Recent Survey by Dowell Systems, Inc. Uncovers Technology Shift for Independent Automotive Repair Shops

Dowell Systems, Inc. Targets Over 15,000 Automotive Repair Professionals Whose Responses Show the Movement Toward Web-based Automotive Repair Tools is Well Underway.

Tampa, FL– When you hear the word “mechanic”, what comes to mind? There is a long-standing, old stereotype of a man with greasy hands and clothes, giving you a hand-written estimate on smudged paper, while standing in a waiting room with a 15″ black-and-white television. The only tools available were all sitting in the large, red, rolling tool box in the corner.

The latest survey from Dowell Systems, Inc. – which targeted over 15,000 automotive repair shops – shows that this perception is quite outdated. In fact, since the majority of vehicles released in the last 15 years are equipped in one form or another with computer components, the new standard requires technicians to be quite comfortable and talented when working with the latest technologies. To stay relevant in the industry and attract that talent, shop owners are understanding the need to equip their professionals with the latest web-based automotive repair tools. According to the survey, the average automotive repair business now has 6 pc’s for their shop, with 79 percent sporting high-speed internet to provide access to the latest web-based applications. While mechanics still need and use giant rolling tool boxes the need for new technology tools grows daily.

Not only are these businesses preparing for the next generation of automotive repair technology, they are desperately craving it. According to the survey nearly 73 percent of respondents would be interested in being an early adopter for the latest web-based application from Dowell Systems for automotive repair professionals. Additionally, over 50 percent would be interested or very interested in utilizing the application on a tablet pc (such as iPad) or a smart phone (such as iPhone or Android powered device).

Dowell System has been following this trend since the 1980’s, when they developed and released their labor estimating software, Real-Time Labor Guide®. Steve Cunha, Manager at Dowell Systems believes leaders in the automotive repair industry know they can be more efficient and more profitable by adopting the latest technologies, which prompted the recent survey. “With the responses we received, it is clear to us that web-based tools which are accessible from a variety of portable platforms are in demand,” Steve says.

Individual responses from the survey appear to confirm the demand that Dowell Systems has identified. “I think the possibility of an online service with quicker updates and services is a very good adaptation to the quick paced world of automotive services,” commented Matthew Bachorski, owner of Pitbull Customs in Yale, MI. “I look forward to trying such a product.”

One of the most surprising results from the survey was not the 73 percent of respondents requesting such a tool, but the variety of reasons for the request. From ease of use, to the ability to access the application from any computer with an Internet Browser, to frequent updates for the most reliable information, the reasons were quite varied. In the end Andy Tramper, owner of A.T. Auto Repair LLC in Grand Rapids, MI sums it up best with this description of the technology tool he is looking for: “…the most cost effective and simplest to use programs on the market to get the most profit.”

No matter the reason it is evident that there is much demand for the development of these new tools. These days, everything moves fast and the needs of automotive professionals are many and varied. The philosophy for any good technology company, including Dowell Systems, should be to listen to the needs and wants of their customers, and with that input as guidance develop a product with the latest, most dependable and reliable technology available.

Shop owners and automotive technicians are not a shy group. They are eagerly awaiting their next favorite tool.

Dowell Systems, Inc. is a software development company providing the automotive repair industry with simple, accurate, and cost-effective estimating and shop management tools since 1989. For more information on Dowell Systems products or services, or to request a free trial of Real-Time Labor Guide® or Automotive Expert®, automotive professionals may call              (800) 487-0249 or visit http://www.laborguide.net.

Dowell Systems Awards Grand Prize to Zack’s Towing & Auto Care

Random drawing from customer survey responses yields top prize to independent towing and automotive repair company from Jonesville, NC.

Tampa, FL November 11, 2011 –If you had a choice between a free iPad2 or $500, which would you choose?

Beginning late September of 2011, Dowell Systems, Inc. sent out over 15,000 surveys to automotive repair shops throughout the United States.  Our goal was to determine the current needs and concerns of the automotive repair industry when it comes to the latest technology tools.

As an enticement, one respondent would be selected at random to receive their choice of a free iPad2 or $500.  “We had competing ideas,” said Brian Sewall, Director of Operations for Dowell Systems, Inc.  “This is a survey about technology, so do we offer a great piece of technology as a prize, or would cash be more appreciated in these economic times?”  In the end, a simple compromise was reached – the winner would choose the prize.

After almost 1,000 responses spanning 5 weeks, Terry and Donna from Zack’s Towing & Auto Care from Jonesville, NC were chosen at random to be the winner of the Grand Prize.  So what did they choose?

“We thought about taking the $500,” said Donna, “but then thought we could find a lot of uses for the iPad around the shop.”  So, after much internal debate around Zack’s Towing, they chose technology as their prize.  On November 10, 2011, a brand new iPad2 was headed their way.

“I am sincerely excited about this. Thank you!” was the reply from Terry.  It’s our pleasure Terry – we are the ones who are thankful to all the respondents who took the time to complete the survey.

Dowell Systems, Inc. is a software development company providing the automotive repair industry with simple, accurate, and cost-effective estimating and shop management tools since 1989. For more information on Dowell Systems products or services, or to request a free trial of Real-Time Labor Guide® or Automotive Expert®, automotive professionals may call              (800) 487-0249 or visit http://www.laborguide.net.