I know there are a handful of guys here running their own shops.

I'm not running my own just yet, but I've been put in charge of running the auto repair shop for a local business with a fleet of vehicles. These have to be maintained to a certain standard, and must have detailed records of any repairs done in order for the business to maintain accreditation in their sector. I don't want to give away too many details, but I will say that many of these vehicles are used primarily for transporting children.

 

So I'm looking for some type of inexpensive repair order software.

I was wondering what other people here on the board are using, and approximate cost and any features that you particularly like or dislike. Also interested to hear about any programs you've used that you didn't like before finding one that you did.

Can be either computer based, or App based on a tablet/iPad.

I'm mostly looking for something easy to use, that will record inventory usage, and generate monthly reports that I can email to the company accountant for easy expense tracking.

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

if not much feedback here - could you ask your local part supplier for recommendations who to ask locally places that service fleets - rental agencies, school buses, city buses, corporate...?

R.O. Writer http://www.rowriter.com/ is a complete solution, runs on Windows, and it's easy to use. I am currently using R. O. Writer and it includes everything from the timeclock application, online parts ordering, tech efficiency and flat-rate time management, complete repair order management, vehicle record keeping, etc. There are also a lot of functions only seen and used by the business owner which I am not in this case. With All-Data (or insert your preference here) these two packages should cover most if not all of your needs.   YMMV - I have no affiliation with these company.

 

On the flip side of the coin I personally found that a package called something like ERA Technician Dispatching Software is some of the hardest non-user friendly software I have ever tried and failed to learn.

Edited November 21, 201510 yr by Crazyeights

I'm interested in this myself since I just setup my LLC.

I write service professionally, and have used RO writer and Mitchell both extensively.  Neither are perfect, both quirky, often less then user friendly. Takes a bit of time to master all the odds and ends of either. That being said, parts catalog integration seems to be much better with mitchell (napa, carquest, Worldpac, ect). Pick your poison!