Scheduling Labor Effectively
Take a systematic approach to scheduling labor. I’ve been in the collision repair industry for 21 years, and one challenge that’s a constant is effectively scheduling production staff. Scheduling in this business is difficult because you have different repair jobs coming in every day and no two jobs are exactly the same — so you
Better Pay for Better Work
While many shop owners say it’s not good business to pay more money to a less productive tech, I say stop thinking of it as paying more for less — and start thinking of it as paying more for better.
Hail Isn’t a Four-Letter Word Anymore
After one hail of a storm, this shop’s paint department couldn’t keep up and productivity grinded to a halt. In this month-by-month account — penned by the shop’s production manager — we hear all about the gridlock that occurred, the sleepless nights spent racking her brain for a solution and the teamwork system now in place that’s increased cycle time and boosted shop sales.
The Total Story
Why are some cars repaired when they should be totaled, and others totaled when they should be repaired? Because, too often, poorly trained people are estimating damages. If it’s a total, then total it. If it’s a borderline case, communicate with your customer and your tech. But keep in mind that customer safety is your No. 1 priority.
Fixing Plastics is Possible – and Profitable
It was 1968 and this shop was successfully repairing plastics. So why is it that shops today aren’t?
Repeat Yourself: Produce the Same Operation Repeatedly and Consistently
“Standardization” isn’t about cloning shops. It’s about having the ability to produce the same operation repeatedly and consistently so it can be audited. Why go to the trouble? Implementation of such standards will improve profitability and quality, reduce cycle time and chaos that keeps you busy putting out fires – but hinders you from getting anything done.
What’s Your Sign? OSHA Requirements
Caution, No smoking, High voltage, EEOC — your shop may be full of signs like these. Do you know which ones the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires your shop to have? If you don’t, all signs point to you sitting down and reading this.
Forget Me Not: Neglected Equipment
What equipment is most often neglected when it comes to maintenance? Check out this quick list.
Spraybooth TLC: Keeping it Well Maintained
You spend lots of money on a modern spraybooth, that’s for sure. So why not spend a little time maintaining it so you get the most for your money?
Air Care: Air Compressors
Your air compressor is the heart of your shop’s production, so it pays to give this often-neglected unit more than a passing glance.