Of Happy Shops
Work Orders Created
Years of Experience
Reliability + Support
Features
With Smog Advantage you can run your business your way using our desktop, tablet
or kiosk versions. Run reports remotely and keep your finger on the pulse of your
business.
Customer Information Features
Don't waste time typing, or swiping a damaged mag stripe of the driver's license. Smog Advantage offers three time saving features to enter customer information fast.
Scan the 2D driver's license bar code
Smog Advantage ™ scans the 2D barcode on the back of all driver's licenses. The same scanner that captures the customer address is also used for scanning the DMV notice. Getting both the customer data and the vehicle data is two quick steps with the same device.
If you have to type, we complete the address for you
Sometimes, things just don't go as planned. If this happens, you only need enter the customer first and last name, if you opt for the Google ™ address complete option. As you type Google ™ completes the address in just a few keystrokes.
Existing Customers and their Vehicles
As you use Smog Advantage ™ we track your customer and vehicle information. Regardless of how you enter the customer name and address, we will pull up the customers vehicles as well. Selecting a customer vehicle is just a double-click away. No typing.
Vehicle Information Features
Don't waste time typing a 17 digit VIN number. Decode VIN, Year, Make Model, Engine Size, Wheel Drive Type, Fuel Type, Aspiration, Gross Vehicle Weight.
Scan the DMV Registration Bar Code
We always will complete year, make and model. All you need to do is enter the odometer value. All other systems stop here. But if availalble we show you engine size, fuel type, drive type, aspiration and gross vehicle weight. Finally we'll help you lookup vehicle previous test resutlts anywhere in California.
Enter the Vehicle License Plate Number
Many times customers don't bring in their paperwork. With Smog Advantage ™, that's no problem. Simply enter in the vehicles license plate from any of the 50 states and we will decode the VIN for you along with the year, make, model and all the additional information the Smog Advantage ™ provides.
Type the VIN
If for some reason you cannot scan the VIN and the vehicle has no plate, enter in the VIN number and after you press enter, we will decode the vehicle information, no typing.
If you have to type, we complete the Make and Model for you
If a vehicle that does not have a 17 digit VIN shows up at your shop, you can still enter the information quickly. As you type the make, available makes in the system will appear. As you type the model the available models for that make will appear. Both the make and model can be entered with as little as 6 keystrokes.
Existing Customers
We look up the vehicle when you enter a customer. If you enter the customer first, we will look for any vehicle associated with that customer as well. It doesn't matter how you start the work order Customer first, or vehicle first, in both cases we will find existing customer data so you don't have to.
Reports and Exports
If you run your shop on paper, how many hours do you waste tallying revenue information about your shop? Are you sure you have billed your commerical customers for every invoice? Do you know if a smog tech is adding a coupon to your smog check work orders after the customer has left and pocketing the money?
Run Revenue Reports
Do you know how your shop is doing right now? How much time do you spend tracking your smog shops revenue? Wouldn't it be great to be able to run a report as get that information in seconds? Smog Advantage ™ includes a number of reports that enable you to see at a high and low level how your shop is doing.
Export Data into Your Accounting System
Smog Advantage allows you to export your work order data into an Excel file. Depending on your version of Quickbooks, you can import the data directly see this tutorial on importing excel files into quickbooks , or there are a number of third-party utilities that will enable you to upload data from Excel into Quickbooks such as Transaction Pro .
Integrated Marketing
Send a reminder email to your customers 22 months after their vehicle smog check. Create customer exports and send post cards based on last service date.
There are only so many smog customers, and each smog shop is chasing after them. That pile of paper smog check work orders can't send an email, or post card reminding your customer to visit your shop.
Data from Smog Advantage ™ can be exported to create post card campaigns to send to your existing customers. If you want to build your customer base, send Every Door Direct Mail without every having to sort a post card, or visit a post office.
Smog & Repair
If you run a Smog & Repair shop, you don't need to purchased a complicated and expensive work order system.
Smog Advantage™ now supports parts & labor so from the same simple system you can create
work orders for automotive repair and service.
California BAR 'Write It Right' compliant
Smog Advantage™ follows the 'California Write It Right' Guidelines.
