Shop Management Software - Omnique
# Chinese Real Estate Agent

It's also important to know who makes your software. Are you buying from the next .com bust, a national chain/competitor or a shop owner just like you?

We'd love to hear your thoughts on Denton's post about why automotive aftermarket industry is so quickly moving toward web based applications for their shop management systems.

About Denton Crofts and Hatton Point:



Denton Crofts – CEO - Hatton Point, Inc.

Denton is CEO of Hatton Point, Inc…a software consultancy located in Denver, CO. He is a seasoned entrepreneur and sales and marketing executive in the technology industry, bringing to Hatton Point a wealth of experience and proven success working with organizations from startup to Fortune 100. Denton holds an MBA from the University of Colorado at Denver, and earned a BS in Finance from Colorado State University. He enjoys the Colorado outdoors with his wife, Brooke, and is in constant search of the next perfect fly-fishing spot.

Growing Trend in Web-Based Software Applications

As a custom software development firm, we consult with our clients on how best to utilize technology in order to improve overall business performance. I have been struck by the numerous articles in Parts & People highlighting the need for a more efficient approach toward systems and processes. When our clients engage Hatton Point to build custom software, the bulk of need often comes from their desire to record and automate some of these very systems and processes that have been mentioned. I was compelled to write this brief article because Hatton Point has been working very closely for several years with a strategic partner in developing a web-based software platform to help certain shop owners implement consistent processes across their shop(s), and ultimately handle much of their back-office needs. This partner, Omnique Shop Management Software, has aided shop owners in managing their business with the completeness of any premier shop management software, while providing the cost savings and flexibility of a web-based software application
You may ask…”What exactly is web-based software, and why should I care?” There is a new(er) breed of technology now available to shop owners that dispels with some of the former barriers of adoption for the independent owner. These barriers have traditionally included heavy, up-front hardware costs, escalating software/maintenance fees, and legitimate fear of technical obsolescence. One emerging option for companies to keep pace with the speed of technical change is the idea of “hosted” or “web-based software”. There are a number of acronyms and phrases that encompass this area of technology, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Application Service Provider (ASP) and Cloud Computing. While there is certainly some nuance between these different definitions, some general principles exist that highlight the benefits to you as a subscriber of these services.
Benefits of a hosted solution:
• No hardware to purchase or maintain (Lower out-of-pocket expense, no worries of ongoing hardware replacement/obsolescence)
• Receive ongoing upgrades and enhancements to the application (continual ‘refresh’ of the technology)
• Can access the system from anywhere that you have an internet connection
• Use only what you need (per seat or per “rooftop” pricing)
• Variable costs vs. fixed costs, use “on demand”, add more ‘seats’ as you need them
• Offers functionality and capability traditionally only available to large enterprises

How comfortable do you feel with your ability to keep track of the ever-changing technological landscape? Technology affects us all, including the Auto Industry. For any of us, the rate of change in technology can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are constantly new innovations occurring, some useful and some less so. A hosted, web-based software solution can provide you with almost immediate benefits, without the up-front investment that has traditionally inhibited many shop owners from either making the technology leap in the first place, or making the move from their older, cost-intensive, legacy systems.
If you have not done so already, I highly recommend looking into a hosted shop management solution. I’m biased, so I will recommend Omnique (www.Omnique.com). The disclaimer here is that we have been working on this system with our partners at Omnique for several years and obviously believe it to be an excellent application for Shop Management. Regardless of the direction you go, the days of high-cost, up-front hardware investments and technologies becoming obsolete overnight appear to be behind us!

Below is the post on web based shop management software from Denton Crofts:

Want to learn about the difference betweena a web-based shop management software and a shop management software that you have to download and install?

This is also a great place to learn about why a web-based, or "hosted application" is a good shop management choice for your auto repair business.

Post responses about shop management software here.