A successful auto repair shop no longer relies on intuition alone—it needs to clearly measure results and understand which processes work well and where improvement is needed. KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) allow you to objectively evaluate workshop performance, forecast workload, plan resources, and make data-driven decisions. Without such a system, you often see only the consequences (delays, complaints, workload imbalance) but not the root causes. Below are the five most important KPIs every workshop manager should monitor, along with an explanation of how to analyze them effectively using Artwin.
Average Order Value (AOV)
Many workshops assume their profit depends on the number of orders, but in reality, the biggest impact comes from the average order value. If this value is too low, the workshop may not cover its fixed costs or may operate less profitably than it could. The most common reasons are insufficient diagnostics or ineffective communication with customers. Even with high customer volume, a low average order value indicates unused potential.
The solution is to analyze the structure of orders and identify where value is lost. Artwin allows you to see each order’s composition, the ratio of services to parts, and analyze at which stages value could be increased. Using Artwin’s reports, managers can easily identify which services generate the most value and where the team can improve.
Technician Productivity
One of the biggest sources of loss in workshops is downtime. It occurs due to uneven task distribution, unclear workflows, missing parts, or a lack of standardized time-tracking methods. If a workshop doesn’t record technicians’ actual working time, managers can’t see how much time is spent waiting, how much on actual work, and how this impacts profit.
To accurately evaluate productivity, a time-tracking system is essential. Artwin enables technicians to log job start and end times, measure task duration, and compare it with planned norms. This helps identify downtime, balance workloads, optimize scheduling, and ensure each technician works at maximum potential.
Cycle Time
Order cycle time is one of the clearest indicators of workshop efficiency. When cars stay in the shop longer than needed, customer satisfaction decreases and revenue drops. Increasing cycle time typically signals chaotic workflows, unclear responsibilities, poor communication, or issues with parts supply.
To control cycle time, it’s crucial to view workflows in real time and identify bottlenecks. Artwin allows you to track each order’s stage, see technician workload, measure task duration, identify where the process gets stuck, and know when managerial intervention is needed. This helps not only shorten cycle time but also improve the customer experience.
Parts Usage Accuracy
Inaccurately tracked parts are one of the biggest sources of financial loss in repair shops. When parts aren’t recorded, are assigned to incorrect jobs, or disappear due to chaotic inventory management, profitability suffers. This is especially important in larger workshops, where materials move quickly and parts write-off often becomes a “blind process.”
Efficient inventory control requires precise tracking of part movements. Artwin lets you assign parts to specific orders, monitor stock levels in real time, and analyze usage. This ensures every part is accounted for and gives managers a clear view of inventory balance.
Customer Retention
Long-term profitability depends not on one-time customers, but on returning customers. When a workshop consistently serves the same clients, it can better plan workload, forecast revenue, and build a long-term reputation. Customer retention drops when delays, mistakes, unclear communication, or inconsistent service quality occur.
Artwin helps monitor each customer’s history, service frequency, revisit rates, and provides tools for more effective communication. By clearly seeing which customers return and why, managers can filter customers, shape marketing strategies, improve service standards, and understand which processes drive loyalty.
Ready to Start Measuring Your Workshop’s Performance?
If you’ve been making decisions based on intuition until now, it’s time to switch to data-driven operations. Monitoring KPIs can drastically improve workshop efficiency, and Artwin provides all the tools you need—from order analytics to employee productivity tracking.
