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 automotive repair shops streamline digital inspections, customer communication, and integrated parts ordering to increase overall shop efficiency.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Protractor | Shop Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Website | protractor.com | shopboss.com |
| 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 operations. You can move your entire workflow to the cloud, allowing you to manage repair orders, track technician productivity, and handle customer billing from any device with an internet connection. The software eliminates the need for paper-based systems by digitizing the entire repair lifecycle from the moment a vehicle enters your bay.
You can enhance your shop's professionalism with integrated Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) that allow you to send photos and videos directly to your customers' phones. This transparency helps you build trust and gain faster approvals for repair work. Whether you are managing a single-bay garage or a large franchise, the platform provides the tools you need to track parts margins, schedule appointments, and process payments without switching between multiple different programs.
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 detailed inspection reports with photos and videos that you can text directly to customers for instant repair approvals.
- Integrated Parts Ordering. Search for parts across multiple vendors and place orders directly within your repair orders to save time and reduce errors.
- Customer Communication. Send automated text messages and emails to keep your customers updated on their vehicle status and upcoming maintenance needs.
- Technician Portal. Give your technicians their own login to view assigned tasks, clock into jobs, and upload inspection findings from a tablet.
- Appointment Scheduling. Manage your shop's calendar with a drag-and-drop interface that helps you optimize bay usage and prevent overbooking.
- Native Payment Processing. Collect payments faster by sending secure links to customers so they can pay for their repairs remotely from their mobile devices.
Pricing Comparison
Protractor Pricing
Shop Boss Pricing
- Unlimited repair orders
- Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI)
- Customer text and email messaging
- Integrated parts ordering
- Technician portal access
- Standard reporting tools
- Everything in Pro, plus:
- Advanced marketing tools
- Customer loyalty program
- Enhanced reporting and analytics
- Priority technical support
- Multi-shop management capabilities
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-based access allows you to manage your shop from anywhere
- Digital inspections significantly increase average repair order value
- User-friendly interface is easy for new technicians to learn
- Excellent customer support with quick response times for technical issues
Cons
- Initial setup of parts labor matrices requires significant time
- Mobile app interface can be slower than the desktop version
- Reporting customization is limited compared to enterprise-level software