Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tekmetric - Cloud-based auto repair shop management software that automates repair orders, digital inspections, scheduling, and invoicing.
- 2#2: Shopmonkey - Modern all-in-one platform for repair shops to create digital repair orders, manage workflows, and process payments seamlessly.
- 3#3: AutoLeap - Comprehensive automotive business software for generating repair orders, customer follow-ups, marketing, and multi-location management.
- 4#4: Shop-Ware - Digital shop management system focused on streamlined repair order creation, technician productivity, and real-time reporting.
- 5#5: Shop Boss - Integrated repair shop software for handling repair orders, inventory, parts ordering, and customer relationship management.
- 6#6: RO Writer - Robust repair order and shop management software with estimating, invoicing, and accounting features for service businesses.
- 7#7: Fullbay Protractor - Heavy-duty truck repair software that excels in creating detailed repair orders, work order tracking, and fleet maintenance.
- 8#8: Mitchell1 Manager SE - Shop management solution integrated with repair information for efficient repair order processing and diagnostics.
- 9#9: ALLDATA Manage Online - Cloud repair shop management tool for repair orders, scheduling, customer portals, and OEM repair data integration.
- 10#10: Bolt On Technology - Digital retailing and shop management software enhancing repair orders with video inspections, texting, and payment processing.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including automation capabilities, user experience, integration potential, and overall value, ensuring a list that balances technical excellence with practical utility for diverse business needs.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right repair order software is key for efficient auto shop operations; our comparison table explores top tools like Tekmetric, Shopmonkey, AutoLeap, Shop-Ware, Shop Boss, and more. Readers will learn to evaluate features such as work order management, communication, integration, and scalability to find the best match for their shop’s workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tekmetric Cloud-based auto repair shop management software that automates repair orders, digital inspections, scheduling, and invoicing. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Shopmonkey Modern all-in-one platform for repair shops to create digital repair orders, manage workflows, and process payments seamlessly. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | AutoLeap Comprehensive automotive business software for generating repair orders, customer follow-ups, marketing, and multi-location management. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Shop-Ware Digital shop management system focused on streamlined repair order creation, technician productivity, and real-time reporting. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Shop Boss Integrated repair shop software for handling repair orders, inventory, parts ordering, and customer relationship management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | RO Writer Robust repair order and shop management software with estimating, invoicing, and accounting features for service businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Fullbay Protractor Heavy-duty truck repair software that excels in creating detailed repair orders, work order tracking, and fleet maintenance. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Mitchell1 Manager SE Shop management solution integrated with repair information for efficient repair order processing and diagnostics. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | ALLDATA Manage Online Cloud repair shop management tool for repair orders, scheduling, customer portals, and OEM repair data integration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Bolt On Technology Digital retailing and shop management software enhancing repair orders with video inspections, texting, and payment processing. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
Cloud-based auto repair shop management software that automates repair orders, digital inspections, scheduling, and invoicing.
Modern all-in-one platform for repair shops to create digital repair orders, manage workflows, and process payments seamlessly.
Comprehensive automotive business software for generating repair orders, customer follow-ups, marketing, and multi-location management.
Digital shop management system focused on streamlined repair order creation, technician productivity, and real-time reporting.
Integrated repair shop software for handling repair orders, inventory, parts ordering, and customer relationship management.
Robust repair order and shop management software with estimating, invoicing, and accounting features for service businesses.
Heavy-duty truck repair software that excels in creating detailed repair orders, work order tracking, and fleet maintenance.
Shop management solution integrated with repair information for efficient repair order processing and diagnostics.
Cloud repair shop management tool for repair orders, scheduling, customer portals, and OEM repair data integration.
Digital retailing and shop management software enhancing repair orders with video inspections, texting, and payment processing.
Tekmetric
specializedCloud-based auto repair shop management software that automates repair orders, digital inspections, scheduling, and invoicing.
Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) tool that captures detailed media-rich reports shared instantly with customers to dramatically increase repair approvals
Tekmetric is a cloud-based auto repair shop management software that excels in repair order creation, tracking, and fulfillment. It offers digital vehicle inspections (DVI), scheduling, inventory management, invoicing, and customer communication tools to streamline operations. With advanced reporting, QuickBooks integration, and parts ordering, it helps shops boost efficiency, upsell services, and improve profitability.
Pros
- Industry-leading Digital Vehicle Inspections with photos/videos for higher customer approvals
- Seamless repair order workflows with real-time updates and multi-stage approvals
- Robust integrations including QuickBooks, parts suppliers, and payments for end-to-end efficiency
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for small single-bay shops
- Initial setup and training may take time for full utilization
- Some advanced customizations require support assistance
Best For
Mid-to-large auto repair shops needing a scalable, all-in-one platform for repair orders, inspections, and shop management.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month per location (Essential plan), scales to $399+/month for Pro/Enterprise with per-technician fees; custom quotes available.
