and engaging entertainment.

Offer Convenient Services

Offering convenient services can be a game-changer for customers. Consider offering free shuttle service to and from the repair shop, and providing loaner cars to customers whose vehicles need more extensive repairs. Make it easy for customers to schedule appointments online or by phone, and offer extended hours to accommodate their busy schedules. You can also offer pick-up and drop-off service or have a mobile mechanic team that can go to their location.

Build Loyalty with Rewards Programs

Creating a rewards program is an excellent way to build loyalty and bring more customers into an automotive repair shop. For example, offer a discount or free service after a customer’s fifth visit or for referring a friend. Additionally, you can create a point-based system where customers earn points for each service they receive, which can be redeemed for future discounts or services.

Showcase Expertise and Certifications

Customers want to know they are entrusting their vehicle to experts. Showcase your shop’s expertise and certifications on your website, social media, and in your waiting area. For example, if your technicians are ASE certified or your shop specializes in hybrid vehicle repair, make sure customers know. Also, consider hosting informational events or webinars to educate customers on vehicle maintenance and repair.

Utilize Online Reviews and Testimonials

In today’s digital age, online reviews and testimonials are critical to building a strong reputation and bringing more customers into an automotive repair shop. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or other review sites. Also, feature testimonials on your website and social media to showcase your shop’s expertise and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, providing excellent customer service, creating a comfortable waiting area, offering convenient services, building loyalty with rewards programs, showcasing expertise and certifications, and utilizing online reviews and testimonials are all essential strategies to bring more customers into an automotive repair shop. By focusing on the customer experience and building loyalty, your shop can differentiate itself from the competition and grow your customer base.

7 simple steps to protect yourself from hackers

by Jacob Spaans | Nov 20, 2020 | Articles

‘Shark Tank’ investor Robert Herjavec: 7 simple steps to protect yourself from hackers

It’s tempting to deal with the threat of a hacker stealing your digital data by simply hoping, or assuming, it will never happen to you.

“People assume that they’re exempt from the risks of cybersecurity,” Robert Herjavec, founder and CEO of cybersecurity firm Herjavec Group, and a star of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” tells CNBC.

“Similarly, businesses assume it will never happen to them,” says Herjavec. “It will! Cybersecurity risk is everywhere and no matter the size of your business the data you process and ingest can be exploited for financial gain.”

Malicious or “black hat” hackers steal and then sell information.

“Not to be morbid, but we are all targets,” says Herjavec. “Today’s hackers are after information which they are using as a weapon for political and financial gain. It can be identity information, corporate IP secrets, passwords, payment information — no matter what it is, they’re either putting it up for sale on the deep dark web, holding files for ransom or leveraging the data to influence markets, politics and business.”

“BUSINESSES ASSUME IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO THEM. IT WILL! CYBERSECURITY RISK IS EVERYWHERE.”-Robert Herjavec, founder and CEO of the Herjavec Group

By 2021, the cost of online crime will be $6 trillion annually, up from $3 trillion in 2015, according to a report from Cybersecurity Ventures, a leading market research firm.

The rise of digital currencies like Bitcoin have made it easier for black-hat hackers to demand payment anonymously. That has only made it more possible for them to do harm.

“There is no effective law enforcement for financial cybercrime today,” says Herjavec. “Organizations need to increase their defenses and become more resilient because there is no end state in sight for this growing cybercrime epidemic.

“So long as there is a way for cybercriminals to get paid, with limited risk, attacks will continue.”

Robert Herjavec at Iconic in Seattle on April 5, 2016.

David A. Grogan | CNBC

Robert Herjavec at Iconic in Seattle on April 5, 2016.

Unfortunately, the only way to be safe from cyber crime is to live completely offline. “There is no such thing as perfect security,” says Herjavec.

That said, there are steps you can take to decrease your likelihood of being attacked, the first of which is understanding that you are vulnerable.

Here are the best ways for consumers to minimize that vulnerability, according to Herjavec.

Avoid public wi-fi

“Public wi-fi is exactly that: Public. Don’t do your personal banking or private stuff in a public place,” says Herjavec. In particular, do not complete financial transactions on public wi-fi.

Look for “https://” if you are doing anything financial

If a url begins with “https://” rather than “http://,” then that connection meets the basic “SSL certification” level of encrypted security.

Be suspicious when asked to reveal personal information

“For any website or app, don’t give away key information that you don’t think is relevant,” says Herjavec. For example, “If a camera app asks for financial data, be cautious and don’t download it.”

Exercise extreme caution in opening emails

Don’t open emails or attachments from strangers. “Hackers are also evolving phishing emails to make it seem like they are coming from someone you do know,” says Herjavec. “Don’t input any personal information on links from emails you’re not sure about.”

And even if you recognize the sender, if you think an attachment is suspicious, don’t open it before double-checking with the person the email is supposedly from.

“SO LONG AS THERE IS A WAY FOR CYBERCRIMINALS TO GET PAID, WITH LIMITED RISK, ATTACKS WILL CONTINUE.”-Robert Herjavec, founder and CEO of the Herjavec Group

Here are best ways for small business owners to minimize their vulnerability.

Educate your employees

Particularly if your business requires employees to work on their own technology, training employees is critical, says Herjavec.

Set cybersecurity rules and practices

Entrepreneurs “should also put in place proper cyber etiquette from the very beginning so that as the business grows, their cybersecurity program can continue to scale,” says Herjavec.

Grant security clearance conservatively

“For small businesses, make sure only employees who need access to certain data have it, especially if employees are wearing more than one hat,” says Herjavec. “This is a good way to mitigate insider threat risk on smaller teams.”

Source- http://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/28/shark-tank-investor-robert-herjavec-7-steps-to-protect-from-hackers.html

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How To Archive

by Jacob Spaans | Sep 15, 2020 | General

Hello and welcome to this Winworks Tech Series Blog
In this Post, I will show you how to archive your work orders so you can keep your databases running fast and smooth.

So after you run an End of Day process, you may see this screen. That means it is time to archive. No need to panic. This is an easy process.

Step 1- Is to get onto the main computer or the server.

Step 2- Make sure everyone is closed out of Winworks AutoShop.

Step 3- Run a backup. Go to Options then Backup Files. Make sure you have the right drive letter selected and hit ‘Backup Now’ and wait for the backup to complete. It is important that no one interrupts this process by logging into Winworks.

Step 4- Once the backup is done close out of AutoShop and open Winworks Applications.

Step 5- Open the Archive Utility and log in with admin credentials

Step 6- Click ‘Create New Archive File’

Step 7- Now the utility will run and if you look right here you will see how many total work orders need to be archived. The larger the number the longer it will take to archive. So plan your archive accordingly, as you cannot stop the archive once it is started. If you only want to archive 300 Work Orders click no. But if you want to archive all the available work orders click ‘Yes’

Step 8- Click Begin Archive Creation, then wait for the archive to complete.

You can also watch the video on how to do this here-

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