Fixed Operations Workshop Controller / Tower Supervisor

In-Person at the Dealership
Duration: 1 ~ 2 Days
Attendees: Fixed Operations Managers, Workshop Controller/Tower Supervisor, Appointment Coordinator, BDC

Program Overview

Objective

Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to run an efficient and profitable service department by focusing on productivity, efficiency, technician management, and customer satisfaction.

Morning Session

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Registration and Welcome

  • Introduction to the course objectives
  • Brief overview of dealership service operations

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Overview of Workshop Operations

  • Understanding the Role of a Workshop:
  • Key responsibilities of a workshop in a dealership setting
  • Importance of after-sales service in customer retention and profitability
  • Workshop Layout and Workflow Optimization:
  • Efficient workshop design and layout
  • Streamlining workflow to reduce downtime and increase throughput
  • Performance Metrics Overview:
  • Introduction to Workshop Productivity, Workshop Efficiency, and Technician Productivity

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Measuring and Improving Workshop Productivity

Understanding Workshop Productivity:

  • Definition and importance of productivity
  • Calculating productivity: Actual hours worked vs. available hours
  • Best Practices for Maximizing Productivity:
  • Effective scheduling and job allocation
  • Managing technician time and minimizing non-productive time
  • Breakout exercise
  • Participants calculate productivity using sample data.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Coffee Break

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Workshop Efficiency and Technician Management

Workshop Efficiency:

  • Definition and calculation: Standard labour hours vs. actual hours worked
  • Strategies to improve efficiency: Process standardization, training, and tool availability
  • Technician Management:
  • Recruiting and retaining skilled technicians
  • Training programs to enhance technician skills and reduce rework
  • Setting performance targets and monitoring technician performance

Clocking Practices for Accurate Measurement:

  • Importance of precise clocking in/out practices
  • Tracking job times and comparing billed hours vs. actual hours worked

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break

Afternoon Session

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Customer Service and Communication

Importance of Customer Satisfaction:

  • How excellent service leads to repeat business and referrals
  • Handling customer complaints and providing timely updates

Customer Communication Best Practices:

  • Clear and consistent communication from drop-off to pickup
  • Managing expectations and explaining repair costs

Customer Retention Programs:

  • Loyalty programs, follow-up calls, and service reminders

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Financial Management of the Service Department

Understanding Financial Metrics:

  • Gross profit, net profit, and service department profitability
  • Key financial ratios to monitor

Pricing and Billing Practices:

  • Setting competitive yet profitable labour rates
  • Ensuring accurate and timely billing for all jobs
  • Cost Control and Revenue Enhancement:
  • Reducing waste and managing parts inventory efficiently
  • Building value in additional services and maintenance packages

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Coffee Break

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM: Technology and Tools for Workshop Efficiency

Adopting Technology in the Workshop:

  • Benefits of service management software (DMS, CRM, etc.)
  • Using diagnostic tools to improve repair accuracy and speed
  • Integrating Digital Platforms:
  • Online booking systems and customer portals
  • Leveraging data analytics for decision-making

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Workshop Culture and Leadership

Building a Positive Workshop Culture:

  • Encouraging teamwork and continuous improvement
  • Fostering a safety-first mindset in the workshop
  • Leadership in the Service Department:
  • Leading by example: The role of the service manager
  • Motivating and engaging the team for peak performance
Discussion, Review, Q&A and Outcomes

Discussion

  • Participants discuss real-life challenges and solutions in workshop management.

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Q&A and Wrap-Up

Review of Key Concepts:

  • Recap of the day’s lessons and actionable takeaways

Final Q&A Session:

  • Open floor for questions and further clarification

Next Steps:

  • Action plans for implementation back at the dealership
  • Closing Remarks and Survey Collecting Action plans for implementation back at the dealership

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
  • Implement effective clocking and scheduling practices to optimize productivity.
  • Measure and enhance workshop efficiency and technician performance.
  • Manage financial aspects of the service department, including pricing, cost control, and profitability.
  • Leverage technology and tools to streamline operations and improve customer service.
  • Lead and motivate their teams to create a high-performance workshop environment.

This one-day course provides a comprehensive foundation for running a successful and efficient service facility tailored to the unique needs of new car dealerships.

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