SERVICE DEPT SPLIT SHIFT INFO

[RANDY LEDOUX]

Due to economic conditions over the last 18 months we downsized our Toyoa and Ford operations into one location. Now we find ourselfs out of stall space for the current service traffic and staffing levels. This is a good thing but as the economy starts to pick up this will creat a real issue as far as available stall space is concerned. We are looking at a possible 4 ten work schedule or going to a split shift schedule. We currently are open Monday- Saturday-Express Lube open Sunday. Just asking for your thoughts and experiences. Thank you!

[GENE WHITE]

RANDY,

Split shifts will allow you to expand the technician capacity in a shop as long as the shifts do not overlap during the week.

Two shifts of 4 ten hour work days per technician will allow you to expand the technician capacity as long as they do not overlap.

Another interesting concept is 4 ten with three shifts of technicians which allows the technicians a 5 day weekend once every three weeks. 2 full shifts per day can be arranged under this system.

12 hour shifts 3 days a week is another way to expand technican stall capacity without expanding the stall count. This is a difficult concept to maintain.

Although I have not personally recommended the Team Concept in almost 20 years this concept puts 5 technicians in 4 stalls. This stall density is needed to make the concept work properly.

Keep in mind any and all additional overhead costs such as support staff needed to support these advanced management concepts. Another area of concern I have run across is when both partners in a marrage, the technician and their significant other, work and one babysits children or parents or has a second job while the other partner is not available.

[btk]

a good 4-10 schedule to start is a mon-thursday crew, wed-sat crew and a mon-tues,friday sat crew and they rotate thru each schedule- I would recommend that you rotate schedule maybe every 2-3 weeks, if they rotate schedule weekly they will get a five day off schedule once a month, I feel based on experience, that it kinda throws things off abit when they rotate so much.

[fixed-op emperor]

We have tried 12,11 and 10 hour shifts but settled on 4x10 with 4 groups of techs. We are open 7-7 weekdays with 2 groups starting at 7 and 1 group at 9. We have one group on Saturdays working 9-5. The rotation gives them a 5 day weekend every 4 week cycle. Each group has an advisor. I can send you the grid if you post your e-mail address.

[MATTL]

Fixed Ops

I would appreciate it if you would send me your spreadsheet on split shifts.
mlohmiller@broadwayautomotive.com

thanks

[curtoauto1@yahoo.com]

Fixed Ops:
Can you please send me a copy of your split shift schedule. Thanks