Small gains key to garage growth says TechMan
Published: 22 February, 2021
Small gains from greater garage efficiency can result in noticeable improvements to bottom line figures, according to GMS provider TechMan.
Leo Freebairn of TechMan commented: “When it comes to streamlining business processes you could be forgiven for assuming it’ll take significant investment and cause much disruption. Such concerns would have you think twice about tackling short comings that you’ll likely already be aware of but it needn’t be that way. With TechMan’s continual analysis of all business processes, workshops can adapt and make efficiencies through small improvements. Take time for example, whether it be the time it takes to perform an admin task or how long a technician spends on a job, small gains here can produce surprisingly impressive results.”
An example of a system offering helping garages is the integration of the LKQ Euro Car Parts catalogue into TechMan’s GMS system.
TechMan’s latest release has also brought Haynes Pro technical to all users, which brings identification, repair and maintenance information without the need to purchase multiple licenses.
Leo concluded: “Streamlining workshop operations is now a major priority for an increasing number of independents but it’s important to remember that the process is an on-going one. What was todays fix can soon become tomorrow’s pain and having a process in place to stay on top of change can be crucial, partnering with forward-thinking businesses that can do some of this thinking for you is always a huge advantage.”
For an in-depth look at the issue, check out TechMan’s article in the February issue of Aftermarket magazine.
- 2021 Techman: Tips for a fast start
With so many businesses falling victim to the COVID-19 outbreak, workshops have had their fair share of challenges during 2020.
The common theme heard from garages is this; They now realise shortcomings in their business processes that they used to live with are now a priority needing to be urgently addressed. This may be the only way to work towards recouping the lost takings from 2020. Time is always at the top of the agenda for all concerned. This could be the time it takes to perform an admin task, or to book a new customer in the diary, or to look up parts prices, or to produce an invoice, or to tell a customer their car is ready to collect. Then there is the time a technician spends on a job versus the time given to them on job card. In short, small time gains at any level can produce massive improvements to bottom line figures by end of the year. How do garages tackle the dilemma? Also, how far can a new GMS go to relieving some of these pains? These are TechMan’s five top tips for consideration:
1. Analyse processes
Every garage that comes to TechMan will be aware of areas they can improve on. Key places to begin include understanding where the majority of costs to the business come from, what steps in their process cause bottlenecks or where delays are coming from and what steps of the process take the most time to get done.
2. Develop a culture of adaptability
Common sayings like “we have always done it this way” or “I’m not sure if my guys are ready for this” can cripple change within a business. Lead from the top and use examples your team will understand, like streaming music online or using a smartphone. In 2021 workshops must embrace new ideas and working practices to stand any chance of competing in tomorrow’s world.
- LKQ Euro Car Parts CEO highlights “demand for servicing and repair” in Lockdown 3.0
In an email sent to customers of LKQ Euro Car Parts last week, CEO Andy Hamilton confirmed that the business will remain open and operational throughout the current lockdown – as it has done previously – and explained why garages should do the same.
“During this lockdown, motorists will still be able to complete their MOTs and with a further 1.1m MOTs still outstanding from the 2020 extension, this will create work opportunities for garages. We are also facing an extended cold snap, which coupled with more vehicles being sat idle for longer, will see greater demand for servicing and repair, offering further potential revenue sources over the coming months,” he said.
The letter ended with a note of thanks to garages for their continued support, and recognition of the aftermarket’s efforts to keep the UK moving throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Garages that require assistance or have any questions are advised to contact their local branch or visit www.omnipart.com
- Sukhpal leaves ECP and LKQ
Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia has resigned from his positions as a Director of LKQ Corporation and as Executive Chairman of Euro Car Parts in the United Kingdom, it has been confirmed today (Wednesday 2 January 2019).
- TechMan runs free webinar training series
- TechMan: GMS
TechMan is a garage management system (GMS), designed by an independent garage, specifically for independent garages. Its features expand beyond the boundaries of traditional invoicing software in order to offer improved business processes, all the way from booking a customer in, to ultimately taking final payment on a job. Its focus is to reduce many of the manual admin tasks performed by a workshop business on a daily basis, and assist these garages in improving their bottom line takings. Key features like tablets for technicians, making workshops paperless, clocking on and off jobs to track technician efficiency and seamless audit trails for parts ordering and returns, are offered by the TechMan GMS.
www.techmangms.com
