We’re back with the rest of the changes from ARI(Auto Repair Software)‘s latest software update. This release focuses on giving you more accurate data (especially with VINs and AI), faster bookkeeping with QuickBooks, and lowering the friction points in your workflow. Here are the most impactful additions.
Vehicle Page Updates
- VINs Up Front: We moved the VIN and License fields right to the top of the Vehicle Page. No need for scrolling, the most critical information is exactly where you need it immediately.
- Snap and Detect: Need a VIN in a hurry? You can now detect the VIN directly from an image, like a quick photo of the door jamb sticker. Just snap it and the system reads it, saving you time and avoiding typos.
Better AI reasoning and quality
We’ve upgraded the brain behind our AI Labor Guides to give you better results:
- Slower, but Better: Our auto shop management software now uses the latest, state-of-the-art AI models. They might take an extra second or two, but they are significantly more accurate when generating labor times for complex jobs. That small wait is worth it for the precision.
- Detail Check: If the vehicle details are incomplete, you will now see a clear warning when trying to generate labor. This helps you catch missing info before it messes up the estimate.
- Rate Control: When you move those labor items to a JobCard, you now have a choice for pricing:
- Use the Generated AI rates (what the computer suggests), OR
- Use your User default rates (the labor rate you already have set in your profile).
Accounting, Vendors, and Reports
We’ve tightened up the bolts on key business processes, making life easier for your service advisor and your accountant.
- QuickBooks Gets More Data: We’ve enhanced the QuickBooks integration to our auto repair software. Now, when you send an invoice over, it includes the ODO (mileage), VIN, and unit information. This means a complete record in your accounting software—no half-stepping!
- There is also a new option for QuickBooks tax mapping found in Settings → QuickBooks. This helps ensure your taxes are categorized correctly every single time.
- Invoice Detail: We added engine details to the default invoice template for clarity. If you don’t need it, you can easily hide it in settings.
- Vendor Import: Got a massive list of suppliers? You can now easily import all your vendors into ARI. Find this new tool in ARI Settings → Import Data → Vendors.
- Reports Show Names: Your Reports are now more informative. The Client Name is now visible in the Reports → Parts & Services section, making it much easier to track who purchased what.
Communication and Scheduling
We’ve smoothed out a couple of wrinkles related to connecting with your customers and running your appointment book.
- Better Email Support: If your business uses a major email provider like GoDaddy, ProtonMail, or Outlook, you can now configure your email setup with a new option to support non-SSH connections. This should make connecting your business email account much more reliable.
- Streamlined Appointments: If a customer books an appointment online, you now have the option to save the client and vehicle directly from the appointment details. Just click More → Save client, and the customer file is created instantly.
Changes overview table
| What Changed | Older Versions | New ARI Version (The Upgrade) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Page Layout | VIN and license fields were often buried lower down the page. | VIN and license fields are moved right to the top for immediate access. |
| VIN Entry | Required manual typing of the VIN. | Added VIN detection from images (like door jamb stickers). |
| Invoice Detail | Engine details were not on the default invoice template. | Added engine details to the default invoice template (can be hidden in settings). |
| Vendor Import | Importing a list of vendors required a manual process. | Added a new option to import vendors in ARI Settings → Import Data. |
| QuickBooks Data Sent | Did not reliably send ODO, VIN, and unit with invoices. | Now sends ODO, VIN, and unit data with invoices. |
| QuickBooks Tax Mapping | Tax mapping required manual adjustment. | Added a new option for tax mapping in the QuickBooks Settings. |
| Email Setup Reliability | Non-SSH connections (like GoDaddy, Outlook) were often unreliable to set up. | Added a new option to support non-SSH connections for better reliability. |
| Online Appointments | Saving client and vehicle data from an online appointment required extra steps. | Added an option to save the client and vehicle directly from the appointment details. |
| Reports Visibility | The client’s name was not visible in the Parts & Services report. | The Client Name is now displayed in the Reports → Parts & Services section. |
We truly appreciate the honest feedback you’ve sent our way; it’s the engine that made these powerful, time-saving tools possible. We encourage you to jump in and explore all the new features, from the enhanced AI to the smarter VIN entry—and see exactly how these changes can streamline your daily work and boost your bottom line. Your success is our focus, and we can’t wait to hear how these upgrades benefit your business!
