What to Look for in Auto Body Shop Production Management Software

Collision repair shops need specialized software to run a smooth and profitable repair center. Because your business incorporates both customer support and technical labor, it needs production management tools that can track everything all at once and keep everything on track. As you look for production management software solutions that can streamline and improve your business, prioritize software with these features in mind:

Job and Workflow Tracking

Real-time job and workflow tracking can help everyone on the team. Technicians know what work is in their queue and scheduled for the rest of the day. Front-desk staff can keep customers apprised of wait times and status updates. 

Scheduling and Capacity Management

Always know how busy your shop is. This allows for clear scheduling of new jobs, much more accurate forecasts of when work is complete, and when different members of your staff are scheduled to be at work.

Communication and Team Coordination

A centralized hub of communication can help keep everyone on the same page. Tools like notes, instant messaging, and access to all of your inbound channels of communication can ensure nothing slips through the cracks and you have a tight, auditable trail of information.

Parts and Materials Management

Your in-store inventory and inventory availability with nearby partners can make or break your scheduling. Not having access to key parts will slow you down, but too much inventory can bog you down. Management software can track available goods in real time, forecast demand for upcoming months, and make it easy to source parts quickly. 

Integration With Estimating Tools

One software solution can't do everything. So, look for options that make it easy to integrate with estimating tools, accounting tools, and other parts of your tech stack. 

Reporting and Metrics

Another key feature is reporting and analytics. This system can track performance, revenue, pricing, and availability changes over time so you can more methodically understand your business and make improvements. 

Accessibility and Ease of Use

All workplace software should be easy to use so it doesn't slow business down. Ideally, it should also comply with accessibility standards regarding colors, text size, functionality, and audio so it doesn't become a liability.

Support and Reliability

All good software also comes with reliable uptime, friendly support, and easy-to-use resources. At Collision Resources, our auto body shop production management software, CR Visual Production Manager^™, comes with features and tools built just for collision centers, and our knowledgeable support team is always ready to help. Contact us today to learn more.