BUSINESS SERVICES
PLASTFIX LAUNCHES DIGITAL TRAINING STUDIO The company recently launched its new digital training and research studio in Adelaide Plastfix says the launch of the studio has accelerated its ability to deliver online training in plastic restorations to offsite and field-based technicians. With the constraints currently in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Plastfix saw huge disruption to the traditional methods of essential, hands-on training. By incorporating these new capabilities, it is now able to continually provide for the necessary training and upskilling of its staff. Plastfix says it is a leader in automotive plastic restoration processing that adopts a filler free process, with further plans to make its training catalogue and range of specialty tools available to the market in early 2021, backed by a number of globally-recognised industry bodies such as I-CAR. The six-month project reportedly uses the latest in online software, filming, cloud storage, audio and editing technology to create the smartest training delivery solution in the industry. New training content can be conceived, produced and edited within 24 hours. Plastfix has also integrated the ability to live
stream training, with the capacity to reach up to 50,000 viewers per session around the world, perform remote quality control and interact with users in real time. Raw training video is recorded during the day, immediately uploaded to a cloud-based server, edited overnight, stored on an online distribution portal and is live and ready for distribution the following day through the use of the innovative mobile productivity app WorxManager by Tradiebot Industries. The facility will add to the already expansive library of over 150 plastic repair videos that Plastfix is currently hosting. The demand for plastic repairs within the collision repair industry is constantly growing. As Plastfix maintains its stance as a leader in this space, there was a requirement to re-invent how such specialised training is delivered to users who are able to access such courses via their PC, smart phone or tablet at any time, from any location. The Plastfix Digital Training Studio is located within the Innovation Centre at MTA South Australia and is said to be key to the company’s
ability to provide freedom and flexibility to plastic repair technicians when upskilling, while also undertaking induction training for new recruits. The digital hub is also equipped with 3D printers to support the research and development activities of Plastfix Labs. This enables the testing of prototypes, and the building of a comprehensive catalogue of various lugs and brackets, allowing Plastfix to repair additional damaged plastic parts like expensive headlight assemblies. For more information, visit www.plastfix.com or email john.morrissey@plastfix.com
WORKSHOP SOFTWARE PREPARES FOR “BEST YEAR EVER” The company says its growing team and defined focus can help build the business of your dreams Point of sale provider Workshop Software is an Australian owned and developed product with 4,700-plus users in more than 33 countries. Workshop Software says its ‘Software as a Service’ structure allows it to update and constantly improve the product via the internet where connection is the only requirement, allowing owners to run their business from a phone, tablet or laptop at home or on holiday. It says the product saves time and money by allowing workshops to complete invoices and job cards, book and track mechanics’ time, manage stock, update job cards, and automate service reminders for customers. “My father Ron was a Parts Manager and Interpreter, so the Australian automotive industry has always been a part of my life. We’ve been to and enjoyed a bunch of AAAA events,” Workshop Software Chief Executive Officer, James Mitchell, said. “We’re currently working on more product improvements including a Business Intelligence and analysis tool, perfecting empathy in our communications, plus more detailed help guides as our customer base grows. 92
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2020
“We’ll give back to the industry with some charity initiatives; and my complementary book about systemising a workshop for more profit is always available. The end of this year and the start of next couldn’t look brighter!” A recent planning session for the newly doubled team reportedly revealed that employees consider the family owned and run business a drawcard, rather than working for a large publicly traded corporation. “We work with Mothers and Fathers who run their automotive industry business each day for turnover and often to handover as a future business, job and source of income to younger family members. It is essential that we give our subscribers Australian based, human support on the end of the phone to reflect that belief,” James said. “From what we’ve seen, the COVID-19 challenge has led to a growing gap between those workshops that plan, think positively, reflect on their strategy and act to grow their business, compared to those that panic. “Customers still want mobility so lots of stores have used downtime to improve their practices with their teams, capitalise on weak new car
sales and use our communications centre to let customers know that they are open, trading safely and run servicing promotions via SMS or email”. Workshop Software says its program integrates seamlessly with parts suppliers like Burson Auto Parts and Repco, as well as accounting software such as Xero, myob, Sage and QuickBooks. The mobile app allows logging of labour time against jobs, talk to text description to avoid typing notes and attaching images of the customer’s vehicle parts. Pricing starts with the Bronze tier from $39.99 plus GST per month ($480 per annum) or $960 per annum for Gold with 10,000 Capricorn points for a limited time. For info on how to start a free trial today, visit www.workshopsoftware.com or call 1300 729 658
