Eagerly awaited, the French version of the software management Mitchell 1 Manager Enterprise is now available. It offers the ability to manage accounting, marketing, sales, operations, reminders and more as well as remotely monitor and anywhere, each site of a company. As featured in AutoSphere.ca.

Enterprise Manager includes a software point of sale, a database Microsoft SQL Server, system management appointments including execution time, a VIN decoder and a phone number, a reminder by mail or postcard. Integrated with Live OnDemand5.com Estimator and Mitchell, it also allows access to the catalogs of all suppliers.

Mitchell 1 announces National Autotech, Inc., doing business as City Garage of Duncanville, Texas, has adopted Mitchell 1’s Manager Enterprise program for all of its service locations. City Garage operates 16 full service and repair facilities in the Dallas and Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Mitchell 1’s Manager Enterprise is multi-user software capable of running on any number of workstations at any number of locations or even multiple divisions within a franchise. Manager Enterprise provides central control of accounting, marketing, sales and operations. Administrators can check in on each location remotely from any location in the world.

“City Garage needed real time reporting, accounting, centralized management and a robust backend database for their operations,” said John Dwulet, senior product manager, Mitchell1. “Manager Enterprise was the perfect solution for them.”

“Enterprise allows us to see and manage our business with multiple locations from anywhere that we have an Internet connection,” said Keith Shaulis, IT director of City Garage. “Enterprise allows for uniform work order content, such as parts and labor, with a strong tracking system throughout the software.”

The first issue of Mitchell 1’s new shop management software electronic newsletter, Forum Gazette, was recently distributed to its entire shop management customer e-mail list. This monthly publication contains valuable contributions submitted by members of the Shop Management Users Forum, coupled with timely Mitchell 1 announcements, such as Mitchell 1’s Windows 7.0 / 64 bit support and certification.

“Forum members enjoy a lively exchange of knowledge, advice and encouragement on a daily basis that the majority of our user base has been largely unaware of until now,” said Tim McDonnell, national training manager, Mitchell 1. “By having a monthly outbound publication, we can better communicate the value of being a forum member and the rewards that come with it.”

Forum members gain valuable user tips and best practices from their peers and Mitchell 1 subject matter experts to address a variety of questions and improve their efficiency with their shop management software.

“Thanks to interaction with peers using the same software, they not only learn how to do something, they understand why they should be doing it by absorbing fellow shops’ advice and the sharing of best practices,” said McDonnell. “Everyone uses it a little differently and the forum brings that to light.”

McDonnell acknowledges that not all Mitchell 1 customers will become regular forum members, which underscores the importance of the Forum Gazette e-newsletter to allow Mitchell 1 to accomplish a core mission, which is to deliver pertinent information to its Shop Management customers, regardless of their level of Internet activity. Once they focus on the value of the newsletter content and see that the forum is the best place to get their questions answered, more customers will be inclined to join us to take full advantage of the learning benefits.

McDonnell concluded, “The phrase we like to use a lot in training is “unlock potential” and having the User’s Forum and PerformanceCenter modules and quizzes available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allows our customers to obtain even more value for their monthly investment.”

To join the Shop Management Users Forum, click on the Forum or Web button in the shop management program’s toolbar and then select ‘register’. There’s a brief video that walks users through the registration process. For more information, visit http://www.managerforum.net.

Repair-Connect, a new tool designed to shorten repair time and lower truck operating costs, was introduced by Mitchell 1 at a press conference at the 2010 annual Technology and Maintenance Council Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Tampa, Fla. As featured in eTrucker.com.

Mitchell 1, which also provides Web-based service and repair information with Tractor-Trailer.net and Medium-Truck.net, says Repair-Connect speeds up the repair process by taking an experienced technician using Mitchell 1 programs directly to the service information he needs by simply inputting the diagnostic trouble code. Repair-Connect anticipates what detailed information is required to fix the vehicle based on the DTC and retrieves it in seconds.

