The vehicle repair sector has undergone a rapid transformation in the last few years. With the advent of technologically advanced luxury cars decked up with avant-garde software systems, the task of repairing has become no less than a high-tech occupation.
Moreover, in today’s fast-moving era, tech-savvy car owners are reluctant to pay visits to the repair facility and prefer obtaining hassle-free repair services at their desired location instead. So, an on-demand app offering car mechanic services is trending these days.
A well-crafted app proves highly profitable and advantageous for a car repair store. Therefore, several automobile businesses are roping in an experienced on-demand app development company for designing customized auto care and repair software solutions.
This post enlightens you about the reasons why developing a customized car repair app proves to be an intelligent business strategy. Before we proceed further, take a sneak peek into how an on-demand automobile repair app works and the must-have features of a car repair app.
How Does an On-demand Automobile Repair App Work?
The vehicle owner i.e. the customer logs into the app and chooses the model of their car.
The customer chooses the service required and instantly receives a fair quote for the opted service.
The customer books an appointment.
The technician provides the desired services for the car and drops the car back.
The user makes an online payment using the app
Car Repair Application: The Essential Features to Include
Inclusion of apps for admin panel, car owners as well as mechanics
Advanced search filters and an in-app messaging facility
Real-time GPS tracking for tracking mechanics and easily reaching the customers’ location
Transparency in pricing so that customers get to know about the actual value of parts changed and the service charges separately
In-app wallet facility and secure payment options
Facilities of fare estimation and invoice generation
Support for multiple languages and even currencies if required
Online support and push notifications
Customer reviews and ratings
Discounts and offers
Business Benefits of an On-demand App offering Customized Car Repair Services
Establishes Digital Presence
Modern vehicle owners rely on the web or smartphone apps for obtaining every product or service they require. Hence, possessing a mobile app or even a web version showcasing your car repair services; enables your business to appear in the market search. This increases your visibility in the local area resulting in more customers; this can be achieved using the QR codes in smartphone apps. Thus, this approach not only establishes your online presence but also allows you to effortlessly expand your customer base.
Delivers User-friendly Services
An on-demand app for car repair proves super convenient to users. Users can instantly book skilled mechanics with the help of a few clicks on their smartphones. Once the consumers submit their vehicle details and choose the required service, garage owners send repair personnel for service assistance to the customers’ home, office, or any other desired location. Besides, there are times when vehicle owners encounter sudden hassles like a car breakdown or a flat tire in the middle of a highway; and it becomes a daunting task to find a nearby garage or repair services. During such situations, an on-demand car repair app turns out to be the savior; as vehicle owners can book repair services via online channels at any time, from anywhere. Additionally, the car owners enjoy the facility of scheduling future appointments digitally, for follow-up service and maintenance.
Enhances the Productivity of your Services
Thanks to the vehicle repair software embedded within apps, one gets portable access to all data and technical information concerning auto repair. As such, technicians don’t need to leave their current location while repairing; for accessing desktops/laptops. This eases out complex tasks, thereby saving technicians’ time and enhancing the overall productivity of your car repair facility.
Take a detailed look at how this process is executed!
Smartphones utilize their in-built Bluetooth connection adapter to establish connectivity via a particular port which is used by the mechanics for searching methodologies, wiring diagrams, illustrations, videos, technical service bulletins, diagnostic data, etc. within a couple of minutes.
A wide variety of auto mechanics models, ranging from basic guides to advanced mobile apps, are available. These assist the engineers in creating new ideas and products concerning vehicle repair.
You can convert all the models and data into electronic files using WiFi, and this data can be easily managed by various systems of car repair facilities.
Secure Paperless Store Management
CRM software (customer relationship management software) is immensely beneficial for your auto repair business. It helps in providing you clear visibility of every customer interaction, enables you to track sales, eases out collaborations with different teams, organizes/prioritizes opportunities, etc. Furthermore, the adoption of CRM software enables vehicle repair stores to execute paperless operations while maintaining safety protocols. Also, it provides backup which is a sigh of relief for the owners.
The technical offerings of this software include the following:
OBDII scanner through Bluetooth
Quick estimator
VIN scanner tool and License plate
Custom service palette and custom packages
Ordering of accurate parts
The facility of exporting data, wiring diagrams, and videos
Order usage history, sales tax reports, and service bulletins
The aforesaid goodies have modernized the car industry operations to a great extent. And surprisingly, such a modernized car repair solution proves to be far more cost-efficient as compared to the erstwhile manual approach of executing the required tasks.
Ensures Accuracy while Scanning of Data
Vehicle repair and maintenance, call for loads of hassles. This is because, for addressing issues like bug fixes, providing smart vehicle specs, and service bulletins; there arises a need to collect and store a host of data, export wiring diagrams, and videos for implementing ingenious solutions. All these action items become quite challenging if the human workforce is involved and things are executed manually.
