June 2019

U sing garage software can enhance profits and productivity. Workshops can improve core areas of their operations by fully utilising all the functions offered by their garage management system. Technology is constantly moving forward, and this provides new opportunities for businesses to operate more efficiently. Nathan Fothergill, Sales Manager at MAM Software, explains that a series of features and modules are available within its Autowork Online software to help garages reduce costs and encourage repeat business: “Among them is the deferred work feature, which enables jobs to be postponed to a later date, rather than deleting them. The system will send customers a reminder via email or SMS about a job they previously declined, helping to recoup income that may otherwise have been lost. MAM's latest figures show the highest average monthly recovered revenue for a single garage was £5,400, illustrating there are huge advantages to be gained among businesses who use the feature to its full potential.” Nathan continues: “Autowork Online's automated SMS feature is likewise designed to improve customer service, while minimising the time lost due to no-shows. Meanwhile, the suggested jobs feature makes it easier for garages to recommend work based on results received via MAM’s CarSide electronic vehicle health-check app.” MAM will soon be introducing a TeamView technicians' efficiency and management module to its garage management software. “This will provide paperless job cards, job and time clocking, and give managers an overview of workshop activity to help them improve productivity,” explains Nathan. “As with any technology, the key to making the most of GMS is to use it to its full potential. This means keeping up with updates and encouraging staff to use the latest functionality. Nathan adds: "Autowork Online has all the features a garage needs to keep costs down and improve satisfaction among their customers." Integration Meanwhile, TechMan is integrating Payment Assist into its software, with a view to helping garages help their customers to pay for unexpected work. Leo Freebairn, National Sales Manager at TechMan, comments: “As the first of many strategic launches for 2019, this latest integration from TechMan gives garages the option to allow the invoice amount to be repaid in four monthly instalments which are taken from the customer’s debit card; the first of which is a 25% deposit paid on the day. This will to help ease the burden of costly or unexpected work for its users’ customers. The service is interest and fee-free to the customer, allowing them to ‘borrow’ up to £1,000, with 98% of all Payment Assist applications approved after a soft credit check which does not show on the customer’s credit history.” TechMan users can now select Payment Assist as a payment method at checkout, which then sends all of the relevant information directly to the customer’s email address or telephone number. Leo continues: “This latest offering further demonstrates the lengths that TechMan goes to in order to help solve the everyday problems faced by garage owners. We understand that unexpected vehicle repairs can make a real dent in finances, presenting challenges to both the customer trying to find the money, as well as the garage that’s undertaken the work. We’re keen to help those who might be inclined to delay getting critical work done until they can afford it, as it helps to ensure that there are fewer vehicles that aren’t legally compliant on the UK’s roads. Plus, garages will benefit from increased customer satisfaction and improved customer retention, as well as a reduction in lost revenue. He adds: “It’s a win-win for everyone.” 54 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2019 GARAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Above: Garage management systems can make your workshop more efficient www.aftermarketonline.net THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE – TO YOUR BUSINESS Garage management systems help businesses run more efficiently. Find out how you can benefit from about the latest technological helpers