Bolt On Technology develops software to equip the automotive repair and maintenance aftermarket with tools that improve customer communication and streamlines shops’ day-to-day operations, proven to increase car counts, productivity and revenue. Mitchell 1, an affiliate of Snap-On tools, licensed three of Bolt On Technology 's software products in 2011, branded them as their own, and began selling them across North America. The following year, Mitchell 1 sold close to 1,000 units of the bundled software package. Today, auto repair shops throughout the U.S., Canada, and Guam use the modules. In the fall of 2013, they released Mobile Manager Pro, which features digital vehicle inspections, that can photograph, upload and share details of repairs and inspections via text message reports to customers. Mobile Manager Pro went through rounds of updates and re-launched in summer 2014. Also in summer 2014, Welcome Station Kiosk was released. Similar to kiosks used in restaurants, grocery stores, and airports, the check-in tool lets repair shop customers select vehicle services, as well as update their contact and vehicle information. In 2017, Review Manager was introduced, a tool that lets shops regulate and respond to customer reviews. The company also introduced Bolt On University in 2017, a training program that teaches impactful business practices and how to use the company's software to its full potential. The training program teaches automotive shop owners how the software works and why it's essential to driving success for repair shops. The sessions, held in markets around the country, provide shop owners the opportunity to network with other shops to share best practices and successes. In November 2018, the company announced a milestone of 20 million photos shared through the software. The company's technology instantly transmits photos, videos and text messages to communicate automotive repair details. The company's software products are used by a growing number of automotive repair shop owners and operators among service centers throughout the United States, serving 6,000 shops as of January 2019.
Products
fully integrates with Mitchell 1, ShopKey, ALLDATA, NAPA TRACS, R.O. Writer, and more, enabling shop management systems to produce color coded task lists directly on the tablet, eliminating the need for tech worksheets. The program generates inspection reports with tech notes, recommendations, and images that are delivered by text message or email with the integrated time clock feature to help track shops’ labor margins.
Pro Pack is a shop management enhancement suite. Efficiency-enhancing software includes Lube Sticker Pro for advanced appointment scheduling, Message Manager for immediate notification via a customer's cell phone for the authorization of work, or to let customers know that their car is ready for pickup and Report Pro to generate customized reports, invoices and data.
Welcome Station Kiosk is self-check-in software that allows customers to update their contact information that is transferred real time to the shop management system. The Kiosk also provides customers with recommendations of services at check-in based on the most common issues with the customer's year, make and model, or upsell weather-related jobs.
Review Manager is hosted in Message Manager and enables shops to send a link to a review form directly to customers. The review is connected to the shop's Google business listing or Facebook. This allows shops to contact customers within 24 hours to resolve any problems and improve client retention rates.
Jump Start helps shops utilize every aspect of their shop management system, automatically organizing reporting into service categories, service descriptions, pre-built jobs, recommendations, and notes to save shop managers time.
Pro Call generates customer information when an existing customer calls. Shops can see how much the customer spends on average, when they visited last, and when they're coming in next as well as the vehicle history without switching to the shop management system.
Partnerships
In 2018, Bolt On Technology partnered with Elite Worldwide, a shop management training and coaching company. The combination of efficiency, technology, and training in business practices will create better opportunities for success for repair shops. The companies deliver cohosted webinars for shop owners who want to invest in their businesses that focus on topics such as employee management, advantages of digital inspections, finding hidden profits in shops’ number and tips for hiring top-talent. They are planning at least six sessions in 2019.
Awards and Recognitions
Philadelphia100, 2014-2018 Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, 2016–2018 Insight Success’ 30 Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs, 2016 and 2018 PTEN Innovation Awards, 2015 and 2017 Corporate American Software & Technology Award for Best Auto Repair Software Solutions Provider, 2016