However, the vehicle repair software offered by an on-demand app has simplified these tasks. It provides the onboard diagnostic scanner (OBDII scanner/OBD2) via Bluetooth. As such, technicians can easily scan a collection of information for creating specs that include VIN Barcodes, speech to text conversion, and diagnostic trouble code (if any). The software can also display live data streaming from the camera as well as impart a bi-direction control – capacity of the controllers to execute actions other than normal operations with fingertips.
Maintains Records for Custom Vehicle Reports
An intelligent on-demand app for vehicle repair offers the facility of auto repair care services to dealers, fleet managers, and vehicle owners unanimously. Its real-time car maintenance authorization tool works wonders in fulfilling customer demand and expectations. Coming to the task of vehicle repair, the software version digitalizes all the functions of the entire process.
For instance, key functionalities available to customers are customer authorization, balance reminders, service bulletins, reminders concerning legal documents, preferred service providers with ratings, etc. While providers enjoy features such as a searchable database with specs of vehicles, digital inspection including wiring diagrams, a database including parts and items, workflow status, and many more.
Concluding Views:
The evolution and expansion of mobile app technologies have opened up new horizons for delivering exceptional user experiences and expanding the customer base. So, it’s a golden opportunity for automobile businesses too, to leverage the potential of phenomenal app solutions for generating revenue and promoting business growth. The ones reluctant to adapt themselves to changing times are bound to fall behind in today’s dynamic and competitive market. So, it’ll be a smart move to seek the assistance of on-demand app development services for fulfilling your objective.
Have you already smartened your car repair business with futuristic app solutions? If so, do share enlightening occurrences you’ve experienced. And, if not, seek professional help from an experienced software development company like Biz4Solutions. We offer dedicated developers who will help you build the app you have envisioned.
1. Assessing Your Roof’s Suitability
Before proceeding with a solar installation, it’s essential to evaluate your roof’s readiness. Consider the following:
Structural Integrity: Can your roof support the additional weight of a solar system? For instance, a 6.6kW solar setup with racking systems weighs approximately 500 kg on a tile roof and about 450 kg on a tin roof. It’s advisable to have a professional assessment to confirm your roof’s capacity.
Shading Concerns: Are there any obstructions casting shadows on your roof for significant portions of the day? Solar panels require unobstructed sunlight to maximize power generation. In Australia, optimal placement is typically north-facing. Ensure these factors are addressed during a professional site survey, which many solar installers offer at no cost.
2. Choosing the Right Solar Panel Installer
Selecting a solar panel installer is a decision that will impact the longevity and effectiveness of your system. Look for reputable, experienced installers who are likely to be in business for the long term to honor warranties and provide ongoing support. The installer’s track record and customer reviews can offer valuable insights into their reliability and service quality.
3. Deciding on Grid Connectivity
You’ll need to decide between a grid-tied system with net metering or an off-grid system with battery storage. While grid-tied systems are generally more cost-effective and convenient, battery storage offers independence from power outages but at a higher initial cost. Ensure your chosen retailer handles all necessary permissions for a net-metered connection.
4. Understanding Warranty Coverage
Solar systems comprise various components, each potentially covered by different warranties. Solar panels typically come with a 10-year product warranty for manufacturing defects and a 25-year performance warranty. Installers often provide a workmanship warranty for 5-10 years, covering installation defects. Inverters usually have a 5-10 year manufacturer’s warranty. It’s crucial to understand the scope and limitations of these warranties when selecting your system.
5. Ensuring Product Insurance
Adequate insurance is vital to protect your investment from damage during installation and from natural events like hailstorms. Confirm that your installer has the appropriate insurance policies in place to cover potential risks.
6. Investigating Solar Incentives
The Australian government offers incentives such as Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for systems up to 100kW. Homeowners can also benefit from feed-in tariffs for excess energy returned to the grid. These incentives can significantly reduce the overall cost of your solar system.
7. Considering Maintenance Packages
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and efficiency of your solar panels. Discuss maintenance procedures with your installer before installation. If you’re unable to perform maintenance yourself, consider a maintenance package to ensure your system remains in peak condition.
Rooftop solar panels are a smart investment for sustainable energy and can provide a lifetime of free electricity with minimal recurring costs. By following this checklist, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of solar power. For expert guidance, contact a CEC Accredited Solar panel Retailer like AYKA Solar, a trusted name in the Australian solar industry.
Interesting stats and data about the solar industry in Australia reveal that the country has one of the highest uptakes of solar globally, with more than 2.68 million solar PV systems installed as of December 2020 (Clean Energy Regulator). This rapid adoption is partly due to the decreasing cost of solar technology, with the price of solar PV systems dropping by approximately 80% over the last decade (CSIRO). Moreover, Australia’s solar resources are among the best in the world, with the average rooftop receiving an annual solar radiation of 15 to 20 megajoules per square meter per day, which is about 10 times more than Germany, one of the global leaders in solar energy usage (Geoscience Australia).
