IT support for automotive workshops
Modern vehicles are diagnosed and coded by computer, and the workshop runs on booking and invoicing software. We keep the diagnostic laptops, workshop devices and office systems working so cars come off the hoist on time.
IT for automotive workshops
A mechanical, panel or tyre workshop now depends on computers almost as much as on tools. Diagnostic scan tools and laptops need regular software updates and subscriptions, many repairs require online access to manufacturer data, and workshop management software handles bookings, job cards, parts, invoices and service reminders. The front counter takes card payments, and parts suppliers are ordered through online portals throughout the day. If any of these systems stops, cars wait on hoists and customers wait at the counter for answers.
Workshops are a hard place for technology. Laptops sit near grease, dust and heat, Wi-Fi has to reach through roller doors and steel framing, and technicians share devices across bays. Diagnostic laptops are often left on old operating systems because a tool vendor once said not to update them, which leaves them unprotected on the same network as the office computer that holds customer details. One infected laptop plugged into a customer's vehicle network or the office network can cause trouble well beyond a single bay.
Office IT supports independent and multi-site automotive workshops with practical IT. We make Wi-Fi reach the bays, manage the office and counter computers, look after diagnostic laptops in line with tool vendor requirements, and protect customer records and supplier accounts. Workshops in Auckland and Hamilton get onsite visits, and workshops elsewhere in New Zealand are supported remotely with onsite projects by arrangement. Work is planned around bookings so the bays keep turning over.
Common IT problems in this industry
Diagnostic laptop updates
Scan tool software, vehicle coverage and operating system updates all compete. One wrong update can stop a tool from talking to vehicles.
Wi-Fi in the bays
Steel buildings, roller doors and vehicles on hoists block signal. Technicians need a reliable connection to look up data and update job cards.
Shared workshop devices
Bay tablets and laptops are used by several technicians, often signed in under one generic account that never changes.
Customer and vehicle records
Names, phone numbers, plates and service history sit in the workshop system. Old computers and loose exports put that information at risk.
Supplier and portal accounts
Parts ordering, manufacturer data and warranty claims each have a login. Shared passwords and old staff accounts are common.
Tough conditions
Dust, heat and drops shorten the life of standard laptops and screens, and an unexpected failure stops work in a bay.
What we set up for you
Diagnostic laptop care
We keep diagnostic laptops on a separate network, patch them in line with tool vendor advice and image them so a failed unit can be restored quickly.
Workshop-wide Wi-Fi
Industrial-grade access points placed to reach each bay, cabled from the office and separated from customer and office traffic.
Rugged and managed devices
Where it pays off we recommend tougher laptops, tablets and cases, and manage them so lost or damaged devices are simple to replace.
Protected customer data
The workshop system and office computers are backed up, encrypted and protected with multi-factor sign-in for owners and managers.
Password manager for portals
Supplier, warranty and manufacturer portal logins are stored in a shared password manager with access by role, not on sticky notes.
Counter and payment network
The front counter computer and eftpos run on their own network so a diagnostic laptop on a customer car never shares it.
Systems we support
We work with the software and equipment your business already relies on, and with your software vendors when something needs their help.
- Workshop management and job card software
- Diagnostic scan tool software and subscriptions
- Manufacturer repair data and technical information services
- Online parts ordering portals
- Xero for invoicing and accounts
- Customer service reminder by text and email
Start with a free IT health check
A technician reviews your computers, accounts, backups, security and network, then gives you a short written report with the risks ranked and a price to fix them. No charge, no obligation.
Book the health checkServices that fit
IT support
Remote and onsite help when you need it, billed by the hour. No plan, no contract.
IT support
Networks & Wi-Fi
Firewalls, switches, Wi-Fi and structured cabling that are designed, labelled and documented.
Networks & Wi-Fi
Laptops, PCs & devices
Business laptops and PCs supplied or leased, set up automatically, tracked through warranty and wiped securely.
Laptops, PCs & devicesIT for automotive workshops: questions
Can you look after our diagnostic laptops?
Yes. We follow the scan tool vendor's guidance on operating systems and updates, keep the laptops on a separate network and keep a restore image so a failed laptop can be back in service quickly. Tool-specific faults go to the tool vendor, and we help with that conversation.
Why does our Wi-Fi not reach the back bays?
Steel structures and vehicles block wireless signals. A survey shows where coverage drops and where access points should go. We quote the cabling and equipment in writing first; it is low-voltage data work only.
Do you support our workshop management software?
We support the computers, accounts, printers and network it runs on and contact the vendor for faults within the software. If it is cloud based, the main focus is reliable internet and secure sign-in.
Should technicians share a login on bay tablets?
Shared logins make it hard to know who changed a job card and keep access open after someone leaves. Quick individual sign-in on shared devices is usually possible and is worth setting up.
Do you support workshops outside Auckland and Hamilton?
Yes, remotely for office computers, accounts and network devices. Wi-Fi or cabling projects outside those cities are planned onsite work, arranged and quoted in advance.
What does IT support cost for a workshop?
Small workshops often use pay as you go at $109 per hour remote or $159 onsite plus GST. Workshops with several office users usually choose the Essentials plan at $69 or Managed plan at $119 per user per month.
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