Maximising productivity through software integration: JS Autos- Kirkby's experience using Autowork Online and TeamView

At MAM Software, our expert understanding of the automotive industry and the unique challenges faced by garage businesses drives our commitment to providing effective solutions. One clear example of this is shown through Autowork Online, our robust garage management system, which is further enhanced by integrated modules like TeamView. For JS Autos - Kirkby, this seamless integration has been crucial in addressing their specific operational needs and driving their growth.

The business started in 2020, founded by Justin Stokes, who initially offered mobile repairs from a small van. In just a few years, their company services have expanded, they’ve built a loyal customer base and even gained recognition from industry giants like NAPA Autoparts.

For any garage company, speed, efficiency and quality customer service remain essential in operating a well-run establishment. After plenty of extensive research into how they could deliver this and take the next best steps in bettering their business, Justin and his partner Fiona Norbury saw potential in taking their services one step further with digitised solutions.

For any garage company, speed, efficiency and quality customer service remain essential in operating a well-run establishment. After plenty of extensive research into how they could deliver this and take the next best steps in bettering their business, Justin and his partner Fiona Norbury saw potential in taking their services one step further with digitised solutions.

When they discovered MAM Software at the NEC trade show in 2023, the team of two knew that cloud-based garage management software Autowork Online would tick all the right boxes for them, as it offered a ‘much more advanced’ way of working.

Fiona, who now handles the front-of-house as a receptionist, recalled: "After a demo, we knew this was the right move for us. When we first started, we were using a different booking system which meant we had to switch between different software and that was a pain.”

Autowork Online automates and organises everyday tasks, from generating quotes and invoices to managing the workshop diary. By streamlining everything from parts ordering to customer communications, it helps to improve workflow and customer satisfaction. "The admin side of the garage runs a lot smoother now," Fiona noted. "The system links to the technical side of things too, like fluid capacities and tyre pressures, so our technicians can make notes and share them with customers, saving time and reducing the need for customers to come into the garage."

JS Autos - Kirkby also made the decision to integrate TeamView, a paperless job card and technicians’ activity app. "TeamView works really well for us because we can create checklists and highlight issues for customers," Fiona says. "It allows our technicians to see what jobs are booked in, what parts are needed and even follow service sheets set out for each job—all in real-time."

TeamView is a mobile app that acts as a paperless job card and technician activity tool for Autowork Online. It creates real-time communication between technicians and office staff, with features like job prioritisation, real-time status updates and electronic vehicle health checks (eVHC). Technicians can perform eVHCs directly around the vehicle using a mobile device, capturing important data such as tyre tread depths and vehicle mileage. Additionally, the damage inspection tool helps protect revenue by recording pre-existing damage with photos and comments, all synced to Autowork Online. "We can see everything live as it’s happening, which helps us communicate more effectively with our customers and manage our workflow better," Fiona added.

In order to provide customers with the necessary knowledge that they need to utilise our software to its full capacity, our MAM Software support team also provide training during the onboarding process. In the case of J S Auto’s, Fiona notes: “It was really informative and generally just useful as we feel like it covered all bases.”

The ultimate goal for JS Autos - Kirkby is to expand into a larger garage or unit, but for now, the business continues to thrive in its current setup. "From Justin’s point of view, he likes how customisable the system is and how it provides reassurance to our customers," Fiona says. "As long as MAM Software continues as they are now, we’ll definitely take them with us as we grow."

The business are one of many choosing to adopt a digital approach. According to "The Digitalisation of the UK Automotive Industry", integrated digital solutions (such as TeamView and Autowork Online) have been instrumental in improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction for over 60% of UK automotive businesses.

“By keeping on top of industry trends and choosing our business as a software provider, JS Autos - Kirkby have been able to exchange unreliable and time-consuming systems for MAM Software solutions, which meet the needs of a garage in 2024”, Nathan Fothergill, Autowork Online Sales Manager, stated. “We look forward to continuing this journey together.”