An easy selection menu quickly navigates the program and delivers a “to-the-point” wiring diagram displaying just the wires making up a particular circuit; Repair-Connect also provides the entire engine diagram when needed. Thousands of digital photos provide detailed real-world views of components involved with the repair.

Mitchell 1 says that by using the intelligent diagnostic capabilities of Repair-Connect, truck service facilities can increase their productivity and lower the operating costs of the vehicles they are servicing by having repairs completed quickly and correctly.

Mitchell 1 announced today it has signed an Internet affiliate agreement between its Mitchell 1 DIY program (aka eAutoRepair.net) for automotive do-it-yourselfers and JustAnswer®, an online platform where more than 17 million registered users receive answers from 20 thousand people that JustAnswer collectively calls experts. The affiliate agreement provides Mitchell 1 DIY auto repair enthusiasts online access to live ASE certified technicians, 24 hours a day, seven days a week through JustAnswer, while JustAnswer receives additional customer portfolios and increased revenue through Mitchell 1’s brand name recognition. As featured in Motorage’s SearchAutoParts.com.

“The majority of DIY’ers work on their cars on the weekends, so we wanted to provide our customers an additional resource to get their cars fixed when they have the most time available to them,” said Dave Rady, senior account manager, business development, Mitchell 1.

Here’s how JustAnswer works:
1. Ask a question.
- Enter a question and create a user account.
2. Name a price.
- Subscribers can pay up front or wait until an expert answers.
3. An expert answers, often within minutes, usually within a few hours.
JustAnswer will send an e-mail to the subscriber notifying them of an answer or request for more information from an expert.
4. Accept the answer.
The acceptance pays the expert and tells JustAnswer that the subscriber was happy with the answer.
Millions of subscribers visit the JustAnswer Web site with questions, seeking affordable and timely insight in more than 100 categories. The JustAnswer network enables registered experts to provide answers within minutes, to help ensure customer satisfaction. For more information about JustAnswer, visit http://www.justanswer.com/car.

Mitchell 1 DIY provides professional instructions and illustrations that guide subscribing users through step-by-step mechanical repair procedures, complete maintenance information and service schedules, and the latest factory service tips, including recalls and 86,000 technical service bulletins (TSBs) with 197,000 supporting graphics. Mitchell 1 DIY gives instant access to over 169,000 repair articles and more than 3.9 million supporting graphics in the database, and the ability to print the very latest in auto repair. The Internet-based service covers all domestic and most import cars, light trucks, vans, mini vans and SUVs, with over 13,000 vehicles in the database for model years 1983-2008. Vintage models are available via DVD.

The Mitchell 1 DIY program is easy to learn and use, with simple procedures, specifications and graphics throughout the program. Subscriptions are available for weekly, monthly, yearly and four year terms. For more information on Mitchell 1 DIY or to subscribe, visit http://www.mitchell1diy.com or www.eAutoRepair.net .

Mitchell 1 partnered its Business Performance Services (BPS) program with Elite, a San Diego-based business solutions company, in July 2009 to provide customers and the automotive industry with profitable business management and marketing solutions. Now, Elite is pleased to announce it has launched a new Web site that is designed to help shop owners and dealerships, worldwide. As featured in SearchAutoParts.com.

In addition to offering a number of world-class products by Mitchell 1, Elite’s new Web site is revolutionary with the breadth and depth of affordable solutions it provides to the auto repair industry. For a limited time, Elite is offering complimentary access to these solutions through their industry-acclaimed Podcasts.

“We are excited about Elite’s new Web site because in addition to its business building services, the site offers business management solutions as instant MP3 downloads that shop owners can listen to on their computers, iPhones, and over 500 other audible devices” said Brian Warfield, senior product manager, Mitchell 1.

Elite and Mitchell 1 have an agreement to cross promote each other’s products and services to their own respective customer bases. Elite’s customers are the top shops in the industry, while Mitchell 1 Business Performance Services are designed to help those same forward-thinking shop owners and service advisors.