Regardless of whether you are smog testing a vehicle or doing an automotive repair we follow the 'Write It Right' guidelines
As any repair shop owner knows, California has strict rules regarding automotive repair. Smog Advantage™ complies with these guidelines. Further, you can be sure that the correct terms and conditions are printed on the work orders. Smog Check customers require specific wording about testing the vehicle while automotiver repair requires different wording. You can set the text of these terms to those that work for your shop. You can rest assured that the system will required authorizations when the work order changes, so you can avoid issues with BAR inspectors and your customers.
Simple easy-to-use Parts & Labor
We created Smog Advantage™ so that it would be an easy system to use. Our system is so easy-to-use, most customers are using it within the hour of signing up.
A simple easy-to-use work order system that let's you do your job, not become a software technician.
Our software wasn't designed by a shop owner, who thinks they now can tell you how to run yours. The designers of Smog Advantge™ understand that every shop is different and let you chose how you use Smog Advantage™. You didn't open an automotive repair shop to become a software technician. If you know how to use Smog Advantage™ for smog checks, you know how to use Smog Advantage™ for auto repair. If you haven't used Smog Advantage™ before nearly all of our customers start using the software the same day they sign up. It's that easy.
Our two main features are ease-of-use and reliability, both in software and support. In the unlikely case that you need help we are always just a phone call away, one that is usually picked up after the first few rings. You will likely never need us but it important that we are available. is that we make every effort to get out of your way.
Adding and Editing Parts
Unlike other automotive repair systems, we strive to be simple and easy-to-use
Adding Parts
Most auto service work orders systems integrate parts and diagnostic information into the software. We believe that it is better to leave this task outside of the work order system. This allows you the shop owner the freedom to diagnose issues using your preferred methods and delivers the benefit of a work order system that is simplified, easy-to-use and inexpensive. To see a demo of adding a part check out this video., and this video as well.
Editing Parts
Sometimes you need to make changes to a work order. Making those changes shouldn' be a difficult process. To see how easy it is to edit a part check out this video.
Reliable Software - Solid Support
We know that you use our software to run your shop, so we made it to be reliable. We also know that if you need help, you usually need it right away.
Reliable Software
Our software is cloud hosted on Microsoft's Azure platform. The data we store is in-place encrypted, meaning that even if someone physically got ahold of your data, they couldn't use it. Data is backed continuosly. In the very unlikely case that a server physically failed, a physical backup is present on another server and can be restored.
Solid Support
Most customers never need to call us, but if they do they have a dedicated number to call and the phone is normally pickup after the first few rings. You may not need us, but it's great to know we are here.
Key Features |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Benefit to You | |||
| DMV Bar Code prints on workorder | Many times a customer does not have their DMV paper work. To start your test you need to scan the paperwork or manually enter the information. We generate a DMV bar code and print it on the work order, so you can scan this to start your test. | |||
| We can decode the vehicle VIN, Year, Make and Model from the vehicle plate number | Many times a customer does not have their DMV paper work. Smog Advantage™ can decode complete vehicle informaton from the vehicle plate number. As an added benefit, the bar code printed on the work order will contain both the VIN and plate number required to start the test. | |||
| Engine size to help you start your test | If available from the decode service, we deliver engine size, fuel type, fuel injection/carburation, drive type, and aspiration (normal/turbo-charged/super-charged) | |||
| Smog specific end of day reports | At the end of day you can print out a report that will tell you how many smogs pass/fail/abort, coupons given, total revenue broken down by payment type to help you close out quickly. | |||
| Past vehicle smog check history | If a vehicle has been to your shop before, we'll give you the date, price and you can even see the complete vehicle inspection if you used the digital inspection feature of Smog Advantage™. | |||
| Optional DMV Registration Invoicing | Avoid having to retype customer information as after smog checking the vehicle with Smog Advantage™ you can easily create a registration invoice using the information already stored in the system. | |||
| Optional Vehicle Fluid Capacity & Viscosity Information | If you also do oil changes, we will be supporting fluid capacity and viscocity information to quickly populate the work order. | |||
| Make sure you get paid for business accounts | We'll show you all inpaid work orders from specific business accounts and allow you to pay for them from a single check in just a few keystrokes. | |||
Supported Devices
Our one low price includes all these ways to use our software. We designed responsive user interfaces that adapt to the device you're using. Phone, tablet, laptop, desktop we run anywhere that supports the Chrome or FireFox browsers. We don't force you to run your shop in any particular way. You should be in control of how you want your shop to run. Instead we offer different user interfaces that you can mix and match to run your shop smoothly. Because we are cloud based, work orders created on one device can be picked up by another.
