how can i find out ways and ideas on how to increase production in an auto body shop?

Answer 1

Offer bonuses to your employees for any idea that saves money, increases productivity, reduces waste, getting the right parts faster or the first time ordering, lowers down time or work flow problems in the shop. Figure out how much more profit is made from an improvement and offer to give the employee with the idea a percentage of that improvement over 3 months or longer as an incentive for great ideas and commitment to the company....most of the time, employees know where the problems are better then upper management and by offering them incentives, they feel like they are contributing to the welfare of the business and profiting somewhat too....like a profit sharing program. Give out extra prizes for the best monthly idea. Biggest increase will come just by keeping techs working and not waiting for parts or work flow problems. Do everything you can to keep them producing and at their work stations not running for parts or questions.
Visit other shops for idea's and check trade magazines for articles. Go to trade fairs, talk to insurances adlusters on what other successful shops are doing.

Answer 2

For one thing take care of your employees.For another trust them to make the decisions necessary to help the work flow thru your shop.Believe it or not the technician who's actually laying his hands on the car knows alot more about what needs to be done and realistic down times than the idiots in the office making promises to customers.You can't make money working on one car at a time.you have to communicate with your techs let them know what's going on on your end and listen to what they need and together you'll get things done.Let the work "flow" and soon the money will too.

Other than that check out ABRN auto body repair news it's an industry magazine that's covers pretty much everything.If you have any specific questions feel free to contact me.I've been a painter for over 20 years

Answer 3

Production or sales (attracting customers)? For production, good employees, labor and pricing.