Mitchell 1 will hold this year’s first Shop Management System Training Workshop in Orlando, Fla., February 25-27, 2010 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. The training workshop, designed for those who have been using their shop management system for six months or more, will guide users through advanced functionality in the Mitchell 1 Manager and ManagerPlus Shop Management systems. Instructors will explore advanced setup, inventory, reporting, management and more, as well as integration with aftermarket cataloging and Customer Retention Marketing (CRM). As featured in AutoCarePro:News.

The workshop will be led by John Dwulet, senior product manager for Mitchell 1’s management software solutions, and Tim McDonnell, national training manager, who have 27 years of combined Manager and ManagerPlus training experience. Mitchell 1 support personnel will also be on hand. Attendees can expect lively discussions on how to use the management system to energize their business, increase profits and boost productivity.

“This advanced training workshop turns existing shop management system customers into power-users who get the most out of their software and business,” said Dwulet. “The sessions will uncover strategies allowing attendees to compete successfully against dealerships; maximizing their maintenance and repair opportunities and further the relationship with the customer. Each time we conduct a workshop, we repeatedly hear similar comments, such as ‘the workshop opened my eyes to new ways of doing things that have really helped me in my business.’ No matter how long you have had the software, you learn there are better and more efficient methods to operate the day-to-day business.”

At the end of each workshop, AMI Course Completion forms will be handed out to those attendees who wish to pursue AMI credits. Students completing this course will be rewarded 30 credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

Attendees will be welcomed by a cocktail reception on Thursday, February 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Workshop sessions run from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, February 26 and 27. The registration fee is $200 per attendee, plus applicable tax, and covers seminars, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments each day. Participants are responsible for transportation to Orlando and hotel accommodations. Attendees may reserve rooms at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld and receive Mitchell 1’s special hotel rate by mentioning Mitchell 1/ShopKey Manager Training when making the reservation.

For more information or to register for Mitchell 1’s Management System Training Workshop, visit http://www.buymitchell1.com/form/m1users.htm. Registration must be completed by February 10, 2010.

Mitchell 1 announced today it has partnered with AutoNetTV to provide a full suite of Web videos to OwnerAutoSite.com users. OwnerAutoSite was first introduced in January of 2009 as a unique Web-based loyalty service for Mitchell 1’s Customer Retention Marketing (CRM) users and their customers (vehicle-owners). Over the last year, Mitchell 1’s OwnerAutoSite vehicle communication platform has been recognized for its ability to help repair shops connect to their customers.

“The addition of AutoNetTV was a natural evolution of the product line as it completes the user experience for OwnerAutoSite.com,” said David Niemiec, general manager - Business Performance Services, Mitchell 1. “Our AutoNetTV Video Blog provides a library of over 50 videos that explains, in easy-to-understand language, why specific maintenance items are important to the long term health of their vehicle.”

“Mitchell1 is looking to give the service center and the customer the ultimate experience to keep cars running at peak efficiency,” said Robert Cannon, CEO, AutoNetTV. “Combining our AutoNetTV Lobby video program with our online video Web tools gives both the customer and the service center the ability to visually understand the recommended services and why they need regular maintenance.”

“We are pleased to be the first in the industry to combine online service history with an extensive suite of automotive educational content for vehicle owners,” said Chris Arden, OwnerAutoSite product manager, Mitchell 1. “This complete set of interactive Web tools will help vehicle owners more effectively manage their vehicle’s maintenance lifecycle and improve their relationship with participating repair centers.”

