Computers in the shop

[Alan D. Goff]

With having to "purchase" GM service manuals now, at the tune of $2,000.00 per year (for Chevrolet alone), and with the speed of the updates to these manuals (never can get the diagnostic charts right the first time), computers with GM ESI loaded on them are going from a want to a need.

Question for everyone, how many techs do you have per ESI available computer and where are they? On or near the techs benchs in the shop? Or a central area of the service department offices?

Also how would you justify in increased production (percentages) the move from having two computers in the service office area for 11 techs to 3 in the shop near techs work areas? (or would you rather say loss of production as we have not and are not going to buy any paper manuals for 2001 and beyond).

Thanks

[Doug]

We've found that 1 computer for 4 techs to be ideal. Lately we've had 1 computer for 5 techs and it's workable, but not convenient. I need to replace the one broken one soon and, in fact, will probably buy two.....I'm trying to start a rotation method of replacing one older computer each year. We have a couple which are maxed out in terms of capacity.

The computers belong in the shop with the techs....don't need the techs traipsing thru the service offices every time they need to look up repair info.Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

I never tried to justify the computers on a productivity basis. After all, how many dealership employees are expected to leave their work area and walk anywhere from 15 to 60 yards away just to use a computer ? None !
Using that rationale I rec'd no argument and ordered 4 computers for the shop.

[clange]

Greetings Alan,

The ratio of computers / technicians is going to be driven by your technicians willingness and ability to use the systems. 1:4 or 1:5 would be a good ratio, however, you need to consider how you are going to protect these systems from the normal wear and tear of a service shop. They don't work well with coffee and donut crumbs in them. Think about setting up 'central' computer stations for groups of technicians. Also invest in the plastic screen covers and keyboard covers.

In reality you have to look at the cost of your computers in the service shop as a disposable item. If you get low end commercial systems with long (3 year) warranties you should be well served.

One of our most unusual recommendations has been for dealers to invest in a 'play' system for some of our more inexperienced users to get used to the idea of using a mouse and a keyboard. It is not reasonable to assume that all technicians will be comfortable using a computer. Giving them some time to 'play', card games, what ever, on a system will help them overcome any fear. A copy of a 'typing tutor' style program will also help them improve their skills.

Improved skills means less time at the keyboard and more time working on cars. By the way .... try to find some alternative to a laser printer for printing out diagrams. The metallic dust in a service dept. will wreck havoc with the electrostatic technology in a laser printer.

Don't hesitate to communicate with me with any questions or concerns.

------------------
Chris Lange
Senior Consultant
Automotive Technology Associates, Inc.
clange@carstoresystems.com
401.831.6870

[Alan D. Goff]

Thanks for the advise, we are looking at a possible purchase of three in shop computers. These units are from a brand name manufacture and are set up to gm specs (a darn good deal even compared to off the shelf units). We already have R & R terminals and key boards in the shop and with the exception of large snow flakes in the winter, they do very well. The ratio of techs to computers will be about 3 or 4 to 1. Almost all of the techs currently use the ones we have now, to the point that we people waiting to use them. (I have the fastest connection in the dealership to do GM VISS and even the general manager has been seen using ours).

So far no plans for printers in the shop and if we do, we will get cheap inkjets ($50.00 each). We will net work to a printer in the office if they need to print something. These will also be networked to a computer to use Aldata at all of them. A cover for the key board and a covered wall mounted cabinet should extend the life of them (OSHA standard of 4 feet from the floor), with surge supressors.

I should know by the end of next week if this does fly, based on buying service manuals at the tune of $1,700 per year makes the pay back look very fast.

[Matt Parsons]

Alan, it is my belief that within the next several weeks, GM is going to publicly state that they are recommending 1 computer workstation for every 2 technicians.

The PC Source is a preferred provider of this equipment for GM Service Operations and works closely with GM to ensure our PC's match the OEM's requirements for TIS and SI2000.

If you have any questions about the PC Source offerings in support of GM Service Operations, please call 1-800-233-0040 or at eds.com/pcsource/

[Alan D. Goff]

Posting this as a follow up:

We purchased 4 new computers, three of which are located in the shop by the techs, one new computer in the service managers office for a "server" for Alldata and moved an older one to the write up area to do VISS's.

All are networked together, use one printer and were purchased locally. Only problem I have has so far was with print drivers for printing SI2000 wire diagrams (still working on that). Once everything is perfect then I will load TIS 2000 on all of them. Techs love the speed of both Alldata and the SI2000 (have both internet and local hard drive versions available).

[clange]

Alan,

Without knowing what printer you are trying to print to it is hard to suggest a driver solution. If you are using a laser printer of any sort, try using the 'hp laserjet' driver set. This is the most basic laser printer driver, and most newer laser printers have a good hp emulation. You might also look at the spool settings and see if you are printing to the spool, and then to the printer. Try setting the spool settings to print directly to the printer.

Good Luck

------------------
Chris Lange
Senior Consultant
Automotive Technology Associates, Inc.
clange@carstoresystems.com
401.831.6870

[warr_wiz]

Alan, are you using the TIFF viewer to print wiring diagrams or are you trying to print the IE page? The TIFF viewer is on your server. There is an option for it if you hit the "?" on the SI2K home page.

[mark vandersteeg]

alan,
we're using 4 pc's for 18 techs. most any business class pc today will handle your R+R, your manufacturers software or network, and the internet at the same time (multi-tasking). the pc's are right between the 4 groups of techs within arm-reach of the vehicle, their toolbox and the sealed stations that house the pc's (with a filtered air source that cools and keeps the air clean).

as far as printers go...we bought 4 small xerox lasers for $300.00 each (one at each station), they have been great. only a laser can print wiring diagrams and flow charts with enough detail to be able to read it.

[Alan D. Goff]

The laser printer we are using is a Lexmark Optra e printer (older one that was about 3 years ago a recomended one by techline). The printer works good on every thing except when printing a diagram that is expanded using the TIFF plug in. When it is printed, the diagram is distorted and made too long....but I am starting to think that it has less to do with the printer and drivers and more to do with the fact that the new computers are using IE 5.5. One of the old computers that the service advisors use prints fine (has IE 5.0) and playing with an inkjet printer on my computer at home I found that since I installed IE 5.5 it does that same thing...also when using IE 5.5 print preview, the distortion is there.
I think before dedicating a lot of time into this, I will wait and see what happens when IE 6.0 comes out. Without using the TIFF plugin the diagrams are very readable.