Shopmonkey
specializedModern all-in-one platform for repair shops to create digital repair orders, manage workflows, and process payments seamlessly.
Customer-facing digital inspection reports with photos/videos and one-click approvals via portal
Shopmonkey is a cloud-based auto repair shop management software that specializes in digital repair orders, enabling shops to create, approve, and track ROs seamlessly from any device. It integrates vehicle inspections with photos/videos, automated workflows for approvals and parts ordering, and customer communication portals. The platform also handles scheduling, invoicing, payments, and inventory, providing an all-in-one solution for modern auto repair operations.
Pros
- Mobile-first design allows repair orders and inspections from tablets/phones
- Robust workflow automation for RO approvals and digital signatures
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, parts suppliers, and SMS/email marketing
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-user shops
- Advanced reporting limited to higher tiers
- Initial setup and data migration can take time
Best For
Medium-sized auto repair shops with multiple bays needing a fully digital, mobile repair order system.
Pricing
Starts at $199/mo (Essentials, 1 user), $299/mo (Pro, 3 users), $399/mo (Elite, 5 users), $599/mo (Enterprise, 10 users); +$59/user/mo.
AutoLeap
specializedComprehensive automotive business software for generating repair orders, customer follow-ups, marketing, and multi-location management.
Interactive digital vehicle inspections with customer self-serve approval portal via text/email
AutoLeap is a cloud-based repair order software tailored for auto repair shops, offering digital vehicle inspections, streamlined repair order creation, scheduling, invoicing, and inventory management. It enables technicians to capture photos and videos of issues, share detailed reports with customers via text or email for quick approvals, and track jobs in real-time across multiple locations. The platform integrates with QuickBooks, parts suppliers, and payment processors to enhance operational efficiency and boost revenue through upsell opportunities.
Pros
- Robust digital inspection tools with photos/videos for transparent customer communication
- Multi-location support and real-time dashboards for centralized management
- Seamless integrations with accounting, parts ordering, and payments
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain small single-shop budgets
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customizations
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Growing auto repair shops with multiple locations seeking to digitize inspections and customer approvals.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for the first location (includes unlimited users), plus $99 per additional location; custom enterprise pricing available.
Shop-Ware
specializedDigital shop management system focused on streamlined repair order creation, technician productivity, and real-time reporting.
Digital Vehicle Inspection tool with photo/video annotations and customer portal approvals
Shop-Ware is a cloud-based shop management software tailored for automotive repair shops, focusing on streamlining repair orders, digital vehicle inspections, scheduling, and customer communications. It enables technicians to capture photos and videos during inspections, generate professional repair orders, and integrate with parts suppliers for seamless workflows. The platform also supports two-way texting, online payments, and reporting to enhance shop efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Powerful digital vehicle inspections with multimedia capture
- Real-time mobile app for technicians to update repair orders
- Integrated customer communication via two-way texting and approvals
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller shops with multiple users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Reporting features lack depth compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized auto repair shops seeking a mobile-first, digital workflow for repair orders and inspections.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for the first technician, $99/additional tech; custom enterprise pricing available.
Shop Boss
specializedIntegrated repair shop software for handling repair orders, inventory, parts ordering, and customer relationship management.
Boss Shield digital vehicle inspections with photo/video capture and customer self-approval via portal
Shop Boss is a cloud-based all-in-one management platform tailored for auto repair shops, collision centers, and mechanical services. It handles repair orders, digital vehicle inspections, scheduling, inventory tracking, invoicing, and customer relationship management. The software emphasizes mobile accessibility and integrations with tools like QuickBooks for seamless operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive repair order workflow with digital approvals
- Robust inventory and parts matrix pricing
- Excellent mobile app for techs and customer portals
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for full feature set
- Pricing can escalate for multi-location shops
- Some reporting customization limitations
Best For
Medium to large auto repair shops seeking a scalable, mobile-first solution for repair orders and shop management.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for basic single-shop plans; Pro and Enterprise tiers range $299-$599+/month based on users, locations, and add-ons.
RO Writer
specializedRobust repair order and shop management software with estimating, invoicing, and accounting features for service businesses.
Interactive digital repair orders with customer portal for real-time approvals and status tracking
RO Writer is a cloud-based repair order software tailored for automotive repair shops, collision centers, and dealerships, enabling digital creation of repair orders, estimates, and invoices. It features customizable templates, automated workflows, and real-time status updates to streamline shop operations. The platform includes mobile apps for technicians, parts ordering integrations, and customer communication tools for approvals and payments.
Pros
- Robust digital workflows with customizable templates and labor guides
- Seamless integrations with parts vendors and accounting software
- Mobile app for techs enabling real-time updates and digital inspections
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for smaller shops
- Reporting and analytics could be more intuitive
Best For
Medium to large auto repair shops and dealerships aiming to fully digitize their repair order process.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic single-user plan; enterprise tiers from $199/month with multi-user and advanced features.
