You’ve decided to take action. You’re new in a workshop management position, you’ve bought a workshop, and you’re overwhelmed by the situation. But one thing is certain: you want to improve, make a profit, and build the future of your workshop. Where to start? That’s sometimes the hardest question.

Hi, this is Alex, your capacity planning expert at Progi. There are probably two major questions when it comes to continuous improvement:
First, once you’re already doing well, what’s the next step?
Second, when you’re starting from nothing, where do you begin?

One Step at a Time

You’re at the start of a marathon. Continuous improvement is never a sprint. Some may run faster than others, but everyone takes one step at a time to get closer to the finish line. Be realistic. Set a manageable goal first. Then, we’ll create a small action plan to get there.

Talk About It

You’re preparing your success plan in your office, detailing every action leading to your first goal. Everything is clear in your mind. You’re already envisioning success.

But you’re already on the path to failure if you haven’t talked to your team. Sell your idea to the team, prepare them for the changes, or else they might resist every initiative because they won’t understand why Your most valuable allies and most interesting ideas are probably among your team.

Your first step: sell the idea. Why are we going to improve? Rally your team. Then, communicate the goals and the plan. If they can participate, they will develop a key attitude to ensure your success: a sense of responsibility.

The Reference Point: Progi’s Golden and Platinum Rules of Capacity

The foundation of success, as we define it, is based on the Golden and Platinum Rules of workshop planning. Let me remind you:

Platinum Rules

  • Have a clear and easy-to-follow production schedule, focused on your goals.
  • Have an effective parts management process.
  • Produce quality estimates.

Golden Rules

  • Set objectives.
  • Communicate the objectives.
  • Maintain and analyze.
  • Don’t overload the workshop.
  • Choose the best time for each repair.
  • Receive and deliver vehicles every day.
  • Push your limits.

This is our credo and our guide to achieving success.

A ProgiSync Tip to Take a Step Forward

Now, you might not want to dive immediately into specialized planning software like ProgiPlanning because you want to take a few smaller steps before getting there. Know that in ProgiSync, there is an easy solution that will allow you to deliver and receive vehicles daily while starting to set your objectives.

It’s the Repair Overview feature.

To learn more, you can check the Feature subscription section in ProgiSync or contact us at info@progi.com.

Good luck!

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Written by: Alexandre Rocheleau
Editing and Revision: Krystel Henley-Rocheleau