Fixed Ops Magazine - 2023 Vol 20 02 - 42

Once your service writer has this information, it must
be rekeyed into your DMS in order to generate an estimate.
When the estimate is approved, the service writer
will need to place at least one additional call to order
parts from the local provider(s). And if your technician
identifies an additional repair need during the job, the
cycle begins all over again.
Needless to say, this convoluted process isn't good
for anyone - your service writer, your tech, or your
customer.
IT CAN BE (MUCH) EASIER
Now consider how thousands of aftermarket service
providers approach the same opportunity. The service
writer or technician enters the VIN into their shop management
system. This generates a comprehensive view
- via the system's embedded all-makes/all-models/allyears
catalog - of every part needed for the repair as
well as manufacturer TSBs, installation instructions and
other data for that specific vehicle. Also presented are
related items commonly installed in conjunction with a
brake job.
The shop's service writer can then choose from several
local sources offering the desired parts brand and
grade, availability, and pricing. He or she then quickly
imports this information into an estimate, which is
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printed, emailed, or texted for customer approval.
When the estimate is approved, the parts can be ordered
with a single click. The right part (or tire) is delivered
to the right place at the right time - all within a
matter of minutes and without phone calls or manual
data entry.
Also consider how this streamlined system can revolutionize
your recon operations. No longer is your team
calling around for information and parts, returning
parts that don't fit, and facing extended wait times due
to a limited supply base.
Leading DMS systems now can offer the same reach,
speed and efficiency by integrating with leading aftermarket
digital solutions, including the Epicor PartExpert
eCatalog, the industry's largest and most trusted
parts and labor estimating solution, covering more
than 17 million part numbers available for over 1.4 billion
unique vehicle applications. Dealers also can now
apply the power of an aftermarket-specific CRM platform
to turn these service opportunities into enduring
customer relationships.
ADDRESS THE FULL VEHICLE LIFECYCLE
Numbers don't lie: Most of the vehicles sold and serviced
by U.S. dealerships disappear into the non-dealer
aftermarket within six years. But they're not disappear
Fixed Ops Magazine - 2023 Vol 20 02

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