The Hidden Cost of Inefficiency
For most Kansas auto repair shops, labor is the single biggest expense. With technician wages rising across the state—from Wichita to Overland Park—shop owners are feeling the squeeze. But the problem isn't usually the hourly rate; it's efficiency.
If you're paying a technician for 8 hours but only billing for 5, your effective labor cost skyrockets. This "unbilled time" is the silent profit killer in many shops.
3 Ways to Cut Labor Costs (Without Cutting Pay)
1. Eliminate the "Parts Hunt"
How much time do your techs spend waiting at the parts counter or looking for inventory? Manager SE integrates parts ordering directly into the workflow. Techs can see availability and order parts right from the bay, saving an average of 30-60 minutes per day per tech.
2. Digital Inspections & Approvals
Playing phone tag with customers to get approval kills momentum. When a car sits on a lift waiting for a "yes," you're losing money. Digital inspections allow you to text photos and estimates directly to the customer's phone for instant approval.
3. Track Efficiency in Real-Time
You can't manage what you don't measure. Manager SE provides real-time reports on:
- Productivity: Hours worked vs. hours available.
- Efficiency: Hours billed vs. hours worked.
- Proficiency: Hours billed vs. hours available.
Identifying which techs are struggling allows you to provide targeted training or adjust scheduling.
Case Study: A Salina Shop's Turnaround
A 5-bay shop in Salina was struggling with 65% efficiency. After implementing Manager SE's workflow tools:
- Efficiency rose to 92% within 3 months.
- Billable hours increased by 12 hours per week per tech.
- Net profit increased by 18% without hiring new staff.
Stop Bleeding Labor Dollars
Reducing labor costs isn't about paying less; it's about getting more from the time you pay for. Manager SE gives you the tools to maximize every minute.
Ready to Optimize Your Shop?
See exactly where your labor dollars are going. Contact our Kansas team for a free shop efficiency audit.