Workflow 360° Streamlines Auto Service Operations, Which Helps You Attract and Retain Skilled Technicians

The auto industry is facing a crisis that every Fixed Ops Director and Service Manager knows all too well: auto service operations are not streamlined and there simply aren’t enough skilled technicians to keep up with the demand. Data shows that there are 17% fewer mechanics than demand requires. This problem is compounded by the fact that consumers are getting existing vehicles repaired rather than buying new and keeping them 22 months longer than 10 years ago. Add to that the fact that dealership service departments generate the most profit; attracting and retaining the best shop personnel becomes paramount.

When recruitment is harder than ever, a key strategy is keeping the talent you already have. Competitive pay is attractive and important, but our experience shows that proficient mechanics don’t just leave for a higher hourly rate. They leave because of operational frustration and job/RO scheduling disorganization that makes it impossible to hit 125%+ efficiency – where the real money is. With Workflow Solutions 360° onboard to streamline auto service operations, skilled technicians will want to stay.

A technician who spends 30% of their day tracking down parts, waiting for advisor and customer approvals, or fretting over who gets the best repair orders is unproductive and frustrated. They want to turn wrenches and solve problems, not chase paperwork and parts and wonder if there is work to do.

This is where Workflow 360° changes the game. By digitizing and simplifying the service repair process, we boost efficiency, which in turn builds a workplace culture that attracts and retains the best in your community.

Maximize Your Auto Service Operations

Skilled staff and service bays are profit generators, but they can’t generate profit if they are idle. When a technician finishes a job but has to wait for parts info, repair approvals, or clarity on the next task, that’s not only a loss for the dealership, but also a loss for the tech’s paycheck. 

With real-time visibility into the entire service process, Workflow 360° minimizes the need for techs to leave their bay. Our intuitive dashboard lets them see work priority, parts status, vehicle notes, and approval progress immediately. When your auto service operations are streamlined, techs stay focused, productive, and satisfied. They know exactly what they will be working on next, and they have a chance and reaching 125% efficiency, where the money is.

Evidence-Based Performance Pay

One of the biggest vexations for technicians is the flat rate pay structure. If that structure isn’t supported by auto service operations that streamline their time in the bay, they feel the pinch. When they hit 125% or higher efficiency, they are making good money and maximizing their talents and skills, and they know it. Having bays utilized and higher technician efficiency increases dealer profit.

Workflow 360° supports greater efficiency by providing managers with visuals on performance, flow time, RO progress, delays, approvals, and technician load. Managers can then prioritize work accordingly. This data transparency ensures that pay-for-performance models are fair, logical, and evidence-based. When service staff know their shop uses data to maximize their active working time, they feel more secure in their earning potential.

A Modern, Professional Dealer Ops Environment

The best mechanics want to work with tools that match their skill level. If they walk into a shop and see manual, paper-based routing and chaotic communication, it sends the wrong signal about the dealer ops and the business as a whole.

As the industry’s most robust, cloud-based DMS workflow partner, Workflow 360° digitizes everything from upsells, estimates, and inspection results to all communications about an RO. Providing a platform that allows technicians to attach inspection videos, photos, and digital notes directly to a specific RO for customer and internal communications demonstrates that the dealership is invested in their success and professional development. When they know the service advisor has this information, they know there is a better chance for upsell approval, which is great for their paycheck.

Better Communication Means Less Conflict

Conflict often arises in the service lane due to miscommunication, perceived favoritism, and any number of other hiccups. Workflow 360° keeps everyone busy and focused on the minute-to-minute prioritized list of RO work, leaving less time for personnel problems. 

By serving as a service department’s central communication hub, Workflow 360° empowers team members to synergize and problem solve real-time. When communication is instant, documented, and transparent, the shop environment becomes collaborative rather than reactive. This reduces the stress of putting out fires and creates the supportive culture that top-tier technicians crave.

The Bottom Line

In addition to a competitive hourly wage, dealers must provide a workplace that actually allows talented people to excel, feel productive, and exceed 125% productivity. Workflow 360° helps create an environment where fixed ops are streamlined, and talented technicians can thrive. We complement the most profitable area of your bottom line – the Fixed Ops department.

Ready to make your shop the destination for top technicians and boost your profits to 100% absorption? Request a demo of Workflow 360° today or call us at1-801-721-1086.

 

Authored by Rob Peart

President & CEO of Workflow Solutions 360°

“Built by service managers for service managers”