Workorder basic principles

The Workorder is your primary document used to track all parts, labor, and recommendations when servicing a vehicle.  It includes all data relevant to the job performed.

Usually, it is a wise practice to start with an Estimate that details what services the customer would like to have performed, with an estimated cost.  This is your initial contract with the client, and guides the staff in meting their needs.  Some companies will specify parts and labor, while others will simply declare the labor and an estimated price that includes the parts to be utilized.

Once agreement has been reached, and the client signs the estimate, the system can print a Technician's Worksheet which guides the staff on what to do with the vehicle.  They can make notes on that paper and hand it in with the completed service.

The Estimate is converted to an Invoice, and the staff will add parts, labor details, any observations, and recommendations.  Payments are received and recorded, and the final invoice is printed for the client as a receipt.

When the Workorder is complete, it is closed, and all pertinent record keeping is performed.  This will include accounting, service history maintenance, inventory control, payroll tracking, and customer service follow up setup.

Data entered on a workorder will be applied in all appropriate places.  Consequently, Auto Shop Writer is truly an "enter once, apply universally" system.  Service histories, reports, and accounting are all managed by adding data to the workorder.  Specific details are described in the following pages of this manual.