DIAGNOSIS: PRODUCTIVITY

Select productivity-enhancing produc ts from aware-winning companies

How do you measure productivity? In a repair shop, productivity is measured by comparing the available work hours to the number of hours billed for service work performed. So if a tech spends ah hour working on a vehicle, the shop would expect to bill the customer for an hour of shop labor. A shop operating at this one to one work/pay ratio for every technician in the shop and for every hour of the workweek would be operating at 100 percent productivity.

We know that 100 percent shop productivity is virtually impossible to attain on a consistent basis. In fact, many shops operate at 50 percent productivity, and perhaps even less. How can these numbers be improved?

There are many factors that have a direct effect on shop productivity. For example, an inadequately trained technician will take longer to complete a job than a tech who has received the necessary training.

Having the right tools for the job also has a measurable effect on shop productivity. A tech might be able to complete a basic task with a hammer, screwdriver and a pair of pliers, but it will certainly take longer than if the proper tools are used. Due to the complexity of today's vehicles, it is often impossible to complete or even attempt a repair if the proper tools and equipment are not available.

The manufacturers in this special supplement have been previously recognized during MOTOR Magazine's annual Top 20 Tools competition. They were recognized because the products they offer answer specific service and repair needs in new and innovative ways. The use of these products has a positive-and quantifiable-effect on shop productivity.

Please take a few moments to learn more about these special companies, as well as the products they have to offer. They may be able to help your shop improve its productivity.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Jan 2006
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