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After years of working at automotive workshops and running my own for close to a decade, I can say I’ve learned a thing or two – if not a lot. Running your own business is no easy feat, especially in times that put your knowledge and resilience to the test.
Whether it’s meeting growing customer expectations or understanding the complexity of EV vehicles, I can say with confidence that my business has greatly benefited from introducing a garage management system. So, if you run an independent garage, MOT station, or specialist workshop and are in a similar boat as I once was, a garage management system can really help you.
In this article, I share my personal experience and a review comparing three leading garage management systems.
1. TechMan
Topping this list isTechMan, an all-in-one garage management system purpose-built for garages and workshops. What makes it truly unique is that it has been built by garage owners who wanted a solution to solve their own garage problems.
Setup
In my personal experience, setting up, using, and managing the TechMan GMS was an absolute breeze. Its web-based system effortlessly connects ramp, front desk, and back office operations into a single workflow. They charged no setup fees and offered unlimited user logins and support.
Core Features
Front of House & Bookings
TechMan has features that make managing books and front-of-house operations so much easier. You can generate instant estimates, schedule jobs, and manage bookings.
With VRM and postcode lookup, telephone integration, and online web booking options, it becomes fairly simple to manage various front-end operations.
Workshop Control & Technician Tools
TechMan’s systems help me keep track of how my internal operations are running. From electronic vehicle health checks to the TechView tablet app for job cards, its robust features kept my workshop running like a well-oiled machine. Another helpful feature in the Pro version is the live technician tracking and efficiency reporting to view the hours sold vs hours attended.
Customer Management & Communication
TechMan’s systems immensely improved the way we managed and communicated with our customers. Automated MOT and service reminders and online authorisation on the customer portal simplified communications, while clear vehicle history and digital records ensured trust.
Parts Suppliers & Integrations
This GMS allowed us to integrate with major parts suppliers like LKQ Euro Car Parts (ECP), NAPA, GSF, and Dingbro. We first started with the Lite subscription before moving up to Pro, but were pleasantly surprised to upgrade to integrated Haynes Pro E3 technical data and Autodata subscriptions.
Reporting
Reporting in TechMan GMS opened up a lot of insights and opportunities for my business. Its comprehensive reporting features covering technician performance, finances, and workshop booking trends make it stand out from the rest. You can export accounting reports to Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, and other third-party software. These reports helped us to take tight control of the data and workflows.
Pricing
Investing in garage management software doesn’t always have to be expensive. When we opted for TechMan, we started with their Lite subscription (currently at £189/month) and, as our operations scaled and saw merit in our initial investment, gradually upgraded to Pro at £415/mo.
My Rating
TechMan is #1 in my books for a reason; it effortlessly combines technical data, parts catalogues, and accounting workflows all under one roof at an affordable price point.
2. Garage Software Solutions
Second on my list is Garage Software Solutions, a complete system that helps with creating a website for your workshop, to creating reports.
Setup
This UK-based software solution is easy to set up and use, as they market themselves.
Core Features
Website & Marketing
Garage Software Solutions can help you create your own website customised to your business offerings, with SEO and online store support.
Operational Modules
Based on the plan you choose, you can access a wide range of modules, from customer management to invoicing software. So if you choose the starter garage management plan, you only get a website, domain, hosting, ticketing system, and garage review software.
Reporting
Garage Software Solutions offers a clear and comprehensive way to measure and analyse reports. Garage teams can filter and sort the data across billing, sales/revenue, income, expenses, exports, and general categories.
Pricing
Garage Software Solutions offers 3 pricing tiers and one custom tier. Most garage owners generally start with their Standard tier (currently priced at £69.99/month).
My Rating
This GMS can be ideal for small workshops and garages wanting a website and management system bundled at a low starting price.
3. Garage Data Systems
Garage Data Systems (GDS) is a seasoned garage management software company in the UK. It was one of the first GMSs I have worked with in my career.
Setup
GDS keeps it simple by offering two core models, the Workshop Manager and Commercial Vehicle Manager.
Core Features
Workshop Manager
GDS’s workshop manager offers an integrated garage software for daily workshop tasks and invoicing.
Commercial Vehicle Manager
Their commercial vehicle manager is a versatile fleet management system for commercial vehicles and/or fleet operators. Our experience with the Workshop Manager module was good, with its integration with HaynesPro and GaragePay.
A huge plus is that both modules are MTD compliant and have strong accounting integrations.
Pricing
The Workshop Manager starts from £99/month, while the Commercial Vehicle Manager starts from £220/month.
My Rating
From personal experience, if your garage or workshop needs a system closely tied to accounting, GDS can be a good choice.
To Sum Up
I hope you’ve gained some insight from my experience working with these 3 leading garage management software. It’s not an exhaustive list, but a close look at how a good system can directly impact a business. There have been a few others, but these are the best three in my list, and of them, TechMan takes the top spot for its easy setup, integrations, and comprehensive reporting capabilities.
However, as your business can differ from mine, I recommend you do your own research into these 3 contenders and others before finalising your decision.
Also read: 4 Ways to Market Your Garage Business in 2025
Image source: elements.envato.com
