I get asked this question a lot: “What kind of tablets should I use at my shop?” So, I put together a list of a few tablets I like and posted it on my Autoflow site: http://www.autoflow/support/tablets/. You’ll see links to Amazon for each tablet on that page, too. Make sure you buy cases and screen protectors for them, as well.

On the same page near the bottom is my new favorite computer to use in my shop (I have two of them). It is a touch screen 23.8″ Dell all-in-one (the computer and monitor are combined). This thing is great for the money. Did I mention I have two in my shop? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012XYMWGU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My latest favorite thing is mounting my computers on arms so they can swing, turn, and swivel any way I want them to. It makes it much easier for my service advisers to swing the monitor around and show a customer something. And, yes, these arms can mount the Dell computers. Here is a link to the arms I just purchased: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SSXDB52/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Enjoy, and if you have any suggestions for good tablets or monitors, feel free to hit me up at chris@autoflow.com.

Bonus! Here are a few other questions to ask when considering tablets and computers for your shop.

How can digital inspections improve efficiency and the customer experience?
Digital inspection software, like Autoflow, offers significant benefits in improving efficiency and enhancing the customer experience. By deploying this software, service advisors can conveniently send inspection reports directly to their clients’ smartphones, ensuring prompt communication and easy access to vital information. Additionally, the software allows service advisors to attach photos and videos, enabling them to visually illustrate the identified issues and propose effective solutions. This visual representation enhances clarity and understanding for the clients, instilling confidence in the service being provided.

Moreover, digital inspection software, typically designed for tablets, can greatly contribute to streamlining operations. Investing in at least one tablet dedicated to service technicians facilitates the utilization of the software, allowing them to efficiently conduct inspections and document their findings. By eliminating the need for manual paperwork, this digitized workflow reduces the chances of errors, saves time, and increases productivity in the service department.

Furthermore, the adoption of digital inspections contributes towards a more seamless and convenient customer experience. With inspection reports and accompanying visual media readily accessible on their smartphones, clients can review and understand the necessary repairs or maintenance required for their vehicles. This transparency fosters trust and empowers customers to make informed decisions about the services they opt for. Additionally, the ability to view inspection reports on their own devices provides clients the freedom to refer back to the information at any time, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the status and progress of their vehicles.

In conclusion, implementing digital inspection software significantly improves efficiency and enhances the overall customer experience. Through streamlined communication, visual representation of issues, and access to inspection reports via personal devices, this technology-driven approach empowers both service advisors and customers, fostering clear understanding, trust, and satisfaction.

How can tablets simplify the process of ordering parts for technicians?
Tablets offer a streamlined solution to simplify the process of ordering parts for technicians. By providing service advisors with a tablet, they gain access to real-time images and information about the work being done by the technicians. This enables them to view the inspections on their screens and order the necessary parts accordingly. Additionally, if there are any parts required that were not initially identified, technicians can conveniently notify the service advisor through the tablet, allowing for quick and efficient ordering. Overall, tablets play a crucial role in enhancing communication and coordination between service advisors and technicians, facilitating a more efficient and accurate parts ordering process.

How can tablets be used to streamline operations in auto repair shops?
Tablets play a crucial role in streamlining operations in auto repair shops by enhancing efficiency and improving the overall customer experience. With the right software, tablets empower service advisors and technicians to optimize various aspects of their work.

Digital inspection software, such as Autoflow, can be installed on tablets to enable service advisors to directly send inspection reports to clients’ phones. This expedites the communication process and allows the inclusion of visual aids like photos and videos, enabling advisors to clearly demonstrate identified issues and proposed solutions. By utilizing tablets specifically designed for digital vehicle inspection software, auto repair shops can significantly enhance operational efficiency.

Tablets equipped with workflow automation software can effectively replace outdated work order management practices. They facilitate accurate record-keeping, immediate documentation of any changes, prompt sharing of updates, and ultimately help save money.

Traditionally, technicians had to physically move from one job to another while switching tasks, resulting in time-consuming interruptions. Tablets enable technicians to remain in their service bays while efficiently transitioning between jobs. Additionally, tablets provide the convenience of digital clocking in and out, increasing productivity and efficiency.

The process of ordering parts has often been cumbersome for technicians, requiring them to leave their workstations, visit the parts department, locate the required parts, and endure waiting times. Tablets provide a more efficient solution by allowing service advisors to view all the work being done by technicians on their screens. They can quickly assess the required parts and place orders without disrupting the workflow.

Tablets also serve as a valuable resource for technicians when conducting research to successfully repair vehicles. Instead of searching through various sources, tablets provide instant access to the information technicians need, improving their ability to diagnose and resolve issues promptly.

In summary, tablets streamline operations in auto repair shops by facilitating seamless communication, efficient task management, improved order processing, and enhanced access to necessary information. By leveraging the technological capabilities of tablets and accompanying software, auto repair shops can significantly optimize their workflows, maximize productivity, and elevate the overall customer experience.

Step-by-step tips on using tablets to improve work order management in auto repair shops.

How can tablets help increase technicians’ efficiency and reduce unproductive time, resulting in cost savings for auto repair shops?
Tablets can help increase technicians’ efficiency and reduce unproductive time, leading to cost savings for auto repair shops. By utilizing tablets, technicians can access information and instructions directly on the device, eliminating the need to search for physical manuals or consult with colleagues. This streamlines their workflow, allowing them to complete tasks more efficiently and minimize unproductive time. With improved efficiency, auto repair shops can increase their overall productivity, reduce costs, and potentially take on more jobs.

How can tablets enable real-time updates and communication between technicians and service advisors, allowing customers to be informed about the status of their repairs promptly?
Tablets facilitate real-time updates and communication between technicians and service advisors. When a technician updates a specific job on their tablet, that change is immediately sent to the shop’s front end. As a result, the service advisor can access the updated information and promptly inform customers about the status of their repairs. This enhances customer satisfaction by providing timely and accurate updates, improving communication between the shop and its customers.

How can tablets eliminate the need for writing down changes in multiple logs and instead apply changes across the entire system instantly?
Tablets eliminate the need for technicians to write down changes in multiple logs by using workflow automation software. When changes happen, technicians can input them directly into the tablet software, which will then apply these changes across the entire system instantly. This eliminates the time-consuming task of manually updating multiple logs and ensures that all relevant information is accurately recorded and accessible to everyone in the system.

How can tablets help track the status of individual jobs and the overall progress of the shop towards meeting its KPIs?
Tablets powered by workflow automation software can help track the status of individual jobs and the overall progress of the shop towards meeting its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). With tablets, you can easily record and update job statuses, keeping accurate records of each job’s progress. This allows you to have real-time visibility into the status of each job and monitor how well your shop is performing against its KPIs.