"In 1995 I started with a software program called M.A.V.I.S. (MotorTraxx) I spent approximately 5 mont..."
In 1995 I started with a software program called M.A.V.I.S. (MotorTraxx) I spent approximately 5 months reviewing and investigating multiple software programs. I had left a dealership as Service Manager and opened my own shop and I was looking for a comparable software program for my own business. I made the decision on MotorTraxx because it was the most complete and integrated system that I could find. I spent many many hours learning computer hardware challenges and function thru a DOS based program, had many many instances of hardware/software incompatibilities but was able to use the program and get it to function to meet my needs. Workarounds for all you nontech types. Through this whole period, 3 people from the Scott Systems stayed with me, listened to my rants and raves, and basically busted their keesters to keep the system in a usable format. After we hit windows 98 and on into XP , the program worked very very well, and I almost completely lost touch with my friends at Scott Systems. The program worked, did what i needed it to do, was integrated, and was constantly being upgraded. I also got word that MaxxTraxx was out, but it was not fully integrated as far as book keeping and all the other functions necessary to run a business. I talked to Rex about the latest version of MaxxTraxx and it was fully integrated, so, remembering all the hassles, learning curve, red screens from the DOS days, I said sure, i'm a glutton for punishment. What an awesome surprise. The 2 biggest points I noticed immediately, was it was so blooming user friendly to use the program. I immediately began playing with and implementing customer tracking, up sells, reminders. Almost every operation, such as inventory stocking, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll, taxes, customer histories, and Management reports were all available with very few keystrokes, were easy to understand and use, and I found out that even a klutz like me, could make a mistake and even fix it. The system not only worked but absolutely better that I had ever hoped it would. So, lets get into some meat and potatoes of what this program can do. On my day to day tasks, it allowed to start with the customer, either on the fly insertion if new, or easily bring up for a new appointment. Insertion of Concerns or requests were also easy, either a quick direct type of a customer concern, or use a canned concern either carried over from Motortraxx or use one of those in base programming with the new software. Next jobs were assigned to technicians and scheduled for available time. labor operations were available as canned or from (in my case) Mitchell On Demand Labor guide. When jobs were completed, parts and labors were easily entered tickets were closed, notes were made, for example, work due on vehicle, upcoming maintenances due, customer notes, anything that was necessary to provide to the customer a level of professionalism as to their vehicle needs and ALSO a documentation of everything for warranty, follow up, or marketing needs. Customer pick up was facilitated by totally integrated receivable functions, if by cash, check or CC. the card swipe went into the program was confirmed, tracked approved and entered on to ticket automatically. No separate receipts, it was all included on ticket. My management functions were actually a lot easier to do now, payroll was figured in a few keystrokes and checks printed and all figures were automatically entered into General Ledger. End of day i can track progress on open tickets, paid tickets, technician and shop productivity and sales figures and profit margins. Time for taxes. GAH. It was simple to do though, using a few keystrokes, the payroll taxes were figured, the check printed and the GL accounts updated. Talk about an accurate time saver. Sales taxes were printed out, automatically figured so it was a few keystrokes, and they were also printed to check and disbursed to GL accounts. Accounts payable were also extremely easy. Whether it was a bill for services or parts or combination, they were easily trackable by due date , amount, and a few keystrokes paid, check printed and GL disbursed seamlessly. After the Acquisition of this software, I noticed almost immediately that I no longer or rarely needed a pen to conduct any of the business or management functions inherent in a business. (just to sign checks) Everything else was documented, tracked, generated into reports, and disbursed into GL and with a minimum of keystrokes could be brought up ON screen OR printed. Now, for the updates. It was simple. They were done online, fixed things i didn't even know were problems, added new features, increased functionality of some operations. Some of these things happening were within days of noticing a need or desire for a particular operation. Mark and Rex and Rhonda were absolutely brilliant with the ease they were performing this stuff. As far as anything I have seen in a dealership OR aftermarket Automotive repair facility, this is NOW the most robust, inclusive, user friendly powerful management software ever . My ONLY complaint? Why didn't you have this 10 years ago? Yes, I know, wait for the technology to catch up. Well, it did, I am glad to say. As a business owner, trying to be as efficient, productive and profitable as possible, MaxxTraxx is a very valuable tool, backed by real people in a company that really does go the extra mile to support their product and take care of the customer. I am very satisfied with our relationship, their skill and dedication, and the fine product that they have produced.
