Be careful. I have seen lots of dealers sign up for very expensive service programs (+$500/mo) and then never use them because they are too complex and really do not meet the needs of the Service Manager in scheduling and loading the shop. Most programs available are not designed by service managers for real use, but are added on to enhance the value of the software at sale and to bring in more support$$.
The Scheduling and loading problem is very simple:
1 load the shop based on a total hrs. objective set by management. Generate a report that shows how effective the advisors or BDSM is meeting that objective.
2. Allow reservations and first come-first serve to run in tandem.
3. Assure that all techs are skill loaded properly so that work can be taken in during the day if the skill is available.
4. Be able to look forward and know how many hours are available to schedule by work type in order to effectively schedule work down the road.
5. Set objectives for work mix daily to assure an efficient technician work mix and high shop productivity for a full day.
Believe it or not - there is currently only one program availble that can do all of that in a very simple program for about $50 a month - I've seen this program around for 10 years and it is offered as a give away when service training is purchased - it can be gotten separately as well.
I am a fixed ops consultant for a major international consulting company and see over a 100 dealers annually so I know the fixed ops problems and the solutions pretty well.
I'd be willing to give out leads to Schedule Tech if anyone is interested in a simple, elegant, and inexpensive solution to shop scheduling and loading --- and it's Free !!!!
John Conner
pika68@aol.com815-484-3619