Self Service Kiosk
Replaces handing clipboards to customers - customers create work orders for you.
- Use any tablet - 10" or larger is best
- Workflow option 1 - customer fills in name and vehicle info you add the price
- Workflow option 2 - First decide price with customer, customer then fills in name and vehicle and digitally signs work order
Table or Phone
Allows the tech or service writer to roam
- Simplified work order screen
- Full-Screen mode to hand table to customer to fill out
- Digitalize signature
- Physical inspection stored in system
- The Touch UI™ is great for drive through shops or shops where customers wait in their car
Desktop
You can print and have the customer sign, or use a touch screen with a swivel base to allow the customer to digitally sign.
- Use a touch screen & swivel base to quickly gather customer signature
- Or use in a more traditional way, with the customer signing the printed work orders
- Fully functional work order interface
Pricing
With Smog Advantage™ we want you to make more money as you grow. With our fixed pricing you will pay us LESS for every work order as you grow. We price our service to a maximum of $49/mo so we are always competitive with paper work orders. All other features are optional add-ons that you only pay for if you want them.
New Shop - Get 3 months free!
Upgrading from other software - Get 3 months free!
Simple, honest pricing. Your subscription runs month to month, you can cancel at any time. You get the Kiosk, Tablet, Touch-Desktop and Classic Interfaces, all for one low price. You own your customer data.
| Features |
Start-Up & Upgrade $0/mo for 3 months |
Micro Shop $19/mo after free 30 day trial |
Small Shop $39/mo after free 30 day trial |
Standard Shop $49/mo after free 30 day trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Orders | Unlimited | Max 50/mo | Max 250/mo | Unlimited |
| Users | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Decode Vehicle VIN | ||||
| Decode Vehicle by Plate | ||||
|
Scan Driver's License For Customer Address |
||||
|
See Last Smog Check Result By Any Shop In CA |
||||
|
Get Engine details
(Engine size, fuel type, etc) |
||||
| Run reports from anywhere | ||||
|
Multi-Location With
Additional Software |
||||
| Data Backed up continuously | ||||
| Tech and Admin Roles | ||||
| Run Management Reports | ||||
|
Export data into your
accounting system |
||||
|
Electronic Visual Inspection
Check List |
||||
| Self Service Kiosk | ||||
|
Electronic Signature
& Authorizations |
||||
| Email Customer Authorization | ||||
|
System Completes Customer
Address as You Type |
2.00/mo charge |
2.00/mo charge |
2.00/mo charge |
2.00/mo charge |
|
Include credit & debit card charge on work order
Calculates a percentage or fixed value for credit and debit card usage and shows it on the work order |
2.00/mo charge |
2.00/mo charge |
2.00/mo charge |
2.00/mo charge |
|
Registration Invoicing Add-On
Lots of shop's run a DMV registration service. Smog advantage has all the customer and vehicle information to quickly create a registration invoice with just about zero typing. |
10.00/mo charge |
10.00/mo charge |
10.00/mo charge |
10.00/mo charge |
|
Vehicle Fluid Capacity & Viscocity Add-On
Lots of shop's also do oil changes as a nice way to add revenue to each sales. Smog Advantage™ has an optional add-on to provide vehicle fluid capacity and viscosities. |
20.00/mo charge |
10.00/mo charge |
10.00/mo charge |
10.00/mo charge |
Classic Desktop UI
Our classic desktop interface is great for older computers. Many of our customers have used this interface over the years and it supports all the necessary features to run your shop.
- Decode customer information from their drivers license.
