Technician Workflow & Tools
Complete guide to the technician interface and daily workflow management.
Technician Dashboard (/technician)
Access & Authentication
- URL:
/technician - Roles: Technician, Shop Owner, Administrator
- Mobile Optimized: Yes - works on tablets and phones
- Offline Capable: Limited functionality when disconnected
Dashboard Overview
Main Dashboard Components:
Daily Statistics
- Jobs assigned today
- Jobs completed
- Hours logged
- Efficiency rating
Active Work Queue
- Current job
- Next up
- Pending assignments
Quick Actions
- Clock in/out
- Start job
- Request parts
- Upload photos
Notifications
- New assignments
- Part arrivals
- Priority changes
Work Queue Management (/technician/work-queue)
Job Assignment System
| Priority Level | Color | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Red | Safety issues, breakdown |
| High | Orange | Customer waiting, same-day |
| Normal | Blue | Standard scheduled work |
| Low | Gray | Maintenance, non-urgent |
Job Card Information
- Customer Details - Name, contact, preferences
- Vehicle Info - Year, make, model, VIN
- Service Required - Description and labor hours
- Parts Status - Available, ordered, or needed
- Special Instructions - Customer or writer notes
- History - Previous repairs on vehicle
Smart Assignment Features
Skill-Based Routing:
- Certification matching (ASE, manufacturer)
- Experience level requirements
- Specialty tool availability
- Historical performance on similar jobs
- Customer preference (returning customers)
Time Tracking (/technician/time-tracker)
Clock Management
- Digital Punch Clock - In/out tracking
- Job Timers - Per-job time recording
- Break Tracking - Lunch and rest periods
- Overtime Alerts - Compliance notifications
Efficiency Metrics
Real-Time Calculations:
- Flat Rate: 2.0 hours
- Actual Time: 1.5 hours
- Efficiency: 133%
- Daily Average: 115%
Time Entry Features
- Auto-pause - When switching jobs
- Multi-job Support - Work on multiple vehicles
- Adjustment Requests - Correct time entries
- Flag Time - Warranty or comeback work
Job Progress Updates (/technician/job-progress)
Status Updates
- Job Started - Automatic timestamp
- In Progress - Regular updates expected
- Parts Needed - Request additional parts
- Waiting - Parts, approval, or assistance
- Quality Check - Ready for inspection
- Completed - Job finished
Documentation Tools
- Photo Upload - Before/during/after photos
- Voice Notes - Hands-free recording
- Text Updates - Quick status messages
- Inspection Forms - Digital checklists
Communication Features
Update Channels:
- Service Writer - Real-time notifications
- Parts Department - Automatic requests
- Customer - Approved updates only
- Management - Exception reporting
Inspection Process (/technician/inspections)
Digital Inspection Workflow
-
Pre-Service Inspection
- Safety check (brakes, tires, lights)
- Fluid levels and conditions
- Belt and hose inspection
- Battery test results
-
Documentation Requirements
- Photo evidence of issues
- Measurement recordings
- Condition scoring (Red/Yellow/Green)
- Recommended services
-
Customer Presentation
- Visual report generation
- Priority recommendations
- Cost estimates
- Safety concerns highlighted
Inspection Categories
| System | Check Points | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Pads, rotors, fluid, lines | Photos + measurements |
| Tires | Tread depth, pressure, wear | Measurements + photos |
| Fluids | Level, color, contamination | Visual assessment |
| Lights | Function, brightness, aim | Pass/fail checklist |
| Engine | Noise, leaks, performance | Video + notes |
Parts Management (/technician/parts-lookup)
Parts Request System
Request Flow:
- Search inventory (local stock)
- Check supplier availability
- Create parts request
- Track order status
- Receive notification on arrival
Inventory Features
- Barcode Scanning - Quick part identification
- Visual Search - Photo-based lookup
- Cross-Reference - OEM to aftermarket
- Stock Levels - Real-time availability
- Alternative Options - Compatible parts
Parts Documentation
- Used Parts - Photo before removal
- New Parts - Verify correct part
- Warranty Items - Special handling
- Core Returns - Track returnable parts
Customer Communication (/technician/customer-updates)
Approved Communications
- Status Updates - Job progress
- Photo Sharing - Show issues found
- Time Estimates - Completion updates
- Additional Work - New findings
Communication Guidelines
Allowed:
- Technical explanations
- Visual evidence
- Time updates
- Safety concerns
Not Allowed:
- Price discussions
- Upselling services
- Warranty promises
- Payment terms
Service Templates (/technician/service-templates)
Canned Job Library
Common Services:
Oil Change
- Steps checklist
- Time allocation
- Parts required
- Quality checks
Brake Service
- Inspection points
- Measurements
- Safety checks
- Test drive
[100+ more templates available]
Template Features
- Step-by-Step Guides - Detailed procedures
- Time Estimates - Flat rate times
- Parts Lists - Common requirements
- Special Tools - Required equipment
- Safety Warnings - Critical cautions
Quality Control
Self-Check Requirements
Before marking complete:
- All requested work performed
- No leaks or loose components
- Fluid levels correct
- Test drive completed (if applicable)
- Work area cleaned
- Documentation complete
Quality Metrics
| Metric | Target | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| First-Time Fix | 98%+ | Customer satisfaction |
| Comeback Rate | Under 2% | Reputation |
| Documentation | 100% | Legal compliance |
| Photo Evidence | All jobs | Trust building |
Mobile Features
Optimized for Bay Work
- Large Buttons - Glove-friendly
- Voice Input - Hands-free notes
- Offline Mode - Sync when connected
- Quick Actions - Common tasks
- Barcode Scanner - Part lookup
Device Support
- Tablets - Primary interface
- Smartphones - Quick updates
- Desktop - Detailed work
- Wearables - Notifications (future)
Advanced Features
AI Assistance (Coming Soon)
- Diagnostic Help - Symptom analysis
- Time Predictions - ML-based estimates
- Parts Suggestions - Smart recommendations
- Knowledge Base - Technical resources
Integration Points
- OBD Scanners - Direct data import
- Alignment Machines - Report integration
- Tire Changers - Service tracking
- Shop Equipment - IoT connectivity
Best Practices
Daily Routine
-
Morning
- Clock in on time
- Review assigned jobs
- Check parts availability
- Plan work sequence
-
During Work
- Update status regularly
- Document everything
- Communicate issues early
- Follow safety protocols
-
End of Day
- Complete documentation
- Clean work area
- Update tomorrow's needs
- Clock out properly
Efficiency Tips
Pre-stage parts before starting Group similar jobs together Use voice notes for speed Take photos proactively Communicate delays immediately Follow templates for consistency Request help when needed
Empowering technicians with modern tools for efficient, quality auto repair service.