by Michelle Santagate | May 28, 2025 | General
Winworks expansion features provides options for growing your business
5 New Features in Winworks Auto Shop Software That Save Your Shop Time and Money
Running an auto repair business isn’t easy. Between managing work orders, handling customers, and keeping your team productive, you don’t have time to waste. That’s why the latest Winworks Auto Shop Software 9.5 update is packed with features designed to save you time, improve shop efficiency, and keep your bottom line in check.
Here are the top 5 new features shop owners like you will want to take advantage of right now:
- Add Users or Support Packages Easily
Need to expand your team? Now you can easily add more users to your Winworks system or upgrade your support package without jumping through hoops. This is ideal for growing shops that need more hands on deck—and fast. Better support also means less downtime when you run into issues.
Why it matters: More users = more work done. Enhanced support = less stress when something goes wrong.
- Recover Credit Card Processing Fees Automatically
The new Merchant Fee Recovery Surcharge allows you to automatically apply a small fee to invoices to cover your payment processing costs—something many shops lose hundreds on every month. This feature helps you pass fees back to the customer where allowed by law.
Why it matters: You keep more of your hard-earned money.
- Increase shop productivity with the updated Labor Productivity Report
The labor productivity report by technician now includes an option to exclude warranty and no charge services.
Why it matters: More accurate reporting helps you to keep track of shop productivity
- Search Your Scheduler by Customer Name
Can’t remember when “Bob with the Chevy” is coming in? No problem. The new Scheduler Search by Customer feature lets you search appointments by any part of the customer’s name—no exact match required.
Why it matters: Find appointments in seconds without wasting time clicking around.
- Show Cost and List Price of Parts in Inventory
Your inventory list can now display both the cost and list price of parts, instead of just part group names. This makes pricing more transparent and helps you stay on top of your margins.
Why it matters: Know what you’re making on every job. No more guesswork.
Final Thoughts
The new 9.5 update from Winworks Auto Shop Software is all about making your life easier and your shop more profitable. If you haven’t upgraded yet, now’s the time. These features are built for real shop owners who need real solutions—fast.
Ready to make the most of your shop software? Contact Winworks today to activate these new tools.
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.
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.”
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.
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-
by Jacob Spaans | Aug 3, 2020 | General
Winworks Software was founded in 1993 to address the growing needs of service writers and shop owners throughout the country for better management software solutions for their businesses.
The History of the Winworks AutoShop Management System
In the early 1990s, software for automotive repair professionals did little more than write work orders and provide some basic reporting using a DOS interface. Winworks engineers worked closely with local shop owners to re-design the work order writing experience from the ground up. Special care was taken to the flow of work for the service adviser and the growing need for comprehensive management information for owners. The result was the Winworks AutoShop Management System introduced in February 1995 to an overwhelming response. Since that time, we have continued the process of carefully listening to our customers, continuously improving the software to increase the efficiency of service writing while also providing valuable insight into business information. Providing the key information in innovative ways has allowed our customers to increase not only efficiency but profitability. We have also introduced multiple work order formats and a custom format option to allow service advisers to communicate the work done and the pricing in an effective and streamlined way. Our engineers are continually addressing new technologies and improving the Winworks AutoShop system with new parts catalogs, online ordering and text messaging to name a few.
The Philosophy of Winworks
It is our customers that measure the quality of our software and our technical support services. Our loyal following is a testimony of our determination to serve each customer providing them the best experience possible with our software. Our technical support has earned high ratings because we will take the time to remotely connect and solve your issue in the most efficient way possible while keeping our technical support rates among the lowest in the industry.
