It is fair to say that currently few independent garages in Ireland have fully embraced the possibilities offered by information technology to make their business more efficient. Many use only basic computer systems, not necessarily designed for the automotive sector, while many other workshops still rely on the traditional pen and paper. This now looks set to change as new solutions of integrated garage computer systems become available.

One such system is now being introduced from leading parts supplier Hella, member of the Nordic Forum. It has been developed by Tolerance, Hella’s Danish based software specialist and is a tried and tested system used by some 400 garages in Denmark. 

Johannes Schade, Managing Director for Hella Independent Aftermarket in Ireland explains the philosophy behind the software. He says, “Tolerance brings everything together for the independent garage in one easy to use software package. This means it has fully integrated customer records, parts identification and ordering, job card creation, technical information, accounts and much more in one convenient package.” He adds, “We know from our experience in other countries that it has the potential to transform a garage business, making it more efficient and more profitable.”

Patrick Keegan, of Hella Ireland, is currently overseeing several trial installations and says that the pilot garages have been very impressed with the system. He comments, “Tolerance makes the whole repair and service process quicker and easier, by handling customer details, producing quotes, job cards and service schedules, identifying and ordering the right parts and producing invoices.”

The system can integrate with a full technical information package that has service and parts information for just about every car on Irish roads. This includes a reg look-up facility for highly accurate parts identification. Tolerance goes to great lengths to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date car specific data is on the system in order to make the service and parts ordering process more efficient. Once a car is booked in, the system can produce job cards and mechanic check sheets for a particular repair or service, with estimated times. It also has access to a wealth of technical data on all vehicles including useful guides to common repairs such as timing belt replacement. The system also has the capacity to interface with Hella Gutmann Solution Diagnostic systems to record and store vehicle specific diagnostic data. 

The process of parts ordering can be simplified using Tolerance Workshop Manager offering huge time saving potential. Patrick says, “Tolerance has a fully integrated parts catalogue that will produce a list of recommended parts for each job. These are fully illustrated to ensure the correct part is ordered and there is also an indication of retail price making quoting job prices more simple.” Once parts are indentified the garage manager can simply click on a part to add it to an order basket. Orders can then be sent electronically to the factors own operating software, speeding up the order process and reducing the scope for errors.

In larger workshops the system can offer the capability for mechanics to swipe on and off jobs to record actual job times. Invoices can be produced automatically and there is a fully integrated e-conomics accounts package which is backed by KPMG. This is cloud based for easy access and can produce a wealth of management information as well as handle tax and VAT returns. So no more bookkeeping in the evenings, everything will be done automatically. The package also has many marketing aspects, including the ability to send automated emails and texts to customers.

Johannes Schade says, “Tolerance will be a key aspect of our full service garage concept which will be launched in April.” He adds, “It will also be available as a stand-alone package for any garage business.”

Patrick Keegan says that the best way to see the benefits of the system is to run it on trial alongside an existing computer or manual system. He says, “We can provide a full system demonstration, but to really see the potential of the system we recommend garages run it on trial for a month. This really allows them to understand the efficiencies, savings and increased profits it can bring.

Prices for the Tolerance software package vary according to the modules selected, but start from as little as €680 per annum for a basic system up to €1600 p.a. for a package with full technical data access. The only other requirements are a PC or laptop and a good broadband connection.

Johannes says, “With rapidly changing automotive technology, independent garages need to improve their information systems to be efficient and competitive. Tolerance is a proven system that really can transform their business.”

Get more information: see Tolerance – customised solutions on youtube by clicking here.
Or contact Hella service department 01 862 0000