First, a diversion. We are receiving calls from people asking about features salespeople are promoting in some other software package, and they wonder if they can be added to Auto Shop Writer., In almost all cases, they already exist in ASW 10. In addition, there are so many other features we offer that no one else has, and it is all integrated in one package, with no hidden charges. Feel free to email your questions for a personalized, non-scripted, answer.
Built with the latest Microsoft technology
ASW 10, build 9.72.10 was built using Microsoft’s Visual C++ 2017 compiler, which optimizes the code for Windows 10, Creators Update. Thus, we have access to the very latest, and best, the world’s leading software company has to offer.
New Feature: Analysis for Workorders
When you open a workorder, you will see a new Analysis button. After entering the odometer reading, click on the icon and ASW will open a new window that shows you client, and vehicle, information. It then shows you any pending recommendations, a list of PM’s and the days until the service is due, and any areas of concern from your inspection checklist at the last service.
This is a floating window, so you can keep it open and on the side while you enter other data, parts, and labor.
Enhancement: Checklist on Service Histories
The Inspection checklist is a great opportunity to communicate to your clients about the condition of their vehicle when you complete the service. You create the checklist yourself, or you can call and we can install one for you which you can then modify. The checklist attaches to a workorder ( if you want one ), and you can always review it by opening a closed ticket. However, now we have added the checklist to each service history if one was created. When you highlight a service in history, scroll down past parts, labor, and recommendations, and you will see the checklist items from that service.
Are you using the new PM Scheduler ?
The new PM scheduler has been fully implemented in ASW 10, and it allows you to track an unlimited number of services for each vehicle. You can also set independent intervals ( days and miles ) for that vehicle, and even enter a current odometer and get an immediate projection for when those services will be due based on the average miles per day since the last service.
It doesn’t take any real effort to create one of these. On an open workorder, simply highlight a labor performed and select the Add To PM button. You will be asked to specify the interval days and miles between services you desire for this vehicle, and it’s now complete.
New Feature: Customer Marketing Analysis
The topic of the new Marketing features will be described in a coming bulletin. However, it is included in this update. Some of the tools involve mapping. To use this, we need to lookup mapping coordinates for each client address. There is a utility that performs this task. If you open the Client screen, go to Tools, you will see a Location entry. If you click on that, it will look up the locations for each of your clients and save it on their record.
This lookup involves a Google utility and it may limit the number of searches it will perform in a 24 hour period. We recommend that you run this at the end of the day when your work is complete, or from an seldom used workstation. You may need to run it several times for it to go through your entire customer list. This will only be necessary in the beginning because when you add a client it will automatically retrieve the data.
New Feature: Appointment Emails
When creating an appointment, you now have an Email button. This will automatically send an appointment confirmation email when pressed, and setup a email to be automatically generated to remind the customer when their appointment is 2 days out.
And more …
There is so much more in this update but right now you have probably read enough. We’ll provide more info in a few days. In summary, these features are all designed to save you time, increase your earnings, and reduce your expenses. AND … they all work well !