What Factors Affect Solar Panel Efficiency?
Several factors may affect a solar panel efficiency rating. Weather conditions, such as mainly cloudy days, can lower the power your solar panels generation as there is relatively less sunlight hitting the surface of the panels. Other relative factors include:
Solar Panel Type
The material utilized in manufacturing solar panels affect their efficiency ratings. Thin-film solar panels, though the cheapest types, are also the least efficient in converting sunlight into energy. Ideally, silicon-based solar panels, such as polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels, have higher conversion rates and produce extra energy.
Placement on roof
Your roof’s relative steepness and orientation can also be a determiner of how efficient your solar panels can be in generating energy. In Australia, the best direction for your panels to produce the most power is north, with a roof angle of 20 to 23 degrees. East and west-facing solar panels will also yield a good quantity of energy if north isn’t an option and still ensure enough solar panel efficiency ratings.
Dirt
Most probably, the only maintenance solar panels need is keeping them clean and dust-free. Dust and dirt can decrease solar panel efficiency, lowering their efficiency rating by around 5%.
Temperature
Contrary to most people’s assumptions, lower temperatures are better on your solar panels’ efficiency rating. Intense increases in temperature can harm solar cells and materials, thus lowering your solar panels’ lifespan. At high temperatures, the semiconductor properties in solar panels shift – which means a mild spike in current but a heavier decrease in voltage.
Solar Panel Efficiency– Importance
Nowadays, solar panels are getting more affordable and accessible to everybody. However, it’s necessary to make sure you’re buying a high-quality solar panel for your solar panel installation rather than choosing the cheapest solar energy system. Solar panel Efficiency is an important quality to look for when buying solar panels. A high-efficiency panel is usually made with good-quality materials and follows comprehensive manufacturing techniques. In the current market, there are few brands with a high-efficiency rating.
The Direct Current (DC) your solar panels generate is transmitted to a string solar inverter in traditional solar energy systems. Then the DC power is converted into AC power, which is then utilised by appliances in your house or exported back to the utility grid. Fronius Symo is an example of traditional string inverters.
Micro-inverters and power optimisers, twist the standard solar panel system setup. Micro-inverters fully replace the need for a string inverter, while power optimisers work alongside the string inverter to increase solar panel output in case of roof shadow issues.
Micro-Inverters How It Works:
Instead of one central inverter, solar energy systems with microinverters have an inverter on the back of each solar panel. These micro-inverters carry out the same function as a standard string inverter (conversion of DC power to AC power), negating the necessity for a standard inverter. Enphase is mostly a choice in Australia.
Benefits:
With a string inverter, if one solar panel has shade and gives lower output, all solar panels can potentially suffer from the same reduced output.
As the DC-AC conversion of micro-inverter systems takes place at the panel level, the solar panel output of each module isn’t affected by other modules. Micro-inverters also let you monitor the efficiency of individual solar panels.
Disadvantages:
Micro-inverters can cost almost twice as much as standard string inverters.
As they are placed along with solar panels on the roof, micro-inverters systems are exposed to extreme climate conditions.
Sometimes due to higher temperatures in the summer season, your micro-inverters will be put under an incredible amount of stress and may not operate as designed.
Power Optimisers How it Works:
Just like micro-inverters, a power optimiser is a small box connected to the back of each solar panel. However, unlike micro-inverters, power optimisers work with string inverters to enable the maximum solar panel efficiency.
Power optimisers could be built within the solar panels themselves, like Canadian Solar’s new Smart Module, or can be sold and fitted on separately, like TIGO power optimiser.
Instead of converting DC into AC at the solar panel site like a micro-inverter, power optimisers regulate the output of the module and then delivers the energy to a string inverter. This method leads to higher solar panel efficiency than a string inverter alone.
Benefits:
Like micro-inverters, power optimisers reduce the impact of shaded panels on the overall solar panel efficiency and output while also providing individual solar panel performance monitoring.
Less expensive than micro-inverters, high-performance power optimisers like those from Solar Edge achieve the same advantages at higher efficiency and with higher reliability.
Disadvantages:
While power optimisers cost less than micro-inverters, investing in them can cost you more than buying standard panels and a string inverter.
Bottom Line:
Power optimisers are an excellent option where shading or a complicated roof would negatively affect the efficiency of your solar energy system. But, if you’re lucky enough to have an unshaded roof, a string inverter is an incredible choice.
For more information on solar for your house, including power optimisers, contact AYKA Solar today. We provide the best-priced and high-quality inverter which can assure you maximum solar panel output and solar panel savings in future. Our skilled solar experts can work with you to discuss solar choices that can work best for your house in Australia.