- Optionally complete address as you type, so you only need to enter a few keystrokes.
- If all else fails we'll input the city and state from the zip.
- Decode vehicle information by scanning the VIN, or entering the plate number
- We'll generate the DMV barcode on the printed work order so you can start your test.
- Quickly enter pricing information from pre-set work orders or enter the price directly into the price grid.
Smog Advantage™ makes creating work orders easy and fast. Returning customer information and vehicle informaiton is available in just a few keystrokes. With this information now computerized you can later on create lists to send email and postcards.
Touch UI - Desktop
Touch-UI is our latest interface. Fully featured as the Classic Desktop UI, with addition features listed below.
- Email customer work orders rather than print copies. Not only do you save paper, but you can send marketing email.
- View past vehicle test history including price and physical inspection notes.
- Digitize the customers signature if you have a touch screen or print out to sign manually.
Many customer's use our touch UI with a large tablet mounted on a swivel base and a blue-tooth keyboard. The service writer creates the work order and then spins it so the customer can read the term-and-conditions and sign the work order.
Touch UI - Tablet
The touch-UI tablet allows a tech or service writer to roam and approach customers. Quickly create work orders as easily as our other interfaces without the need for a service desk.
- Digital physical inspection check list that is saved to the system.
- Customer can digitally sign or your can print to your mobile device aware printer.
- As with the Touch UI Desktop, email work order copies directly to customers.
The Touch-UI tablet frees your service writer from the desk. Approach customers who prefer to wait in their vehicles and create work orders that will be picked up by the service bay when ready.
Self Service Kiosk
The kiosk allows customers to create work orders for you. Similar to handing out a paper clip board the customer enters name and vehicle information. When you' ready to smog the vehicle you can pick it up from the list of work orders.
- Two available work orders, one the customer creates a work order with no price, that you complete
- Another option is to price the work order first, then the customer completes including signing the work order.
Why not have your customers create your work orders for you. Each customer is given a number which encourages them to wait during busy times. That number is their work order number. As you smog vehicles the next work order in Estimate status is the vehicle to begin smogging.
Testimonials
There is nothing better than having happy customers. We have said a lot about ourselves and our software, now hear what our customer's have to say.
“After using paper invoices for years and then trying a computer database system we bought outright, I am so glad we switched to Smog Advantage™! I am happy to pay each month to ensure they constantly build and improve upon the product. The fact they populate the full VIN#, vehicle description and engine size by simply inputting the license plate number saves us so much time! Thanks Smog Advantage™!”
Brian T
Lightning Smog
We have three separate shops with Smog Advantage™. They have thought of everything. We like the online access and back up and the many functions possible.
Further, support is readily available usually on the first ring
when new situations come up. There are competitors to Smog Advantage™, but Smog Advantage™ is far and away the best sollution for us.
Cary White
Sacramento Smog
We have been using Smog Advantage™ at Eco Smog for many years. It is very easy to use and after just a few days it seems like I was always using it. It's great that
they print a DMV barcode on the work order so I can start my test. I depend on Smog Advantage™
to run my shop and it has never let me down.
Drue M
Eco Smog
Smog Advantage™ has completely streamlined our entire smog check process. With multiple methods of checking clients in, the program is versatile. The team at Demand Advantage™ is always available to help with any
questions we may have regarding functionality or setup. I would highly recommend this program to all smog and automotive repair shops!
Havi
Sycamore Shell
Start your 30 day free trial now
It only takes a few moments to fill out the form and a few hours to set your shop up. It's free for 30 days, so there is no cost to checking the system out. Why not see if we can help your shop as we have helped others?
Simply fill out the form below to start your trial or call us at 888.382.2794
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a special scanner to decode driver' licenses?
Yes. The bar code on the back of a drivers' license is a 2d barcode. In addition, there is other personal information about the customer on the drivers' license. We program the scanner to only pick up name and address which makes the process faster and also protects you from privacy laws as only the required information every reaches the computer. This scanner can be used for all your needs, scanning DVM notices, or the doors to get a VIN, starting your smog test.
-
Do I need a dedicated computer to use your software?