To learn more about OwnerAutoSite.com and AutoNetTV visit www.mitchell1.com/oas

About AutoNetTV:

AutoNetTV is the pioneer of automotive television programming for customers in the waiting areas of service centers. 6,000 service centers throughout North America receive this custom programming to educate customers on their factory scheduled and preventative maintenance needs, and to improve their waiting experience. AutoNetTV combines fast-paced entertainment pieces from CBS with independent editorial content to increase customer satisfaction and preventative maintenance services. The monthly program is approximately an hour and a half long and provides multiple options for major service brands to integrate their branded messages within the existing AutoNetTV programming content. AutoNetTV also provides the Pro Channel, dedicated to the owners and team members of service centers. This program provides business and marketing insights, technical training, and other industry-specific messages devoted to the professionals working in the automotive aftermarket. The Pro Channel is also used by major brands as a corporate communication platform. The AutoNetTV Web Tools brings powerful, search optimized consumer education videos to the websites of automotive service centers. Website: AutoNetTV.com.

Mitchell 1 announces its 2010 Mechanical Labor Estimating (MLE) Guide is now being offered online through the Mitchell 1 Estimator program. From this point forward, the Mechanical Labor Estimating Guide will only be available online as Mitchell 1 will no longer be printing this annual publication. As featured in AutoCarePro:News, AftermarketNews.com, and FixedOpsMag.com.

“With Mitchell 1’s Estimator program, technicians will see just how easy it is to receive labor and parts information and updates on the Internet,” said Nick DiVerde, general manager, Shop Management Solutions. “The online guide helps technicians be more efficient and productive in the shop because they will no longer have to spend time searching through the printed books to find the information they need.”

The Mitchell 1 Estimator program contains comprehensive mechanical labor estimating data for vehicles 1974-present and parts data for 1980-present models.

Features and benefits include:
• Automatic monthly updates
• Accurate labor times
• Parts lookups
• Parts illustration to help identify parts
• Vehicle maintenance information
• Fluids and capacities information
• VIN decoding information

“Another reason why we’ve eliminated the books is because we felt it was time to take the necessary steps to be more environmentally conscious and do what we can as a company to help reduce our consumption of natural resources,” concluded DiVerde.

To subscribe to Mitchell 1 Estimator, call (888) 724-6742 x6313.

Rick G. Ballard from Hurricane, Utah received the Technician of the Future award, sponsored by Mitchell 1 and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), during a ceremony that took place on Nov. 19, 2009 in New Orleans, La. Ballard earned this prestigious honor from a candidate pool of over 185,000 qualifiers. As featured in AfterMarketNews.com and MotorAge.

“We’d like to congratulate Rick on being named the ASE Technician of the Future,” said Karen Wagner, senior marketing manager, Mitchell 1. “We are very proud of Rick’s accomplishments as it demonstrates his commitment to being the best automotive technician he can be. We wish Rick the very best – we know he will be successful in his future endeavors.”

Ballard has been an automotive technician for three years and an ASE Master Technician for one year. He is employed as an automotive technician at Cache Valley Advantage Automotive, located in Logan, Utah. Ballard took courses at Dixie State College in St. George, Utah in the automotive repair program as a high school student, which included electric car conversion. He graduated from the Toyota T-Ten program through Weber State University in Ogden, Utah in May 2009.

His accomplishments include:
• Toyota T-Ten Student of the Year at Weber State University
• Skills USA VICA – first place at the state competition and second place at the national competition in power equipment technology
• Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills - first place at the state competition and seventh place at the national competition
• Regional Sterling Scholar in Trade and Technical Education

Ballard decided to become an automotive technician because since the time that he was small, he has loved inventing and fixing things with his two brothers and father. Ballard’s father played a big role in that decision as he is a technician himself and exposed his son early on to the world of automotive repair. His father has been his main tutor in his training and development as a technician, and his mother and sister have always been very supportive in all his major projects. Now, Ballard’s wife shows support and interest in all of his endeavors and accomplishments.

“Being a technician is something that I’ve always wanted to do, and being ASE certified has made it possible to be considered for hire in many different job positions and achieve a high standard of knowledge,” said Ballard.

Outside of his work, Ballard enjoys inventing things, four wheeling, building go-carts and learning how things work. He lived in El Salvador for two years and speaks fluent Spanish.