As a family we have a small MOT & repair workshop which im looking to computerise but i dont know what is the best system to use for doing invoices and reminders etc etc. We currantly have no system in place as the garage is a behind the times some what, but we are in the valleys so most things are :lol:. im after a system to be able to print invoice's for customers and also make my tax returns easier.

 

Any suggestions would be great.

 

thanks in advance

Hey Dave, do we get 'mates rates' on MOT's then? :lol:

It depends how much you want to spend....

 

There may be specialist systems that can provide information for the service side and give standard times for standard jobs etc, but if you just want a basic system for doing invoices and running accounts you can't beat Sage Accounts.

 

There are other packages but always remember you only get what you pay for...

Are you looking purely for accounting / customer management software or something more workshop / maintenance based?

 

Autodata

 

Vivid

 

I am sure you know both of these. What people forget is their ability to generate job cards, quotes, and invoices.

 

Good for smaller outfits, as they combine tech reference with basic billing. For full on reminders and accounting, you will need something else, as that falls outside of their intended use.

 

If you have a website, and would be willing to integrate Google Apps for Business (free up to 10 user accounts/email addresses) then there are plenty of cheap options available as add on services. At the same time it is a decent overhaul for your systems.

 

Google Apps

 

Maybe a combination of the 2? For me, it was more important to access tech data and be able to produce proper job cards and invoices. Reminders and other admin systems can be tinkered with to suit your needs, the data is a bit more specialist.

 

There are hugely expensive Dealer Management Systems available that combine the 2 functions, but they are not really cost effective for the small independents out there.

probably the best value for money & what we use in our dealer:

 

http://www.dragon2000.co.uk/

 

can be scaled to any size from a small garage to a full dealer DMS software

 

will handle all aspects - workshop, parts, car sales etc. will do customer mailshots etc

 

is very scaleable in terms of buying modules for what you want - if you dont want car sales then you dont pay for it etc.

 

let me know if you want any more info :)

probably the best value for money & what we use in our dealer:

 

http://www.dragon2000.co.uk/

 

+1

 

Couldn't remember the name earlier on...

thanks i will look into these. has anybody heard of Garage Assistant GA3? i was having reading through it seems the kind of thing im looking for i think. I would like something that people know and use if poss.

never heard of it but looking at the screenshots on their website it looks quite similar to Dragon that we use.

 

bit too fussy for my liking with too much crammed on the screens & too many colours all over the place!! :wacko: