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.
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 | Protractor | Shop Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Website | protractor.com | shopboss.net |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $189/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No 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 | 2003 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Canada | San Diego, USA |
Overview
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.
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
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.
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
Protractor Pricing
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
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
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