WORKING SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Whether you're a technician or a shop owner you probably realize by now your chosen path is a career, not a job. Similar to the world of the white collar career we also need to adapt to technology and change. Looking back at my 30+ years in the business often leads me to reminisce about the changes I've experienced.

There was the year I started taking credit cards (yes, believe it or not we didn't in the early years) or when I added my second and then a third lift. All of which made, among other things, a dramatic difference to the businesses bottom line.

One change in particular stands out as a real high point; a year in which a "tool" came along that redefined the way I was able to run the shop. And then that tool was forever changed when technology reared its head and stood up again in a big way. Which tool? Shop management software!

It's no secret that Mitchell and their accompanying suite of software is a collection of the best the industry has to offer. Mitchell Manager, their software for the running of the shop is second to none. One of the nicest things about it is you can use a little piece or an entire chunk; Manager helps you to find your comfort level.

One of my daily routines is going through the "Work In Progress" screen. Doing so helps to prevent mistakes during the work day. If parts are properly identified on a repair order and procedures clearly spelled out there is less room for any such mistakes. But one problem with this is it creates more for me to do. It seems that as the shop becomes busier the time for "paper work" has diminished substantially. Realizing the problem I turned to technology to help solve it.

There are multiple ways of "logging" into a computer from somewhere else; home, vacation; when you're anywhere but there. I subscribed to one of these services and it allows me to log into the shop computers from anywhere I have internet access. As a matter of fact my house is set up for a wireless network. Now if I choose to, on my time, anytime, anywhere; I can access the shop. Imagine how good it feels to be at home, tucked away in a corner all alone and organizing the next day of work! Sometimes I'll sit up in bed, log in, and order parts all the while in the comfort and quiet. My Carquest parts store has us set up on their electronic parts ordering system which ties into Mitchell Manager. I order my parts the night before and the next day they show up 15 minutes after I open up. It doesn't get any better than that.

THE BOTTOM LINE is technology is here to stay. The only way you're going to get away from it is maybe, and that’s a big MAYBE, sell your tools and retire. In the meantime run towards technology, not away. Remember the goal is to work smarter, not harder.

Till the next time....

I'm Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

As Heard on The WOR Radio Network
As Seen On Speed TV

http://raauto.com/