Tag: System Updates

September 2019 System Updates & NewsWhat’s New:
Status Enhancements:

On The Lot – Added a triple filter. Checked shows all “On The Lot”, Dash shows all open tickets that are not “On The Lot”.
Waiting For Parts – Also a triple filter, we think the name is rather obvious in it’s function.
Accountant Verified – Also a triple filter.  This status was a request from a subscriber who has an bookkeeper verify each and every Service Request.  They wanted their bookkeeper/accountant to be able to mark off which Service Requests had been completely verified.  This feature is available, but it is a special request module that is not included in our standard pricing.

On The Lot – Added a triple filter. Checked shows all “On The Lot”, Dash shows all open tickets that are not “On The Lot”.
Waiting For Parts – Also a triple filter, we think the name is rather obvious in it’s function.
Accountant Verified – Also a triple filter.  This status was a request from a subscriber who has an bookkeeper verify each and every Service Request.  They wanted their bookkeeper/accountant to be able to mark off which Service Requests had been completely verified.  This feature is available, but it is a special request module that is not included in our standard pricing.

Internal Notes:

Send notes to your team members, complete with notification reminders.  Assign it to the appropriate team members and have everyone on the same page. 
 

This feature is available, but it is a special request module that is not included in our standard pricing.

Send notes to your team members, complete with notification reminders.  Assign it to the appropriate team members and have everyone on the same page. 
 

This feature is available, but it is a special request module that is not included in our standard pricing.
Service Request Notes:
In addition to “Internal Notes”, we now have a similar feature that will allow you to write notes for any Service Request.  The notes will also function as reminders and can be assigned to anyone on your team.
This feature is available, but it is a special request module that is not included in our standard pricing.
In addition to “Internal Notes”, we now have a similar feature that will allow you to write notes for any Service Request.  The notes will also function as reminders and can be assigned to anyone on your team.
This feature is available, but it is a special request module that is not included in our standard pricing.
We have enhanced our Dashboard Display overall:
Exciting New Partnership:
We are also working on a partnership with a highly sought after vendor. 
We can not release any more information at this time, but this relationship will truly help us provide a better service to all of our subscribers.
 
We are also working on a partnership with a highly sought after vendor. 
We can not release any more information at this time, but this relationship will truly help us provide a better service to all of our subscribers.
 

July 2019 System Updates & NewsWhat’s New:
Fleet Dashboard
For all of our Fleet customers, we have added the Fleet dashboard to accommodate your day-to-day needs. From here you have the ability to add “Preferred Contacts” that you can easily convert from your Business account.
For all of our Fleet customers, we have added the Fleet dashboard to accommodate your day-to-day needs. From here you have the ability to add “Preferred Contacts” that you can easily convert from your Business account.
Minor Dashboard Adjustment
Small change in the “Under Process” tile. The tile now reads “Awaited”, “Authorized”, and then “Work in Progress”.
Small change in the “Under Process” tile. The tile now reads “Awaited”, “Authorized”, and then “Work in Progress”.
Click Vin Title To Open Identifix.com On Fill Recommendation Page
Dashboard Responsive View For Dashboard Tiles
Help Guide is Live
We understand learning a new software can be challenging. We have made this adjustment easier with the “Help Guide” readily accessible on each CAR account.
We understand learning a new software can be challenging. We have made this adjustment easier with the “Help Guide” readily accessible on each CAR account.

June 2019 System Updates & NewsWhat’s New:
Add Jobs from the Fill Recommendation Page:
Add a service request right from the Fill Reccomendation Page instead of having to then go back and edit.
Add a service request right from the Fill Reccomendation Page instead of having to then go back and edit.
Customer Approval:
Retain the Accept/Reject statuses of all jobs in Edit Mode. This allows anyone who is working on a service request to put it in Edit Mode and not lose what was accepted or rejected by the customer. 
Retain the Accept/Reject statuses of all jobs in Edit Mode. This allows anyone who is working on a service request to put it in Edit Mode and not lose what was accepted or rejected by the customer. 
Fill Recommendation:
Display the current approval status for all jobs. Technically part of Edit Mode, once you are there it will display the accept or reject criteria for that specific job.
Display the current approval status for all jobs. Technically part of Edit Mode, once you are there it will display the accept or reject criteria for that specific job.
Easy Check-In (Unit Number):
When working on fleets, vehicles in that fleet usually are assigned a Unit Number. Now in CAR you can begin a service request by simply putting in the “Unit Number” of that vehicle in the Easy Check In category. 
When working on fleets, vehicles in that fleet usually are assigned a Unit Number. Now in CAR you can begin a service request by simply putting in the “Unit Number” of that vehicle in the Easy Check In category. 
Make Service Request Lists Responsive:
Now when you are using Complete Auto Reports on a mobile sized display you no longer have to swipe left to right to manuever through the app but rather everything is contained on one screen in an orderly manner to create a more efficient workflow.
Now when you are using Complete Auto Reports on a mobile sized display you no longer have to swipe left to right to manuever through the app but rather everything is contained on one screen in an orderly manner to create a more efficient workflow.

