The Most Overlooked ‘Power’ Tool: Unlocking Your SMS [THA 396]

About this episode

'Our shop managers, our shop owners, they don't know what they have, and because they don't know what they have, they don't know how to use it to the fullest extent.' This episode is packed with valuable advice for shop owners who want to maximize their Shop Management System and ensure their business runs seamlessly and profitably. Learn More About: Maximizing Your SMS: Many shop owners underutilize their SMS, treating it merely as an invoicing tool. Inventory Control: Effective inventory management is crucial. Discover how simple tweaks can save you money and improve service efficiency. Labor Matrix: Track and analyze labor efficiency with ease. Implement strategies that can lead to increased profitability. Recommended Services: Tap into the maintenance market. Present recommended services effectively. Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion! Jon Luttrell and Ben Dexter, NAPA TRACS Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode A Better Road to Success: Navigating Your SMS and Customer Rapport [RR 945]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e945/ Common Issues with SMS (00:02:05) Widespread issues among shop owners regarding their lack of knowledge about shop management systems. Understanding Labor Matrix (00:02:30) The importance of understanding and utilizing the labor matrix feature in SMS. Realization of SMS Capabilities (00:03:17) Ben describes the moment when shop owners realize SMS can influence profitability beyond invoicing. Owner's Role in Learning SMS (00:05:15) Discussion on the necessity for shop owners to be knowledgeable about their SMS and not delegate responsibility. Absentee Ownership Challenges (00:06:25) The dangers of absentee ownership in effectively managing shop systems and ensuring accountability. In-Person Training Benefits (00:11:54) Ben highlights the advantages of in-person training for accommodating different learning styles. Key Features of NAPA TRACS (00:12:28) Ben discusses top features of NAPA TRACS that excite shop owners, including inventory control and labor matrices. Inventory Control Insights (00:13:25) Ben emphasizes the significance of proper inventory management in enhancing shop profitability. Proactive Inventory Management (00:16:02) Discussion on the importance of maintaining appropriate inventory levels based on market demand. Client Service Rep's Role (00:16:43) Jon discusses the value of having a knowledgeable client service representative to assist with inventory management. Choosing the Right SMS (00:18:58) Emphasizes the need for local representation in selecting and customizing shop management systems. Reflecting on 2023 (00:20:05) Encourages shop owners to assess their previous year and consider changes for improvement. Profitability and Productivity (00:21:12) Explores the relationship between profitability and productivity in shop management systems. Understanding Pricing and Labor (00:22:06) Discusses the importance of pricing strategies for parts and labor to increase shop profitability. Utilizing Parts Matrix (00:23:30) Introduction of parts matrix profiles to simplify pricing. Reporting and Accountability (00:25:01) Highlights the importance of reporting tools for tracking productivity and sales performance. Dashboards for Quick Insights (00:26:45) Describes the use of dashboards to visualize performance metrics and accountability. The Role of a Profit Coach (00:27:57) Stresses the necessity of having a profit coach for business accountability and growth. Templates for SMS (00:29:09) Discussion on the availability of templates for parts and labor to aid new users. User Control Over Features (00:30:57) Explains user flexibility in activating or deactivating features in the shop management system. Human Element in Pricing (00:32:02) Discusses balancing scientific pricing with human judgment in service pricing. Recommended Services (00:32:59) Focuses on effectively communicating recommended services to customers. Maintenance Awareness (00:35:41) Encourages understanding the necessity of regular maintenance for vehicle reliability and safety. Embracing SMS Tools (00:36:33) Concludes with the importance of actively using shop management systems for business success. The Importance of User Feedback (00:36:53) Discussion on how passionate users have guided the development of the application. Maximizing System Utilization (00:37:27) Encouragement for shop owners to explore and fully utilize their shop management systems. Commitment to Training (00:37:53) Emphasis on knowing the SMS for effective shop management. Acknowledgment of Sponsorship (00:38:18) Thanks to NAPA TRACS for sponsoring the podcast at an upcoming training event in North Carolina. ASTA EXPO: https://astaexpo.com/aste-classes/ Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. 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