POWAY, Calif.—Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack has selected Mitchell Repair Information Co. L.L.C.'s Mitchell 1 ProDemand with SureTrack as the source for OEM-based and expert information for its 800 locations.
ProDemand delivers complete OEM repair information along with real-world, experienced-based knowledge from SureTrack in just one lookup, Mitchell 1 said. Advanced search technology developed by Mitchell 1 integrates the data to provide comprehensive, categorized repair information in a user-friendly interface, which makes it easier for technicians to find the information they need, according to the company.
“Our technicians love ProDemand,” said Stacey Hamilton, director of operations customer engagement for Philadelphia-based Pep Boys, in a Mitchell 1 press release. “Our entire organization is happy we made the change to ProDemand for our OEM service information with real fixes. It's another way that we can help our technicians work more efficiently.”
The deal gives all Pep Boys locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico access to the features in ProDemand.
ProDemand features include: color wiring diagrams, the latest TSBs and recalls, procedures and specs, integrated estimating, along with SureTrack's commonly replaced parts data, guided component tests, extensive library of wave forms and interactive community of professional technicians, Pep Boys said.
“We are delighted to partner with Pep Boys, one of the most respected brands in the car care business, to provide their affiliated service and repair facilities with access to ProDemand, Mitchell 1's all-in-one solution for repair information and diagnostics,” said Dave Ellingen, president of Mitchell 1.
“Our ongoing goal is to help our partners and customers succeed for the long-term by providing them with solutions that make their jobs easier. With the adoption of ProDemand, Pep Boys demonstrates its commitment to providing their shops with tools that not only simplify their tasks, but also help them increase efficiency and accuracy.”
More information about ProDemand is available at www.mitch-ell1.com/ProDemand.
Mitchell 1 adds
SureTrack video
to its website
The Mitchell 1 brand has added a video to its website to provide a close-up look at how its SureTrack experience-based information database can help technicians repair cars faster.
The new video—titled “SureTrack: The Fastest Path to Fixed”— features Ben Johnson, Mitchell 1's director of product development, who shares some ways in which SureTrack's Real Fixes from technicians and complete OEM repair information in its ProDemand system work together to help technicians work more efficiently.
“At Mitchell 1, we understand how diagnosing today's complex vehicles can be a challenge,” Mr. Johnson said. “That's why we developed SureTrack—our latest information source in the ProDemand product line that brings industry experience into the system.”
According to Mitchell 1, SureTrack combines diagnostic experience with repair timesavers and detailed parts replacement records, all in an interactive community of thousands of repair professionals and expert technicians. The firm's exclusive 1Search function delivers the information to users in a single location, allowing them to find the information they need without searching multiple databases.
Firm to host final
shop management seminar in Tenn.
Mitchell Repair Information will hold its third and final Mitchell 1 Shop Management Workshop, Oct. 9-11 in Nashville, Tenn., at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center.
The training is designed for shop management software users who want to learn more advanced capabilities, better methods, shortcuts and new features, Mitchell 1 said.
The two-day training session explains all levels of functionality in version 6.5 of Mitchell 1 Manager SE and ShopKey Service Writer/Shop Management SE, the company said, and legacy systems, including version 5.9.
Topics include: program setup, inventory, reporting, best practices, advanced transactions, integration with aftermarket cataloging and the Mitchell 1 SocialCRM customer retention.
The workshop will be led by John Dwulet, senior product manager for Mitchell 1's management software solutions, and Tim McDonnell, national training manager. Mitchell 1 said they have more than 35 years of combined shop management system training experience.
“This advanced training turns existing shop management system customers into power users who get the most out of their software and business,” Mr. Dwulet said.
“The sessions will uncover strategies that attendees can use to compete successfully against dealerships, maximize their maintenance and repair opportunities and enhance their relationship with customers.”
Mr. McDonnell added that the experienced manager user can also benefit from the interaction with other attendees about methods and tips.
The event starts on Oct. 9 with a cocktail reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Workshop sessions run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on both Oct. 10-11.
Registration is $200 per attendee, plus applicable tax, and covers seminars, breakfast, lunch and refreshments each day. Participants are responsible for transportation to Nashville and hotel accommodations, Mitchell said.
Attendees can earn 30 AMI credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation by completing the workshop, Mitchell 1 said.
For more information or to register for the workshop, visit the Management Workshop website at http://buymitchell1.com/form/m1usersinfo.htm.
Website service
added to Mitchell SocialCRM
Mitchell 1 has added a website development service to its Mitchell 1 SocialCRM shop marketing solution.
The company said having a business website creates a central point of contact for repair shops and with this service, the Mitchell 1 SocialCRM support team will help build an “expertly designed website that presents the shop's brand consistently across all of their marketing touchpoints.” The service also will keep website content up to date and be search engine optimized.
“Our SocialCRM marketing agents talk to shops every day about how important it is to present a consistent brand image so they can be more visible on the Internet,” said Brian Warfield, senior product manager for Mitchell 1 SocialCRM.
“The new website service is a natural extension of the comprehensive approach we take to help our customers achieve their marketing goals. A business website is at the center of successful marketing efforts and is perhaps the most important tool shops have to bring in new and repeat business.”
When shops use the same service for websites and their marketing programs, “they can leverage and share marketing assets such as logos, coupons, customer review links, testimonials and appointment links” to create a more consistent brand image, Mitchell 1 said.
More information about the company's SocialCRM program is available on its website at www.mitch-ell1.com or by calling 888-724-6742 ext. 6105.
Outstanding tech
student named
by Mitchell 1
Jonathan Hladney from Brackenridge, Pa., was recently named the 2014 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student.
Mitchell Repair Information's Mitchell 1 brand made the announcement during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NA-CAT) conference held in Green-ville, S.C.
Each year the automotive data and software company recognizes one U.S. or Canadian high school senior for outstanding achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics. Mr. Hladney received a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and roundtrip airfare and accommodations for himself and a guest to attend the NACAT conference.
“Mitchell 1 is proud to recognize Jonathan Hladney for his outstanding achievement and strong dedication to pursuing educational excellence in the automotive technology field,” said Nick DiVerde, senior marketing director for Poway-based Mitchell 1. “With Jonathan's drive and enthusiasm for making a difference in the aftermarket, we know he will one day accomplish his dreams.”
Mr. Hladney graduated from Highlands High School in Natrona Heights, Pa., in June 2014.
While in school, he received the National Technical Honor Society award twice, was a member of SkillsUSA and was employed as an apprentice technician at the Spitzer Toyota/Scion auto dealership in Monroe-ville, Pa.
In the fall he plans to attend Rosedale Technical Institute in Pittsburgh, where he is enrolled in the automotive technology program, and is expected to graduate in March 2015. His ultimate career goal, according to Mitchell 1, is to open his own automotive repair shop.
To be eligible for the Mitchell 1 scholarship, applicants must be a current student majoring in automotive technology/auto shop repair course work and must meet the following criteria:
c Be nominated by his or her NACAT instructor;
c Maintain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA;
c Have plans to attend (or already be enrolled in) an accredited college or university; and
c Be a U.S. or Canadian citizen.