Late May 2019 System Updates & NewsWhat’s New:
Check for Existing Service Requests:
When opening a service request, you will now be prompted with a notification that lets you know if this particular vehicle already has open service requests! You will received a pop-up like this one:
You can hover over any CAR ID on that list and it becomes click-able.  Upon clicking, it will open a new tab with that service request for you to review.
Additionally, when ignoring those prompts, it will provide the full customer balance when pressing submit, like so:
When opening a service request, you will now be prompted with a notification that lets you know if this particular vehicle already has open service requests! You will received a pop-up like this one:
You can hover over any CAR ID on that list and it becomes click-able.  Upon clicking, it will open a new tab with that service request for you to review.
Additionally, when ignoring those prompts, it will provide the full customer balance when pressing submit, like so:
Edit Title, Notes, & Mileage From Fill Recommendation Page
This one is pretty self explanatory.  There is now a “red pencil” next to these data fields, clicking on any of them, bring up the following pop-up.  Allowing you to make changes without having to do the “Edit Page”.
This one is pretty self explanatory.  There is now a “red pencil” next to these data fields, clicking on any of them, bring up the following pop-up.  Allowing you to make changes without having to do the “Edit Page”.
Copy Jobs
We are particularly excited about this update, which is the first of many to debut over the next 90 days, helping you save significant time.  You can now go to ANY previous service request and copy an entire job and paste it into a new request.
 
The easiest example is, let’s assume you do an oil change.  If, you  build out the service request once with the correct oil filter, oil and quantity, as well as labor and other charges… you never have to type it out again. 
 
In order test this functionality, search for a previous service by license plate or part number.  From the results list, pick a service request that contains the service you are now performing again. Open that service request, copy the job to the clipboard. Navigate to the new service request and paste it in.
In this example we searched by license plate number,  opened a previous request, scrolled to the job and pressed “Copy Job”.  Notice a message that says “Success! Job Copied to Clipboard.”  We then backed out and went to the new service request, pressed the “Paste” icon and am able to review the job before pasting it.
We are particularly excited about this update, which is the first of many to debut over the next 90 days, helping you save significant time.  You can now go to ANY previous service request and copy an entire job and paste it into a new request.
 
The easiest example is, let’s assume you do an oil change.  If, you  build out the service request once with the correct oil filter, oil and quantity, as well as labor and other charges… you never have to type it out again. 
 
In order test this functionality, search for a previous service by license plate or part number.  From the results list, pick a service request that contains the service you are now performing again. Open that service request, copy the job to the clipboard. Navigate to the new service request and paste it in.
In this example we searched by license plate number,  opened a previous request, scrolled to the job and pressed “Copy Job”.  Notice a message that says “Success! Job Copied to Clipboard.”  We then backed out and went to the new service request, pressed the “Paste” icon and am able to review the job before pasting it.
Request Categories Added

We are working on custom options for categories, however for the time being we are filling the missing elements based on user feedback. 
We have recently added:

Heating & Air Conditioning – Heater Core
Brakes & Traction Control – Hydraulic System – Master Cylinder
Steering & Suspension – Steering – Steering Damper
Steering & Suspension – Steering – Inner Tie Rod
Steering & Suspension – Steering – Outer Tie Rod
Engine, Cooling & Exhaust – Engine – Valve Cover
Engine, Cooling & Exhaust – Engine – Valve Cover Gasket
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Front Lower Control Arm
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Front Upper Control Arm
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Rear Lower Control Arm
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Rear Upper Control Arm
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Trailing Arm
Powertrain Management – Emission Control Systems – Mass  Air Flow Sensor
#16 – Sway Bar – Front
#16 – Sway Bar – Rear
#8 Drive Shaft – Front
#8 Drive Shaft – Rear
#8 Universal Joint – Front
#8 Universal Joint – Rear
#18 Transmission Line

We are working on custom options for categories, however for the time being we are filling the missing elements based on user feedback. 
We have recently added:

