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Workflow Really Does Make a Difference
Over the past several years we have visited with thousands of different types of
automotive service related businesses; everything from single owner operators, new
car dealerships, to companies with 2500+ technicians out in the field. No matter
the size of the company, or the type of services being provided, one topic always
makes it way to the forefront of the discussion...WORKFLOW
WORKFLOW is a term for your business process. Most organizations that we
meet with have little time to examine the current challenges associated with their
manual paper based workflows. You can think of these workflows as the various paper
chasing activities that need to be completed in order for your business to run properly.
Let's dig a bit deeper, and pick a paper based workflow to examine...a simple estimate.
Estimates are one of those processes that are wholly the same no matter the kind
of company that is providing them.
The first step in the estimate process is some simple data collection. Typically
this is data about the customer, the vehicle, and includes collecting customer contact
information, insurance information, and the type of vehicle that needs to be repaired.
Once this information is written onto a paper form like the one shown in the below
video, the vehicle next needs to be inspected for damage. At this point the inspector,
service advisor, technician, sales person, etc. will examine the vehicle, identify
necessary repairs, as well as document prior or existing damage. Depending on what
kind of services are being provided this estimate is either delivered to the customer,
entered into another system (ie. CCC Pathways), or brought to the dealer manager
for approval.
All of which sounds normal right?
Here is the problem, it isn't that your business won't function if you are utilizing
paper, it’s just more work to enter, track, follow-up, correct, and share this information
without mistakes, to everyone that needs it. Think about your business and all of
the processes associated with the initial estimate being created, transferring that
data to a work order, completing the work, creating the invoice, delivering the
invoice, and tracking if you have gotten paid. If your organization is anything
like the companies we have talked to, there are some common problems that occur
during this process.
Here are some examples:
- Data Entry Errors - Writing down the wrong VIN on an invoice could cause
delays in getting paid, and create confusion for your customer, especially a dealership.
- Identifying Work Performed - On paper, it's almost impossible to see if you
have already created an estimate, work order, or invoice on a particular vehicle.
- Duplicated Efforts - Having to manually go back and enter all collected customer,
insurance, and vehicle data can waste you and your customers time!
- Missing Paperwork - Losing estimates, work orders, and invoices, really does
happen, and you don’t want it to happen to you.
- Missed Opportunities - Missing the ability to capture customer contact information,
and other related data can result in lost sales, and ultimately hurt your company's
revenue
To address these challenges AutoMobile Technologies (AMT) has developed a complete
system to help reconditioning professionals, new and used car dealerships, and collision
centers to eliminate paperwork, increase productivity, increase profits, and differentiate
you from your competition!
Contact us today to schedule a live demonstration!
We need your help! In order to deliver better content related to your interests,
we ask that you participate in our short 1 minute survey. In exchange for your time
we will cover your entry fee to NACE this year! Please
click here to fill out the survey.
AMT is here to help you build a personalized Recon product for your automotive business!
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