ARI
ARI is an all-in-one auto repair software designed to help independent mechanics and garage owners manage invoices, track vehicle history, and streamline digital inspections from any device.
Protractor
Protractor is a specialized shop management software designed for automotive repair and tire businesses to streamline their entire workflow from digital inspections to real-time financial reporting and inventory.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ARI | Protractor |
|---|---|---|
| Website | ari-app.com | protractor.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 0 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Craiova, Romania | Toronto, Canada |
Overview
ARI
ARI (Auto Repair Software) provides a mobile-first solution to help you run your mechanical shop or mobile repair business more efficiently. You can create professional invoices, manage work orders, and perform digital vehicle inspections directly from your smartphone or tablet. The platform eliminates the need for paper-based tracking by centralizing your client data and service history in a secure cloud environment.
You can also use the built-in VIN decoder to instantly pull vehicle specifications and maintenance schedules, saving you hours of manual data entry. Whether you are a solo mobile mechanic or manage a multi-bay garage, the software helps you stay organized with appointment scheduling and automated service reminders. It focuses on speed and mobility, ensuring you can document repairs while standing right next to the vehicle.
Protractor
Protractor provides a comprehensive cloud-based platform to manage your automotive repair shop or tire business more effectively. You can move away from paper-based systems by using digital inspections, automated maintenance reminders, and integrated parts ordering. The software connects your front-office service writing with back-office accounting, ensuring your financial data is always accurate and up-to-date without manual data entry.
You can monitor your shop's performance through real-time dashboards and detailed reporting that tracks technician productivity and profit margins. Whether you manage a single location or a large franchise, the platform scales to handle complex inventory needs and multi-site management. By centralizing your customer communication and service history, you can build stronger relationships and increase your average repair order value through professional, transparent digital vehicle inspections.
Overview
ARI Features
- Digital Inspections Perform comprehensive vehicle inspections on your phone and send detailed reports with photos directly to your clients' email.
- VIN Decoding Scan any VIN barcode to instantly identify the vehicle make, model, and engine specs without typing a single character.
- License Plate Recognition Snap a photo of a license plate to automatically retrieve vehicle information and speed up the check-in process.
- Inventory Management Track your parts stock in real-time and receive alerts when it is time to reorder common items like filters or oil.
- Service Reminders Send automated SMS or email reminders to your customers for upcoming oil changes, tire rotations, or scheduled maintenance.
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes Access a massive database of OBD2 codes to quickly identify vehicle issues and explain necessary repairs to your customers.
Protractor Features
- Digital Inspections. Create professional digital vehicle inspections with photos and videos to share directly with your customers via text or email.
- Integrated Accounting. Manage your full general ledger and financial reporting within the platform to eliminate the need for external accounting software.
- Live Parts Ordering. Connect with your preferred parts suppliers to check local inventory and place orders instantly without leaving the work order.
- Automated CRM. Send automated service reminders and follow-up messages to your customers to increase repeat business and shop loyalty.
- Inventory Management. Track your parts and tire stock in real-time across multiple locations with automated reordering points and barcode scanning.
- Technician Workflow. Assign jobs to technicians digitally and track their progress through a visual dashboard to optimize your bay productivity.
Pricing Comparison
ARI Pricing
- Limited to 10 invoices
- Basic client management
- Vehicle history tracking
- Mobile app access
- Standard support
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited invoices and clients
- Cloud sync across all devices
- Advanced VIN decoding
- Digital vehicle inspections
- Inventory and parts management
Protractor Pricing
Pros & Cons
ARI
Pros
- Mobile-first design is perfect for mobile mechanics
- VIN scanner saves significant time on data entry
- Affordable pricing compared to enterprise shop systems
- Professional looking invoices improve customer trust
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered on smaller screens
- Offline mode has limited functionality
- Learning curve for setting up complex inventory
Protractor
Pros
- All-in-one system eliminates the need for separate accounting software
- Digital inspections significantly increase average repair order totals
- Deep integrations with major parts and tire suppliers
- Cloud-based access allows you to manage your shop from anywhere
Cons
- Initial setup and data migration requires significant time investment
- Steep learning curve for staff moving from simpler systems
- Higher price point compared to basic estimating-only tools