Heating & Air Conditioning – Heater Core
Brakes & Traction Control – Hydraulic System – Master Cylinder
Steering & Suspension – Steering – Steering Damper
Steering & Suspension – Steering – Inner Tie Rod
Steering & Suspension – Steering – Outer Tie Rod
Engine, Cooling & Exhaust – Engine – Valve Cover
Engine, Cooling & Exhaust – Engine – Valve Cover Gasket
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Front Lower Control Arm
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Front Upper Control Arm
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Rear Lower Control Arm
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Rear Upper Control Arm
Steering & Suspension – Suspension – Trailing Arm
Powertrain Management – Emission Control Systems – Mass  Air Flow Sensor
#16 – Sway Bar – Front
#16 – Sway Bar – Rear
#8 Drive Shaft – Front
#8 Drive Shaft – Rear
#8 Universal Joint – Front
#8 Universal Joint – Rear
#18 Transmission Line

Info Details Picture Access
When clicking on a photo in the vehicle details pop-up, the photo is now displayed.  
When clicking on a photo in the vehicle details pop-up, the photo is now displayed.  
RepairLinkShop.com Access:
Access to RepairLinkShop.com is available within CAR.  We are working on being able to pull information from that resource, but for now we are providing access to it through the CAR console.
 
Access to RepairLinkShop.com through CAR must be requested and is not granted automatically.
Access to RepairLinkShop.com is available within CAR.  We are working on being able to pull information from that resource, but for now we are providing access to it through the CAR console.
 
Access to RepairLinkShop.com through CAR must be requested and is not granted automatically.

May 2019 System Updates & NewsWhat’s New:
Price Matrix:
Fully enabled and functioning.
Fully enabled and functioning.
On The Lot shortcut in the left menu:
Quickly filter search results by vehicles marked “On The Lot”
Quickly filter search results by vehicles marked “On The Lot”
Smart Batch:
Now have the ability to see what items meet smart batch criteria.  See if you have any in stock, and replace a current part on the service request with a smart batch part.
Now have the ability to see what items meet smart batch criteria.  See if you have any in stock, and replace a current part on the service request with a smart batch part.
Search Filters:
Can now filter search results through all service requests.  Search Filters are: Business Name, Customer Email, Customer Name, License Plate, Part (by part number) Request ID, Title, Vehicle, VIN.
Can now filter search results through all service requests.  Search Filters are: Business Name, Customer Email, Customer Name, License Plate, Part (by part number) Request ID, Title, Vehicle, VIN.
Photos & Videos Are Now Live Updated:
As you fill out recommendations and the service request, any photos or videos taken are now automatically updated to the customer as they are uploaded on your end.  That way, if a customer logs in, they can see what you’re doing as you’re doing it… without waiting for you to send it to them.  It allows you to mitigate phone calls like, “Well can you tell me what’s going on?”.  Sure, if you login to CAR, you can see exactly what we’re doing and as soon as we determine the root cause, we will provide you with the estimate to review.
As you fill out recommendations and the service request, any photos or videos taken are now automatically updated to the customer as they are uploaded on your end.  That way, if a customer logs in, they can see what you’re doing as you’re doing it… without waiting for you to send it to them.  It allows you to mitigate phone calls like, “Well can you tell me what’s going on?”.  Sure, if you login to CAR, you can see exactly what we’re doing and as soon as we determine the root cause, we will provide you with the estimate to review.
Print Tech Work Sheet:
By demand, many customers have asked to be able to print out work sheets they can leave on the vehicles so technicians can grab and go, we have now enabled that.
By demand, many customers have asked to be able to print out work sheets they can leave on the vehicles so technicians can grab and go, we have now enabled that.
Exclude Labor Tax Only:
Some states only have tax on labor only, while others have parts and labor.  We have allowed a function to eliminate any tax calculations based on labor.
Some states only have tax on labor only, while others have parts and labor.  We have allowed a function to eliminate any tax calculations based on labor.
Quick Start Guide:
Want to tinker on your own time?  We have now made an 8 step guide on how you can get started on your own., with CAR.  We are also incorporating this into the system dashboard along with other tutorials to help you get started doing things and training employees with minimal downtime.
Want to tinker on your own time?  We have now made an 8 step guide on how you can get started on your own., with CAR.  We are also incorporating this into the system dashboard along with other tutorials to help you get started doing things and training employees with minimal downtime.
Repair Link:
Access is available through our console for members who ask for it.  We can NOT pull information back, but you can build estimates in Repairlinkshop.com right from the service request and submit orders.  For the time being, you need to then manually enter the parts if they are already not in the database.
Access is available through our console for members who ask for it.  We can NOT pull information back, but you can build estimates in Repairlinkshop.com right from the service request and submit orders.  For the time being, you need to then manually enter the parts if they are already not in the database.Future Development:
We have some items coming up in the next few weeks that will further enhance the system and it’s use. Among them, prevention of duplicate tickets being created and the ability to copy a job. As we button those feature sets down, we will be sure to let the community know. Copy jobs will really shine with parts searching capabilities. We are also working out plans for Quick Quoting features and many other minor features that will really simplify the process and continually shave seconds of time that will add up to hours and days at the end of each month.Want to try with no commitment?
We are offering free upgrades for any plan we have for up to 3 months to any shop that is willing to learn how seeking customer authorization in a structured fashion, which will lead to a serious increase in approvals. We have grown our business by 50% in revenue with this software, in just under 3 years. All because we let the process dictate how the business runs. This isn’t a gimmick, this is how to conduct business in the 21st century. Limit your liability and wow your customer with professionalism. Only with CAR.

