Find Out Before You Buy…

While the software charts provide a general overview of features , each program is different, and it is important to talk to a representative from the company to ensure the program performs the tasks you need. Explain to each software manufacturer you contact specifically what your needs are, and make sure they guarantee their product. A shop management software company directory begins on poge 42. Here are some important things to consider when speaking with the manufacturers.

Company history
A company's background is important to the consumer. Ask how long they've been in business, and how long they've offered products to the automotive industry. Is the product specific to automotive service shops? Some software products may have been designed for other industries, and then later modified for shops.

Is it easy to use? Before you purchase a software product you should test the functionality of the program. Ask for a demonstration disk if available. If not, a live demonstration should suffice. But either way, make sure you test the product so that it will meet your needs.

Support
Another key factor in your decision should be the availability of technical support. Ask if they have a toll-free number, what their service hours are, and is someone actually there to fix the problem when you call?

Upgrades
Does this product have periodic upgrades? If upgrades are available, how often are they provided and how much will they cost?

Printing
What printing capabilities does the program have? This component is crucial for invoicing and other accounting features.

Networking
Can the program be networked between multiple computers within the shop? It might not be a need for you now, but it could be down the road.

Pricing
When asking about price, ask if all features are included in the price. Some companies will charge for additional features.

Hardware requirements
Be sure that the software will properly run with your computer and memory capacity.

Using This Guide

Both the collision chart and the mechanical charts are set up in the same format. At the top of the page is a row listing each software company with the name of its product in italics. The left column lists features that might be included in a typical automotive management software system. Check marks indicate which products contain those features. You simply need to find the products that contain the features you are interested in having for your shop, then use the directory of phone numbers at the end of this section to find out more information about the products.

The list at the bottom of the charts includes company databases that may be compatible with some of the software companies' products. Each database company has a letter of the alphabet to correspond with it, and the software chart includes a feature that details which company's database can be integrated with the software program.

Hardware, Technology Trends

PRINTERS
A research study commissioned by Oki Data, headquartered in Mount Laurel, N.J., revealed some surprising trends in the application of technology in the automotive industry. Among the hottest trends is an increase in the ownership of color printers (40 percent), particularly among collision shops (80 percent). Shop owners who participated in the study identified several intended or current uses for their color printers. Topping the list of color applications were promotions, advertising, wiring and diagnostic diagrams, graphics and insurance claims. Babcox Publications' research department, Akron, Ohio, conducted the study for Oki Data.

INTERNET
The study also indicated that Internet usage among automotive shops is currently on the rise. With 42 percent currently online and an additional 30 percent owning computers, but not currently using the Internet, there is a potential for additional growth in this area as Internet service providers make their services more readily available and affordable. As Internet use rises, so does the need to print complex graphics and Web pages, as well as e-forms. E-forms are electronic forms that are accessible via the Internet, allowing easier revisions, end-user access for use or download, and centralized storage.

FAX
If you've had concerns about losing business because your fax line is always busy, you may want to check out the latest advances in fax machines. New models offer faster speed, higher resolution and the ability to plug two phone lines into a single unit to double fax productivity and reduce time spent at the fax machine. According to an Oki Data report, one of their latest products, the OkiFax 5950, allows shops to transmit to two different locations, receive from two different locations, or transmit and receive simultaneously. Whether the second line is set up to transmit or receive, the machine will default to the needed function. Automotive shops may also wish to designate the second line to only accept communications with a particular customer, insurance provider, parts distributor or manufacturer with which they regularly communicate.

Company Directory

Company phone numbers and Web addresses are listed for your convenience. These phone numbers have been provided for our readers to facilitate the process of contacting these companies.

Because we have included the phone numbers and Web addresses on the ASA Web site, we are not able to track the number of leads we have porvided the companies listed in this guide, some of which are current advertisers and prospective advertisers. Therefore, you would be doing AutoInc. a service if, when you contact these companies, you mention that you saw their product listed in AutoInc. magazine. Thank you for your support.

Software Charts

The software charts are available in .pdf files for your convenience. Please download the file by clicking on the appropriate links below. In order to view the charts, you must software that can read .pdf files.