AutoInc.'s Shop Software Guide

15th Annual Shop Software Guide

Shopping for the right software can be a daunting task for any shop. With a variety of programs on the market to choose from, how do you know which program to buy - and, more importantly, will it meet the specific needs of your shop?

AutoInc. has developed a checklist of questions you should ask before you purchase your shop management software. Use this checklist to guide you as you shop for your next shop management software program:

Company history - How long has the company been in business?

Succession - How has this software vendor planned for succession? In other words, if he dies tomorrow, what's going to happen to your shop's system and information? If they sell the company, how are they going to protect your interests? If they discontinue your software package, you're out not only the cost of the software, you also have to consider the cost of the training, your data and everything else you've invested that you have to start over again.

Transferring data - Will you be able to carry your existing data over to the new system, including customer history and vehicle information, or will you have to spend time re-entering all of that information? Can you move all that data or only some of it?

Additional costs - What is the cost of the system, including support, fees and additional units for multiple users?

Joan Koebernick, owner of Dakota-K Auto Repair Center and Tires in Arlington Heights, Ill., is the architect of AutoInc.'s software survey, which was revamped in 2004 to include more software features. Koebernick recommends that you get at least three references from other shops using the same software. Call and ask them these questions:

Does the company provide training and was it adequate?
What problems have you had with this system?
How quickly were those problems resolved?
How many ongoing problems are you having?
How would you rate this company's customer service and technical support from one to five, five being the best?
How long are you on hold when you call for support? If you leave a message, do they call back in a timely manner?
Does the software come with a user's guide, either printed or online, so that you don't have to call someone every time you have a problem? How would you rate the user's guide?

By thoroughly investigating the software and software manufacturer, you will be able to make a more educated decision about which shop management program can best suit your needs.

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