April 2019 System Updates & NewsWhat’s New:
Purchase Order Numbers:
The CAR ID now transfers to vendor invoices done through PartsTech as the PO number.  Making items very easy to identify when ordered through the platform and they show up at the door.
The CAR ID now transfers to vendor invoices done through PartsTech as the PO number.  Making items very easy to identify when ordered through the platform and they show up at the door.
Diagnostic Time Option When there are Rejected Jobs:
When closing out a service request that has rejected jobs, the system prompts you to add diagnostic time.  The choice is yours ultimately, but it does two things.  Acts as a reminder to actually get paid for your time spent, adds the diagnostic time without you having to go back in an edit the ticket.
When closing out a service request that has rejected jobs, the system prompts you to add diagnostic time.  The choice is yours ultimately, but it does two things.  Acts as a reminder to actually get paid for your time spent, adds the diagnostic time without you having to go back in an edit the ticket.
Smart Batches:
So we are finishing this, but the premise is live.  You can take a batch of parts that are interchangeable and make a smart batch out of them.  The easiest way to explain this is through an oil filter.  There are a myriad of oil filters that are interchangeable, or sometimes it’s the same oil filter with a different part number.  Like PF47 vs PF47E.  So we designed a system to allow you to tie in the interchangeable parts to work with local inventory.  In the photo below, all of those oil filters act as a PF47 when adding then to a service request.  So if you added the Motorcraft FL321 and didn’t have any in stock, it will tell you that you have the 72 132WS Bosch Filter in stock that is the direct equivalent. 
So we are finishing this, but the premise is live.  You can take a batch of parts that are interchangeable and make a smart batch out of them.  The easiest way to explain this is through an oil filter.  There are a myriad of oil filters that are interchangeable, or sometimes it’s the same oil filter with a different part number.  Like PF47 vs PF47E.  So we designed a system to allow you to tie in the interchangeable parts to work with local inventory.  In the photo below, all of those oil filters act as a PF47 when adding then to a service request.  So if you added the Motorcraft FL321 and didn’t have any in stock, it will tell you that you have the 72 132WS Bosch Filter in stock that is the direct equivalent. 
Duplicate Part Number Reduction:
When adding parts to the local database, it autofills now, so there are less opportunities of entering in duplicate part numbers.  Like entering in a part number, 28113-2S000 with the dash vs 28113 2S000 or 281132S000.  Just a method to keep the data cleaner, which saves everyone time and money.
When adding parts to the local database, it autofills now, so there are less opportunities of entering in duplicate part numbers.  Like entering in a part number, 28113-2S000 with the dash vs 28113 2S000 or 281132S000.  Just a method to keep the data cleaner, which saves everyone time and money.What We’re Working On:
Minor Fixes:
Reduced the size of the “snack bar” to enhance desktop and mobile experience.
Reduced the size of the “snack bar” to enhance desktop and mobile experience.
Currently in Beta:
Parts Price Matrix.  This has an element included in it that was provided to us by someone who believes in our product and process.  This individual provided a mathematical calculation that completely eliminates the sharp drops from Price Ranges.  We are so happy with his assistance here, that we can’t wait to show you the curve CAR will provide your business in profit, versus the jagged edge drops.
Parts Price Matrix.  This has an element included in it that was provided to us by someone who believes in our product and process.  This individual provided a mathematical calculation that completely eliminates the sharp drops from Price Ranges.  We are so happy with his assistance here, that we can’t wait to show you the curve CAR will provide your business in profit, versus the jagged edge drops.
Future Development:
As we continually close the gaps of features we are missing for larger scale facilities, we are approaching crossroads where we are enabling features based on data that no one can presently do.  So we are working on A LOT of things we can’t necessarily talk about.  What I can say, is that in about 3 months time… you’ll be able to replicate a complete service invoice… from your cell phone… while checking in a vehicle… in less than 60 seconds.
As we continually close the gaps of features we are missing for larger scale facilities, we are approaching crossroads where we are enabling features based on data that no one can presently do.  So we are working on A LOT of things we can’t necessarily talk about.  What I can say, is that in about 3 months time… you’ll be able to replicate a complete service invoice… from your cell phone… while checking in a vehicle… in less than 60 seconds.
What We Can Talk About:
We are working on a method to open www.repairlinkshop.com within CAR and submit orders and pull back parts data. We expect to be in beta around June with this.
We are working on a method to open repair information within CAR, from Identifix to start.  This is a slower moving boat because of the lack of cooperation from data providers in the industry.  But we have found some ways to at least get the ball moving with Identifix for now.
We are working on a method to open www.repairlinkshop.com within CAR and submit orders and pull back parts data. We expect to be in beta around June with this.
We are working on a method to open repair information within CAR, from Identifix to start.  This is a slower moving boat because of the lack of cooperation from data providers in the industry.  But we have found some ways to at least get the ball moving with Identifix for now.

