How to Autobody Software

Autobody Software allows an autobody shop to track it's costs and profits. A good system comes complete with integrated-accounting because that makes the system easier to use and more accurate. Not all systems come with integrated-accounting. This will show you how autobody software jobcosting with integrated-accounting works in an autobody shop.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   Autobody Software CC3 Bridge

   Autobody software begins with a Bridge to Pathways, Mitchell, or Audatex that allows the user to import an estimate and create an RO. The import should be easy with the push of a single button. The opened RO will allow you to print an authorization for the customer, print a Work Order for the Techs, and Print/Fax/Email a parts order for the dealership or parts house.

2. 
   Autobody Software scanner

   Once the RO is open, you can then post invoices to the RO. Having an integrated accounting system means you can scan in the invoice for the parts, and a scanned image will be automatically stored with both the RO and the integrated-accounting system. WARNING ! A management system that uses Quick_Books cannot do this, that kind of system requires you to copy the invoice, and then take the paper and filling it into a paper folder. You want to avoid that, you want an electronic file as much as possible. Therefore, you should avoid systems that use Quick_books, and locate a system with integrated accounting.

3. 
   Autobody Software Worker Time Report

   As the techs work on the car, you will want to post their time to the RO, or have them use a built in timeclock to post their time to the RO automatically. This will show the cost in the RO of the labor, and also prepare the weekly payroll automatically. When Friday comes, you just print the Shop Payroll report and pay off of that - no running around. Each tech will get a copy of the report as well, and they'll appreciate the accuracy and fairness of getting a printed out report of their time.

4. 
   Autobody Software Credit Memo

   Part returns are easy with an integrated-accounting system. A system should have a Credit Memo Ledger to track the returns that is connected directly to accounting. Systems that use Quick_books routinely lose part retunrs and credit memos costing shops money and time because they don't have a credit memo area built into the accounting system.

5. 
   Autobody Scheduler

   Throughout the whole process from start to finish you want to be able to schedule estimates coming in, cars that are being staged, parts for cars that have been or need to be ordered, cars in the shop, and which cars have been completed and need to be delivered. A powerful scheduler built right in allows you to do that. Note the color codes that represent different stages.

6. 
   Autobody Software Write Check

   Writing Checks is easy in a system with integrated-accounting. You can go right in from the main menu, write the check, and post the cost to the RO. Financial statements including Income Statement and Balance sheet are built right in.

7. 
   Autobody software Stuart McColl

   The finally step - you need someone who knows this business - who knows how to fix cars and run a successful shop. You don't want a company that forces you to sign obnoxious contract and charge you an unfair price. Sure you want a very powerful piece of software, but it has to work in your shop like any other piece of equipment, and make you money. Can you imagine signing some contract forcing you to use Brand X welder for 3 to 5 years, even if you find it didn't work for you ? That's what most autobody software companies do - sell you inferior software and force you to use it for several years, even if you find you don't like it. Meet Stuart McColl, the owner of CCT. He brings the power to you and puts it in your hands. CCT software has been installed in 40 of the 50 states. Body Shop Tested, Tried and Trusted since 1991. Website: www.softwarehero.com Call Stu anytime at Ph: 360-582-0202.
   Email: [e-mail]

Tips & Warnings

• Combined Computer Technology created the CC3 Autobody Software system to make jobcosting and accounting in an autobody shop easy and profitable. We've been at it since 1991. By giving us their ideas on how software should work in a shop, our customers have helped make CC3 the most accurate, powerful, and easy to use management system available at any price. Please visit www.autobodysoftwarehero.com, www.stuartmccoll.com, or www.softwarehero.com today.

Resources

• Autobody Software CC3 Management System
• Autobody Software CCT Company Website
• Autobody Software Expert Stuart McColl

[AndyWorth]

on 12/29/2008 I looked this over this autobody software and looked more detailed than other software I was looking at for my autobody shop. I went to www.softwarehero.com and downloaded the demo, and I have a small shop so they turned it on for only $695. I like the way the accounting is built right in.