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Any small shops using Auto Repair Cloud?


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Cloud software is typically safe, but I don't know anything about these guys. 

I'm using Protractor, which is cloud based.  I'm sitting at home and accessing my system from my laptop.   My software provider can see my data if they wanted to as they have a master password (but I trust them to play nice).

Make sure that you use good passwords since it can be accessed from anywhere.  And change them when anyone leaves.  You will need a backup plan for when your internet dies.   (This could be a Cradlepoint router or using your mobile phone to create a mobile hotspot).   No internet and you are down.

 

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1 hour ago, RicoRepair said:

Thanks for the tips! How much is Protractor? Couldn't find pricing info on their site. 

I think it's $350/month for 3 terminals and I know it's $399 for unlimited terminals.   This one is quite mature - meaning many features and few bugs.  For the (mostly behavioral) issues that I've found, they've added features to make it better, which both surprised and pleased me).  They update every 1-3 weeks. 

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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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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