A text by Mario Comtois

Counting billed hours versus available hours in order to assess the actual productivity of the shop is essential. This indicator helps to target opportunities for improvement and eliminate non-productive periods.

Time sold: a priority

As is the case for professions such as electricians, plumbers or lawyers, the time sold must be a priority for managers. Too often, low productivity ratios are attributed to technicians, when the cause is often found upstream, at the front desk.

A disciplined approach is required

Improving this ratio requires careful planning, starting with a full appointment schedule and realistic estimated times, as well as an inspection for each visit — much like annual bloodwork with a doctor. It is also thanks to the work of technical advisors, who must effectively sell the necessary maintenance and repairs, that the shop can reach its full potential.

Finally, the discrepancies observed between busy months and quieter months often reveal a lack of consistency in time management and sales made by the front desk staff. Better discipline at this level not only stabilizes the workload, but also ensures sustainable profitability throughout the year.

Image and text credit: PME Guru