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 designed to help independent shop owners streamline digital vehicle inspections, customer communication, and integrated parts ordering to increase efficiency.
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 built specifically for independent auto repair shops and multi-shop owners. You can move away from paper-based systems by adopting a fully digital workflow that handles everything from the initial customer check-in to the final invoice. The software focuses on transparency, allowing you to send digital vehicle inspections directly to your customers' phones so they can see exactly what repairs are needed through photos and videos.
You can manage your entire shop from any device with an internet connection, giving you the flexibility to track technician productivity and parts inventory from home or the front desk. It solves the common headache of manual data entry by integrating directly with major parts distributors and labor guides. This ensures your estimates are always accurate and your margins remain healthy while providing a modern, professional experience for your local customers.
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. Build trust by sending photos and videos of needed repairs directly to your customers' smartphones for instant approval.
- Integrated Parts Ordering. Order parts from top distributors like Epicor and Nexpart without leaving your repair order to save time on every job.
- Customer Communication. Keep your customers informed with automated text and email updates regarding their vehicle status and upcoming maintenance needs.
- Appointment Scheduling. Manage your shop's calendar with an intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler that syncs with your website for online bookings.
- Labor Guide Integration. Access accurate labor times and repair procedures instantly to ensure your quotes are profitable and competitive.
- Digital Signature Capture. Go paperless by capturing customer signatures on tablets or via remote links to authorize work and process payments.
Pricing Comparison
Protractor Pricing
Shop Boss Pricing
- Unlimited users and devices
- Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI)
- Integrated parts ordering
- Text and email communication
- Customer portal access
- Basic reporting tools
- Everything in Pro, plus:
- Advanced marketing tools
- Two-way texting capabilities
- Enhanced reporting and analytics
- Priority technical support
- Customized inspection templates
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
- Excellent customer support with quick response times
- Intuitive interface that is easy for technicians to learn
- Digital inspections significantly increase average repair order value
- Cloud-based access allows management from any location
- Seamless integration with major parts and labor guides
Cons
- Initial setup of custom templates takes time
- Occasional lag during peak hours of operation
- Mobile app interface could be more modern