Written byEfficiency. Speed. Agility. All of these words define a streamlined automotive workflow. Running an auto repair garage is very similar to running a high-end kitchen. From multiple workstations to organized tools, everything should be picture-perfect. However, the hardest part of running an auto repair shop is to look closely at the bottlenecks, i.e., customers. You want them to stay happy, reduce their comebacks, but also want them to keep coming back to you in the future, earning the loyalty badge.
While arguments over car suspension, fuel leakage, or something more challenging are common, you can always improve the auto garage’s workflow to reduce complaints. With the right mindset and strategies, you can improve and speed up the workflow in the long run.
Let’s find out more about these strategies.
What drives productivity down in your auto repair garage
Surprisingly, 84% of repair shops experience difficulties in repairs almost daily. A successfully running auto repair garage brings in the revenue stream, but on most good days, it’s a risky game of profit and loss. If vehicles aren’t rotating efficiently from one station to another, it creates a gap where potential income is at stake.
This can happen due to;
- Slow approvals from clients
- Poor communication from technicians to clients or the auto shop manager
- Lack of proper channels to resolve the repair issue
- Lack of real-time reports
Smart ways to speed up workflow in the auto repair shop
1. It’s all about clear communication
Communication matters for an auto garage owner. When the auto garage is at its busiest season, mistakes aren’t tolerated or repeated. Face-to-face communications are healthy and bring more clarity among the group of technicians, mechanics, and auto shop managers.
For day-to-day operations, you can start with an early meeting and give clear instructions on how to deal with an inspection and complex repair.
For instance, a seasoned mechanic can inspect the vehicle upon arrival for faster approvals. This is a clear example of an efficient workflow where you eliminate the need to go back and forth between team members. The most experienced mechanic can then assign the task or handle it himself.
2. Technology? You’ve got it!
Using high-end technology is imperative for any business. Which is why using an auto garage management software will improve your workflow. It provides auto garages the opportunity to improve real-time reporting, customer services, keep data stored in the cloud, and alert them to the next big appointment.
Use of cloud technology helps the auto garage owners to keep track of every minute detail. Who handled the inspection? Who changed the tires? Who did the check-off? You have a detailed record of every step in the workflow.
Also, such software allows integrations with various plugins, enabling auto garage owners to integrate other software like accounting (so you don’t have to juggle multiple dashboards).
3. Planning is everything
Need a bird’s eye view of the garage operation? You can view all departments, workstations, even experts you hired using the right technology, but also by predefining the areas that need improvement. Planning is the easiest part, but implementing is another story.
Managers need reports, and analytical features of the auto garage software can help you with those. It allows you to ensure that tasks are being performed properly, you can verify the inspections and repairs promptly, and connect with a customer for a follow-up post-service.
This way, you can ensure that the workflow is running smoothly without any interruptions when data is easily available at hand.
4. Job rotation is a must
Many workers in the garages might not be a fan of this idea, but it works wonders for a business that depends on efficient workflows.
The majority of software (if you are using one) enables task completion (step-by-step), which reduces the downtime so that tasks are performed promptly. The other way to speed up the process is to put the idle hands of a mechanic to work in case of an absentee.
Let’s say John Doe (the brake repairer) is on leave for the day, and a customer rings up because his brakes are not working. Job rotation for auto mechanics allows them to diversify their skill set. So, in a case of urgency, you have a substitute skilled mechanic on hand.
What auto garage owners get at the end of the day
To make an auto repair garage run smoothly without any hiccups, you need to ensure that the workflow remains uninterrupted. Implementing the above-mentioned strategies allows you to learn and adapt according to the challenge of the day. This way, you can easily implement what works for your garage, identify the areas of improvement, and most of all, your strengths as a successful businessman. Speed up the workflow by adapting these practices and experiencing the influx of customers!