March 2019 System Updates & NewsReady to Go:

Plate To Vehicle Information – Fully functional
Reporting now exports: Year, Make, Model, License Plate.  Benefits if this allow you to use excel to understand your customer base a little better.  Will eventually be built into our reporting tab, but giving raw data access for now.

Above you will see one set of statistics you can perform with this data.

$0 balance is auto marked as paid
System updates refresh cache through a message when logging in.

Plate To Vehicle Information – Fully functional
Reporting now exports: Year, Make, Model, License Plate.  Benefits if this allow you to use excel to understand your customer base a little better.  Will eventually be built into our reporting tab, but giving raw data access for now.

Above you will see one set of statistics you can perform with this data.

$0 balance is auto marked as paid
System updates refresh cache through a message when logging in.

Still Working Through:

Price Matrix – Linear – Expected by end of this month.  Delayed by some parts and inventory tasks to enhance operation.
Diagnostic Time Option When There Are Rejected Jobs. Currently testing, live likely within 14 days.
Learn While You Use – 3 out of 6 walk through tutorials in testing phases.

Price Matrix – Linear – Expected by end of this month.  Delayed by some parts and inventory tasks to enhance operation.
Diagnostic Time Option When There Are Rejected Jobs. Currently testing, live likely within 14 days.
Learn While You Use – 3 out of 6 walk through tutorials in testing phases.

Other Current Enhancements:
Parts redundancy elimination –  We’re working on several items that really help shops control their parts information.  Working to: group exact parts together & eliminate double+ part numbers.
Parts redundancy elimination –  We’re working on several items that really help shops control their parts information.  Working to: group exact parts together & eliminate double+ part numbers.
Vendor | Sponsor Enhancements:
We are building a portal that will allow vendors or sponsors to reach their customers through our portal in an efficient and elegant manner.  This is something completely new to this arena and was driven by a partnership we are presently working on.  However, it’s going to be a game changer when it comes to Vendors or Sponsors with features they want their customers to have access to through their Shop Management System.
We are building a portal that will allow vendors or sponsors to reach their customers through our portal in an efficient and elegant manner.  This is something completely new to this arena and was driven by a partnership we are presently working on.  However, it’s going to be a game changer when it comes to Vendors or Sponsors with features they want their customers to have access to through their Shop Management System.We’ve also got a lot of surprises up our sleeves from user generated suggestions.  All things we are working on for 2019 as it continues to move through.

May 2020 System Updates & News Removal of Completed / Completed & Paid From Plain View: When you press the dashboard icon, you may notice that you are missing a bunch of Service Requests. You’re not missing them, they have been hidden from plain view and can easily be brought back. Notice anything new, like that red line of text? Note: This list EXCLUDES Completed service requests. + Clicking on it will cause it to turn green and read: Note: This list now INCLUDES Completed Service Requests. + Easy Check – Add New Customer: In an on going effort to improve our process, we have added “Add New Customer” to the “Easy Check In” flow. This will allow you to add anyone not on the platform, and then proceed to add their vehicle and start a service request or make a future appointment. + Enhanced Mobile Display We’ve been working really hard on our mobile display as well. There are no pages that should require you to pan right anymore. Everything should be contained within the window you are in on your mobile device. + + Reduced Repetitive Steps: We have added functionality that auto fills the state, timezone and customer type for each customer as well as the vehicle license plate state.  Saving you a few seconds each time from having to select them. Consolidated Closing of Service Requests: + A work in progress to help speed up some of the quicker/shorter service requests.  There are other additions to this coming this month as well.