ARI
ARI is a specialized auto repair software designed to help independent mechanics and garage owners manage invoices, track vehicle history, and streamline daily shop operations from any device.
Shop Boss
Shop Boss is a cloud-based auto repair shop management software that helps you streamline your daily operations with digital vehicle inspections, integrated parts ordering, and customer communication tools.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ARI | Shop Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Website | ari.app | shopboss.net |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $189/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 30 days 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 | 2016 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Craiova, Romania | San Diego, USA |
Overview
ARI
ARI (Auto Repair Software) is a mobile-first solution built specifically for independent mechanics and auto shop owners who need to move away from paper-based systems. You can manage your entire garage from a smartphone or tablet, allowing you to create professional invoices, perform digital vehicle inspections, and track maintenance history while standing right next to the vehicle.
The platform solves the common headache of manual data entry by offering VIN decoding and license plate recognition. You can also manage your spare parts inventory, schedule customer appointments, and send automated service reminders. Whether you run a mobile repair service or a multi-bay physical shop, it provides the tools you need to professionalize your customer interactions and keep your service records organized in one secure location.
Shop Boss
Shop Boss is a comprehensive management platform designed to help you run your auto repair business from any device with an internet connection. You can move away from paper-based systems by using digital vehicle inspections that allow you to send photos and videos directly to your customers' phones. This transparency helps you build trust and get faster approvals for repair work.
The software centralizes your entire workflow, from appointment scheduling and parts ordering to invoicing and payment processing. You can manage multiple bays, track technician productivity, and access detailed financial reporting to see exactly how your shop is performing. It is built specifically for independent repair shops, specialized automotive centers, and multi-location franchises looking to modernize their customer experience.
Overview
ARI Features
- VIN Decoding Scan a vehicle's VIN or license plate to instantly pull accurate make, model, and engine specifications into your records.
- Digital Inspections Complete digital inspection checklists on your tablet and share professional reports directly with your clients via email or SMS.
- Inventory Management Track your spare parts stock levels in real-time and receive automatic alerts when it is time to reorder essential items.
- Service Reminders Keep your bays full by sending automated maintenance reminders to your customers based on their specific vehicle history.
- Mobile Invoicing Generate professional invoices on the spot and accept credit card payments through integrated processors like Stripe or PayPal.
- Vehicle History Access a complete timeline of every repair and part replacement for any vehicle that has ever entered your shop.
Shop Boss Features
- Digital Vehicle Inspections. Create professional inspection reports with photos and videos you can text directly to customers for instant approval.
- Integrated Parts Ordering. Search and order parts from multiple vendors simultaneously without ever leaving your active repair order screen.
- Customer Communication. Send automated text and email updates to keep your customers informed about their vehicle status in real-time.
- VIN Barcode Scanning. Use your mobile device to scan VIN barcodes and instantly populate vehicle information into your system.
- Labor Guide Integration. Access industry-standard labor times and repair data to ensure your quotes are always accurate and profitable.
- Digital Signatures. Capture customer signatures electronically on tablets or smartphones to streamline your check-in and checkout process.
Pricing Comparison
ARI Pricing
- Limited to 10 clients
- Limited to 10 vehicles
- Basic invoicing
- Mobile app access
- Digital inspections
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited clients and vehicles
- Unlimited invoices
- Advanced VIN decoding
- Inventory management
- Priority technical support
Shop Boss Pricing
- Unlimited users and devices
- Digital vehicle inspections
- Integrated parts ordering
- Two-way texting
- Appointment scheduling
- Standard reporting
- Everything in Pro, plus:
- Advanced marketing tools
- Customer loyalty program
- Enhanced reporting suite
- Priority technical support
- Multi-shop management features
Pros & Cons
ARI
Pros
- Mobile-first design works perfectly on tablets
- VIN scanner saves significant data entry time
- Affordable pricing compared to enterprise shop systems
- Frequent updates and responsive customer support
Cons
- Desktop version feels less polished than mobile
- Learning curve for setting up custom templates
- Limited advanced accounting integrations
Shop Boss
Pros
- Cloud access allows you to manage shops remotely
- Digital inspections significantly increase average repair order value
- Text-to-pay features speed up the vehicle pickup process
- Intuitive interface makes training new technicians very simple
Cons
- Initial setup of parts matrix requires significant time
- Mobile app performance can vary on older devices
- Limited customization options for specific printed invoice layouts