One of the most common complaints among repair shop owners and customers alike is that it takes so long to move cars through the repair process. Productivity seems to always be something which could be improved but somehow, the key to success is elusive. Have you ever wondered why those huge franchise shops seem to send cars through almost like they are on a production line? Perhaps it would pay to look at some of what they are doing that you are not. Here are some essential tips gathered from those corporate successes.
1. Keep it Cool
One of the biggest stumbling blocks to productivity is heat. No one can work efficiently or quickly in triple-digit temperatures for eight hours a day, so you might want to take a look at cooling your mechanics off. It is suggested that while a super-charged AC unit wouldn’t be cost effective, you might want to consider large overhead fans. However, how big do they need to be and what area can they reach? Lindberg Process Equipment out of Bloomington, Minnesota has laid out the formula for you in an article, How to Read a Fan Performance Curve. With this formula in hand, you can calculate exactly what size fan (or fans) you need to keep your mechanics cool enough to work efficiently.
2. Stay Hydrated
Even in the cold of winter, auto repair shops can be extremely hot inside. Always keep cool water on hand for your mechanics and if you have a soda machine in your shop, it is recommended that you have at least one selection of sports drinks like Gatorade available. Heat prostration can result, and this is why those electrolytes need to be replaced. However, bear in mind that ice cold beverages are not always recommended when the body is overheated, so perhaps a separate holding unit for sports drinks could be set a bit warmer than the commercial beverage dispenser.
3. Insist on Scheduled Breaks
Good mechanics tend to be like pit bulls. Once you put them on a problem, they latch on until they find a solution. Have you ever noticed that some of your people refuse to walk away from a car they are trying to diagnose until they find the issue? Even with all the hi-tech diagnostic equipment at hand, there is always that one vehicle that doesn’t fit the mould. Your mechanic just doesn’t want to step away for fear of losing his (or her!) train of thought. Insist on regularly scheduled breaks for at least two very good reasons. First, resting their brain for a moment will most definitely help them think more clearly and two, it gives them time to recharge with a beverage and a small snack. Both brain and body are refreshed and you will find them working much more efficiently when they return to that problem vehicle.
If you ever have time to visit some of those large corporate chain repair shops, you will see that management has all of these things in place. Are you looking to increase productivity in your shop? This is a good place to start.