Hardware Options

Computer Systems

The shop can be an inhospitable environment for a computer. Consequentially, you need a computer that can stand up to the demands of the environment. Our solid state computers feature a rugged design with no moving parts resulting in far greater reliability than a traditional PC. They also feature Windows XPe, an embedded version of Windows that locks down the system and protects you from viruses and unauthorized programs. The “Computer That Won't Break”, as we call it, is designed for maximum reliability, but if you ever have a problem, it is fully covered by our Hot Swap program—we'll overnight you a replacement unit at our cost so you'll be up and running again the next day.

We highly recommend the superior technology of our solid-state PCs, but you are by no means limited to them. You also have the option to purchase a traditional PC from Auto Data or even supply your own hardware. The Auto Data traditional PC runs on Windows XP and is covered by our Hot Spare warranty program. If you have a trusted local computer provider, or if you feel comfortable purchasing hardware from a large manufacturer such as Dell, this option is available to you as well. The choice is yours.

Bay Computer Systems

Many of our customers run their entire operation on a single computer—others prefer to network one or more bay computers to the system for added convenience. A networked bay computer operates as a separate point-of-sale terminal and represents an economical solution for increasing system capacity at high traffic stores because the purchase of additional software is not required. We offer an economical solid state PC for the bay, or you may use a traditional PC here as well. Best of all, you don't have to purchase a bay system right away—you can easily install a networked bay computer system at any time as your business grows.

VIN Scanners

Auto Data is proud to have the industry's first and best VIN barcode scanners. We have the ones that work!

• AutoScan is the original wireless VIN scanner that lets you scan the VIN code on the windshield or door of the automobile to instantly and accurately identify the vehicle. AutoScan's rugged industrial design perfectly suited for the auto shop environment and is warranted to survive a six-foot fall onto concrete. The full-featured AutoScan scanner comes with an easy to use keypad coupled with a powerful laser beam and clear display screen.
• Auto Data's VIN Grabber is our latest VIN scanning tool that features the same VIN decoding performance of AutoScan minus a few of the bells and whistles. VIN Grabber makes it affordable for any shop to feature VIN scanning technology regardless of car count. It too is built tough, and uses wireless Bluetooth technology to deliver rock-solid performance and reliability.

All Auto Data computer systems support both VIN scanning technologies but do not require either feature to work properly. Read more about our VIN scanning solutions.

Monitors

One of the latest innovations from Auto Data is the integration of touch-screen monitor technology into our solutions. Touch-screen monitors provide can increased ease of use and quicker employee learning curve through a simplified user interface.

Touch screens have proven to be an effective tool in many industries, and their sealed displays can now withstand the harsh environment of a lube shop, with built-in resistance to oil, grease, grime, and the other harsh chemicals--backed with a 3 year warranty.

Note that while touch-screen technology represents the latest in technology, Auto Data software is also perfectly compatible with any standard monitor, mouse, and keyboard to fit budget and workspace constraints.

Printers

All Auto Data solutions work with Hewlett-Packard Laser printers, the recognized industry leader for business printing. We have found that HP Laser printers provide rugged reliability, speed, and professional print quality, and are readily available locally at many office supply or computers stores. These printers can be used to print both customer receipts and work-orders on plain paper, saving you the expense of purchasing specialized forms.

One HP laser printer for the shop is fully capable to serve as both the receipt and work order printer, but additional printers can be installed on the system to handle higher customer volume. And, Auto Data also offers full network printing support that provides you easier installation, reduced cabling costs, remote printing capabilities, and printer sharing.

You can also use your laser printer to print customer reminder cards, providing an economical means for you to stay in touch with your customers and increase repeat business.

Static Sticker Printers

For the quick lube industry, generating repeat business is paramount; loyal customers are enormously more valuable than one-time customers. Superior customer service and professionalism can help generate repeat customers. For these reasons, Auto Data offers a static sticker printer that can produce custom reminder stickers for customers' windshields. Static stickers provide a professional means of reminding your customers to return to your store for their next oil change. The suggested return date, formulated by the customer's specific driving habits and service history, is printed on each sticker along with the oil type used in the vehicle and even a custom message you have developed. Our sticker printers are configured with software for maximum flexibility. Many of our customers use stickers provided by their oil company, or have stickers made up with their custom store logo

Cash Drawers

Auto Data comes standard with a USB cash drawer, but we also continue to support a serial cash drawer for customers with older operating systems. We even support the parallel cash drawer that was used for years by the old Compu-CarCare system. So, if you are considering a switch to Auto Data, you can continue to use the same cash drawer.

Car Wash Receipt Printers

For those shops operating a car wash, Auto Data provides support for an economical thermal slip receipt printer. This printer allows for a inexpensive receipt to be printed for wash customers who do not need the detail and information of a lube service receipt.

Retail Barcode Scanners

An optional retail barcode scanner is available for our point-of-sale solutions and is intended for stores that offer impulse items for sale to streamline point-of-sale transactions and speed up service.