Fullbay Protractor
specializedHeavy-duty truck repair software that excels in creating detailed repair orders, work order tracking, and fleet maintenance.
The Parts Matrix, which uses vehicle VIN/decals to instantly suggest and order OEM/alternative parts with pricing.
Fullbay Protractor is a specialized repair order software tailored for heavy-duty truck and trailer repair shops, enabling digital creation, tracking, and management of repair orders from intake to invoicing. It features tools like the Parts Matrix for quick parts lookup and ordering, technician time tracking, and automated workflows to reduce paperwork and errors. Integrated with Fullbay's broader shop management platform, it supports customer portals, warranty tracking, and seamless accounting syncs like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Highly specialized for heavy-duty truck repairs with vehicle-specific parts databases
- Parts Matrix speeds up ordering with intelligent suggestions
- Strong integrations including QuickBooks, customer portals, and mobile app access
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-truck shop users
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for smaller shops
- Limited flexibility for non-heavy-duty industries
Best For
Medium to large heavy-duty truck and trailer repair shops needing robust, industry-specific repair order automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $250-$600 per month depending on shop size, users, and modules; no public tiers.
Mitchell1 Manager SE
enterpriseShop management solution integrated with repair information for efficient repair order processing and diagnostics.
Seamless integration with Mitchell1 ProDemand for real-time access to OEM-specific repair procedures, estimates, and parts data within repair orders
Mitchell1 Manager SE is a comprehensive shop management software designed specifically for automotive repair shops, enabling efficient creation and tracking of repair orders, customer management, scheduling, and invoicing. It integrates seamlessly with Mitchell1's ProDemand diagnostic and estimating platform, providing access to OEM repair data, wiring diagrams, and parts information directly within the repair order workflow. The software also supports digital vehicle inspections, parts ordering, and accounting features to streamline daily operations.
Pros
- Deep integration with Mitchell1's extensive repair database and estimating tools for accurate diagnostics
- Robust digital inspection and repair order customization capabilities
- Strong reporting and multi-location support for growing shops
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to feature depth and customization options
- Higher pricing compared to basic RO software alternatives
- Primarily desktop-focused with limited native mobile functionality
Best For
Medium to large automotive repair shops that need integrated repair information, estimating, and full shop management in one platform.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $200/month per station, with tiers up to $300+ for advanced features and multi-user setups.
ALLDATA Manage Online
enterpriseCloud repair shop management tool for repair orders, scheduling, customer portals, and OEM repair data integration.
Direct embedding of OEM repair procedures, wiring diagrams, and TSBs into repair orders for faster, more precise service.
ALLDATA Manage Online is a cloud-based shop management platform tailored for automotive repair shops, handling repair orders, customer tracking, invoicing, scheduling, and parts matrix ordering. It excels in integrating directly with ALLDATA's vast OEM repair information database, including procedures, TSBs, and specifications, to streamline workflows. The software also supports digital vehicle inspections, employee time tracking, and QuickBooks integration for financial management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with ALLDATA's OEM repair data for accurate diagnostics and repairs
- Comprehensive tools for repair orders, digital inspections, and parts ordering
- Cloud-based access with mobile app support for on-the-go management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- Higher pricing compared to basic shop management alternatives
- Interface feels dated in some areas, lacking modern customization
Best For
Independent automotive repair shops that prioritize OEM-accurate repair information integrated into daily repair order workflows.
Pricing
Subscription starts at around $200/month per user or per bay; custom quotes based on shop size and features required.
Bolt On Technology
specializedDigital retailing and shop management software enhancing repair orders with video inspections, texting, and payment processing.
Integrated digital retailing suite with one-click upsells and customer self-serve portals for approvals
Bolt On Technology is a cloud-based shop management platform tailored for automotive repair businesses, providing tools for creating digital repair orders, generating estimates, scheduling appointments, and processing payments. It emphasizes customer engagement through automated texting for approvals, status updates, and payments, along with integrated digital vehicle inspections. The software supports multi-location operations and integrates with major parts catalogs, accounting systems like QuickBooks, and OEM data providers.
Pros
- Powerful customer communication via text approvals and reminders
- Strong multi-shop management and centralized reporting
- Extensive integrations with parts suppliers and accounting software
Cons
- Higher pricing can be a barrier for single-shop operations
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Multi-location automotive repair shops seeking robust digital customer engagement and centralized management.
Pricing
Starts at around $200/month per shop for core features, with tiered plans up to $400+ for advanced modules and multi-shop support; custom quotes required.
Conclusion
The reviewed repair order software solutions cater to diverse needs, but Tekmetric stands as the top choice, excelling in automating core workflows like repair orders and digital inspections. Shopmonkey impresses with its seamless integration of management and payments, while AutoLeap distinguishes itself through multi-location capabilities and marketing tools, each offering unique strengths.
Take the first step toward streamlined operations—explore Tekmetric to experience its robust features and enhance your shop’s productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison