I downloaded the evaluation copy which is a full functioning version that will self destruct after a 15 day trial. If you decide to buy it, they will send you a code number that will convert it to a permanent copy.
Installation went smoothly and when I opened it up it took me to the main screen. At this screen you can enter your basic shop information such as the name of the shop, shop labor rate, tax rates and standard labor times. The program Setup Menu allows you to enter your vendors and technicians for tracking and reporting. The Supervisor Controls menu will give you access to items such as Receivables, Inventory and Commission reports.
Once you have the basics set up, the tool bar has icons that will let you create new work orders, estimates, check or add new inventory. You can also pull up a customer or vehicle list, get reports or a customer history. The Labor icon will open a window that will allow you to enter standard labor times for a particular job. Once entered, you can add it to an invoice without having to type it out each time. Very handy.
Clicking on the Workorder icon will bring up a list of Workorders in progress and the option to create a new Workorder. When you open a new Work order, it automatically numbers it. You can start the numbering where you like and it will number them in sequence as you open new ones.
You enter the standard information such as name, address, phone number, year make and model. You enter the name of the tech who will work on the car and the name of the person preparing the Workorder. You then enter the work to be done and enter any service recommendations. Once it is filled out, you can print out the Workorder, have the customer sign it, and give it to the tech who will be doing the work. When the work is completed you enter any parts and labor charges into the final invoice.
This is just a quick over view of the many features this program offers. There are many more features that make shop management easier that I haven't touched upon.
I brought home 12 Workorders from the shop and entered them into Shop Controller 4.0 to see how well it performed. It was a bit awkward at first, but as I got used to it, it became a lot easier to use.
was able to use the parts and labor menus to quickly enter standard jobs and then enter items for the particular vehicle. There are standard groupings you can use or you can create your own as you need them. It keeps a running tally as you enter items in it.
Once the work is completed, you can enter the payment type, check, cash or credit card, make any notes on the vehicle or customer, close the Workorder and print out the invoice.
The one weak point in this program is the help file. When you click help on the main screen you get an option for Quick Start which is a general overview and a tutorial which covers the basic and advanced functions.
You can download a users guide from their web site which covers the programs functions in detail and I would recommend you read it thoroughly before you start. I'm just a dumb mechanic from New Jersey and I think a more comprehensive help file would be a good thing to add, especially with a program with as many features as this one.
It takes some getting used to and I would practice with it for a while before I put it into use. Overall this is a nice program. It has so many useful features, not just a lot of stuff to make it look good. This software was developed by shop owners for shop owners so I would expect no less.
There is an 800 tech support number should you need it. They will assist you in setting up the software and will spend whatever time it takes to get you comfortable with it. Alliance Automotive Software also goes beyond the standard tech support. They will work with you on setting your pricing structure to help keep you competitive and profitable.
Hardware/Software Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
IBM compatible Pentium 150mhz
64 MB Ram
20 MB free hard disk space
Ink Jet or laser printer
Windows 95 operating system
Recommended Requirements:
IBM compatible Pentium II 266mhz
64 MB Ram
25+ MB free hard disk space
Laser printer
Tape backup drive
Internal Zip Drive
Windows 95 or 98 operating system.