Project Overview I am looking to develop a web-based auto repair shop management software designed for multi-location auto repair and service businesses. The system should streamline customer management, vehicle tracking, invoicing, job status updates, technician management, and parts ordering, with integrations to popular automotive platforms like Carfax, PartsTech, RepairPal, Mitchell1, and ALLDATA. The goal is to build an all-in-one, cloud-based management platform that supports daily operations, communication, and integrations for automotive repair shops. ⸻ Core Features Customer & Vehicle Management • Customer profile creation with full contact information. • Vehicle database with VIN decoding and history (Carfax integration). • Service history tracking across multiple shop locations. • Automatic reminders for upcoming services, maintenance, and inspections. Job & Work Order Management • Create, assign, and manage repair orders (ROs). • Job status tracking: Estimate → Approved → In Progress → Completed → Delivered. • Technician time tracking and productivity reports. • Option to attach photos, videos, and notes to each job. • Digital repair authorization and e-signature support. Communication & Notifications • Two-way texting (SMS) with customers for estimates, updates, and approvals. • Email integration for quotes and invoices. • In-app notifications for job status changes. • Automated customer updates (e.g., “Vehicle ready for pickup”). Invoicing, Estimates & Payments • Create professional estimates and invoices. • Convert estimates to repair orders with one click. • Labor, parts, fees, and taxes auto-calculation. • Integration with accounting platforms (e.g., QuickBooks Online). • Accept payments via credit/debit, PayPal, or Stripe. • Track unpaid invoices, credits, and receipts. Parts & Labor Integration • PartsTech Integration for real-time parts lookup and ordering. • Mitchell1 / ALLDATA Integration for labor times, diagrams, and repair procedures. • RepairPal Integration for price estimation and credibility. • Ability to import OEM or aftermarket part catalogs. Dashboard & Reporting • Real-time shop performance dashboard (revenue, jobs in progress, technician status). • Reports for: • Sales and profitability • Technician efficiency • Parts usage • Customer retention • Invoice summaries per day/week/month Multi-Location & Role Management • Centralized management for multiple locations. • Shared customer and vehicle database across shops. • Role-based access (Admin, Manager, Service Writer, Technician). • Individual shop performance reporting. Scheduling & Calendar • Appointment scheduling and technician assignment. • Integration with Google Calendar / Outlook. • Drag-and-drop interface for rescheduling jobs. ⸻ Integrations Required • Carfax – Vehicle history and VIN decoding. • PartsTech – Parts lookup and ordering. • Mitchell1 / ALLDATA – Labor guide, wiring diagrams, repair info. • RepairPal – Pricing and reputation integration. • Twilio / TextMagic – SMS texting for customer communication. • QuickBooks Online / Stripe / PayPal – Accounting and payments. ⸻ Technical Requirements • Platform: Web-based (responsive for desktop, tablet, and mobile). • Backend: Node.js / Python / PHP (open to recommendation). • Frontend: React / Vue.js / Angular (modern JS framework). • Database: MySQL / PostgreSQL / MongoDB. • Hosting: AWS / Azure / Google Cloud (cloud-hosted, scalable). • API-first Architecture: For easy integration with 3rd-party apps. • User Authentication: Secure login with role-based access control. • Data Security: SSL encryption, data backup, and GDPR compliance. ⸻ Future Expansion (Phase 2) • Mobile app (Android + iOS) for shop owners and technicians. • Integration with DMS (Dealer Management Systems). • Inventory management and barcode scanning. • Loyalty points or rewards system for repeat customers. • AI-based maintenance prediction or diagnostic assistant. ⸻ Deliverables • Fully functional web app with admin and user dashboards. • Integration with listed APIs (Carfax, PartsTech, etc.). • Clean, responsive UI/UX design. • Documentation (API, admin manual, user manual). • Testing and deployment support. ⸻ Developer Requirements • Experience building SaaS / automotive management platforms. • Knowledge of 3rd-party API integration (especially automotive APIs). • Strong UI/UX experience for business management dashboards. • Must provide source code and deployment guide. ⸻ Budget & Timeline Please include: • Estimated cost (fixed or hourly). • Estimated development timeline (MVP and full version). • Example of similar work or past automotive/web apps built. ⸻ Example Competitors (for reference) • Shop-Ware • Tekmetric •. Napa Tracs • AutoLeap • Mitchell1 Manager SE • Torque360