Running an auto shop may seem pretty straightforward: cars come in, they get fixed, and cars go out. As simple as that sounds, there are more things to consider when turning those logistics into profits. One main consideration should be keeping your shop organized. Keeping your shop organized is not only good for the presentation and usability of an auto shop, it can be extremely beneficial to a shop’s efficiency and bottom line. In this post we will reveal the 4 ways to keep your auto-body shop organized and review why it’s important. Lets get started!
- Have a plan of where things go
The first place to start is in reviewing the current floor plan of your shop and outlining where you’d like things to go. Review what tools and equipment you have and place them in and around the area that makes the most sense. Map out the plan and outline how you want things to be placed. Keeping a clear layout and plan of where things go will help you get things in place and assist in keeping them there for years to come.
Why it’s important: By organizing the layout of your shop you can increase efficiency of staff accessing tools based on what services are done where and how tool placement can be strategically placed for less wasted steps around the shop! Keeping these objects in their place will reduce injury, and prevent equipment damage in day-to-day operations.
- Clean up at the end of each day
We all fall into the trap of “I will get to it later.” While our intentions are good, we often fall short and things we “should have” done turn into “never gets” done. Commit to cleaning the shop at the end of the day, put tools back in their places, and do not turn the lights off without everything being in order.
Why it’s important: Reducing the time it takes when opening the shop to find tools used the day before or tools blocking the flow of the workspace for staff will increase efficiency and reduce wasted time searching for parts, tools, or other needed materials at the start of a busy day.
- Review plans with your staff
What good is a plan if nobody knows it is in motion? If a shop is organized, the staff needs to know that the plan is in play. Sharing the plans with staff, what is expected, and where the tools and equipment are to return (by the end of work day) will help keep the shop organized on every day that ends in “y.” Don’t assume because tires are located in the “general tire area” that staff know they should also end back up there at the end of the day.
Why it’s important: In order to successfully execute any plan, communication is key. Keeping the well-outlined plans a secret mean you are the only one that will know where each piece of equipment goes, leaving you with cleanup at the end of each day.
- Label clearly
When starting an organized shop, one must consider labeling what tools you want to go where. Clearly label the sections for certain tools, the areas designated for larger equipment, and do not think any sign is too obvious. Be clear and exact with the labels so there is no question if the image used for screwdrivers is not interpreted as tire pressure gauges.
Why it’s important: Miss labeling will increase confusion of what goes where, thus increasing the time it takes to find a simple tool and decrease the time your staff are being paid to use it.
When it comes to organizing an auto body shop, the above 4 steps can be simple ways to start developing a well laid out plan for shops big and small. Understand the value and importance of shop organization is critical in adhering to those well laid out plans and steps towards maintaining not only the best shop in town but the most organized too!
If upgrading software, POS or other systems will help keep your shop organized, consider a small business loan from IOU Financial. You can receive working capital to streamline your operations in just 24 hours!