No. Because we are cloud based all we need is the Chrome, Firefox or Edge browser to run. You can even run our system on your OBD II computer.
-
Will you be installing software on my computer? Is there something I need to download?
No. When you sign up we will send you an on-boarding email with the system url and credentials to log in. We create by default two users, one with Administration right and the other a Technician.
-
Is my data secure? Where is it stored?
We run on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform which is trusted by major corporation and the United State's government.
The database is backup continually by Microsoft. It is in place encrypted so that even if someone were to get access, they could not use any of the data. In our privacy and user agreement we specifically state that we cannot use your data for anything other than the support of your shop. Period.
-
What happens if I get stuck?
We have dedicated phone support.
Our typical customer experience is that in the first week we recieve a few calls with questions as you get used to using the software. After that we occassionally get a call regarding a general question, or maybe an area of the system that is unfamilair. The important thing is that in all cases you speak with a person. That person will endeavour to answer on the first few rings. You will not need to press any buttons on your phone to get to support, it's a direct dial. We work when you do.
-
Is Smog Advantage™ BAR Complaint?
Yes Smog Advantage™ is BAR Compliant.
Smog Advantage™ enforces the BAR Write it Right Process. As the BAR requires work orders created by Smog Advantage™ have line items for each service item on the work order. The work order has a section where the service is described and the customer signs and authorizes their vehicle to be worked on. Any change to the work order requires a new authorization from the customer and provides information on the difference in prices caused by the change.
-
I don't see the benefit. I like my paper.
Paper is only getting more expensive. Smog Advantage™ also gives you other data that you need in addition to being cheaper than paper.
We provide the engine size, we can decode the VIN from a license plate and we create the DMV barcode to start your test on the work order. We have a self-service kiosk so that customers create their own work orders, similar to giving the a clip board with a paper work order. You can run a registration invoice leveraging data you already have in Smog Advantage™. If you do oil changes, we have that data too.
-
How is a work order created?
We follow the Write It Right process.
The BAR prefers that each item on the work order has its own line. One line on the work order that says "Smog test and smog certificate", is not compliant with BAR procedures. Smog Advantage™, will create smog check work orders automatically based on a pre-priced package. When you create these packages you make sure they contain the items and prices you want. Every time your tech creates a work order, they will follow the package that you created.
Getting the Customer Authorization for the Work OrderOnce the work order is created, you need to get the customer authorization. The authorization must specify the cost, time, and method of authorization along with a short description. Smog Advantage™ ensures this format is followed and allows on the printed form an area for the customer to sign. If you use our tablet version with signature the customer signs on the tablet or touch screen and that signature is digitized with the work order in the system. The signature is then printed out with the authorization on it.
Specifying the Terms and Conditions on the Work OrderThe terms and conditions define the customer's and shop's rights. The BAR specifies specific wording be contained in the work order terms and conditions. Smog Advantage™ lets you specify your own terms and conditions for your shop which appears on the work order.
Making Sure Any Changes are AuthorizedIf changes are made to the work order, they must be authorized by the customer. After the work order is initially authorized, the tech cannot edit the work order and alter it without entering a password. Smog Advantage™ tracks changes even if the user has the password and can tell you is your staff has been changing work orders.
Completing the Work OrderOnce the test is completed the test result is entered into Smog Advantage™ work order. This is very important because it allows Smog Advantage™ to generate a report showing you how long your techs are taking to smog vehicles.
Paying for the Work OrderAt this time Smog Advantage™ does not process payments for smog check work orders, but by tracking the method of payment Smog Advantage™ generates reports that show you where your shop revenue is coming from. We even tell you what your shop's accounts receivable balance is for each commercial customer.
About Us
We are a technology company that used to make airlines fly, and for the past 12 years we have helped shops like yours fly.
Some software companies promote that a shop owner designed them. Why let some other shop owner tell you how to run your shop?
Instead we built software you can learn from creating a few work orders. Software that is reliable. We provide dedicated phone tech support. Our customers don't call us very much at all but it's great that they know we will answer on the first few rings if they do. We don't tell you how to run your shop, we let you choose how to bring our software together, so you can run your shop your way. Because who knows your shop better than you?