While many shops may know that moving to digital record-keeping can help shops keep more accurate notes that technicians can find faster, actually getting rid of the filing cabinet in the room can be a different story. Especially if a shop has spent the last two decades relying on Excel spreadsheets and photocopied inspection sheets, it might be daunting to know where to start.
So, is the shift from page to screen worth it? And what can fleets do to make the transition as painless as possible? It helps to start with an optimistic note: The decision to adopt a digital vehicle inspection is one that will save time for everyone in your shop from technicians to customers, increase client trust through transparent communication using their preferred methods, and prepare your shop for rapid growth.
As an example, digital inspections bring about swifter processes, fewer errors, and elevate customer trust due to increased transparency. The ability to quite literally highlight what needs fixing with a big red circle is one that your customers will appreciate.
Overcoming challenges
Transitioning from traditional to digital vehicle inspections poses initial challenges that discourage many shop owners from taking the leap. There are also several questions that seemingly have no easy answers: “What software do I use? How much is this going to cost me? Will my staff even use the product I am paying for? Is my customers’ data secure? How many hours am I going to lose my staff to training?”
Do not let the myriad of questions stop you from taking any action. Digital vehicle inspection software is an excellent place to start when trying to incorporate more digital processes in your auto repair shop.
Implementing digital inspections
So it’s time to implement a digital vehicle inspection software or digital vehicle inspection app into your shop; you have made the difficult, but correct decision. So the big question is this: “How?”
Find the right software for your shop
This does not have to be the insanely daunting task it seems to be. Choosing the right software can boil down to four things: Solutions – does it solve your problems; Usability – is it easy to use and train new staff on; Support – does the digital vehicle inspection software provider help you succeed after purchase; and Cost.
Make sure your team is using it
The amount of people paying for digital tools that are then never utilized is staggering. Making sure that your team understands the tools you give them is key to ensuring they consistently use the digital processes you want to implement.
Embracing digital vehicle inspection software is a transformative step for auto repair shops. From increased efficiency to heightened client trust, the benefits are numerous. Use these tips to navigate the transition with confidence and a team ready to embrace new technology and see the benefits in your shop.
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