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Posted

Apologies if this has been covered already.

 

Is anyone using an online / electronic inspection form for vehicles? I would like to set something up with our techs via an iPad app of some sort, as our current system is not working well at the moment.

Posted

I use AutoVitals. Techs all have ipad mini's with these cases http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GAT15DQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00 We like them because they provide a great cushion around the ipad and have a carry handle as well as the various bright colors.

We have had a few issues with AutoVitals but for the most part it has been great. We also load Identifix and Motologic on the ipads. The techs love them and it has greatly improved our efficiency. We have been using them for about 1 year and to date a tech has not damaged an ipad yet. I think on our next round we will use the larger ipad for the screen space and the overall ipad size is not really much larger.

I am going to demo the bolt on to see what they have to offer. We are not currently using any of the other add on's for AutoVitals.

 

I have run the gammit of netbooks, android tablets and a host of other products and this has been the best one yet. What we found on some of the devices was we could run one product but then another product wouldn't run on the operating system. Mainly Alldata and Identifix. We switched to MotoLogic and have been happy with it but we still also have alldata.

In all this has been a great investment.

Posted

Looking at this right now. Its trying to decide between Clear Mechanic, Repair Shop Solutions, Auto Vitals, Bolt on Technology. For me it needs to link to Mitchell 1 and since we use Kukui Clear mechanic and Repair Shop also link to them.

Posted

We use Bolt-On Technology. It works great! I can't tell you how much customers love to see the inspections with pictures. It really helps make the sale too (a picture is worth a 1,000 words).

 

I will also say this. Bolt On Technology's customer service/support is TOP-NOTCH. I've had almost 0 issues with the product, but any time I have a question, they are super friendly, VERY knowledgeable (not just about their product, but whatever other system you are integrating with too), and quick to help. I have never said this before about any company, but they have me as a customer for life.

  • Like 2
Posted

Started using AutoVitals this year. The customers freaking love it! It's been a game changer for our business and has elevated our service above the rest.

 

I do notice it is a very buggy software on the iPad. Anybody else have this issue? If I take a picture on the iPad, sometimes it becomes very hard to scroll and select other items. I usually have to save the inspection, then reopen it.

 

Overall extremely happy!

AJ

Posted

Wow. This is great.

 

Do any of these products actually integrate with the Shop Management software (with the exception of Mitchell)? I would prefer to keep one database of all customer vehicles and information rather than polling two different databases when I want to look something up.

Posted

I know with AutoVitals, it can integrate with other SMS'. Even if they currently don't support one that you use and you have the coin, they will do it for you.

 

I actually wear a headlight and use that as my "flash". They also make a light that plugs into the audio jack that some people have had success with.

 

As far as typing, very rarely do I need to type. Just click away. The speech to text feature comes in handy when I need to though.

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      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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