Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions shop owners actually ask about WrenchPilot software.

What is WrenchPilot?

WrenchPilot is shop management software built for diesel and heavy-duty truck repair shops. It includes technician time tracking, job and repair order management, invoicing, parts tracking, and a proprietary Performance Intelligence Layer (AI) that automates up to 90% of manual admin tasks. WrenchPilot is used by independent shops and multi-bay operations across the US.

How is WrenchPilot different from other shop software?

WrenchPilot was built inside an actual diesel shop, not a boardroom. It focuses on real-world time tracking (clocked vs billed hours), leads the industry in AI (Performance Intelligence Layer built into the core), and gives a command-center view of profitability in real time. Most systems are digitized paperwork; WrenchPilot is built for shops that want to make more money, not just track it.

What if my techs hate new software?

WrenchPilot was built inside a real shop. Techs tap to clock in and out — that's it. No confusing forms or complicated steps. Most techs are comfortable within an hour. If they can use a phone, they can use WrenchPilot.

How long until I see results?

Most shops see actionable insights within the first week. By day 3, you'll know which techs aren't clocking correctly. By week 2, you'll spot which jobs are losing money. By month 1, you'll have hard data to make real decisions.

How much does WrenchPilot cost?

WrenchPilot Lite is $49.95/month for solo mechanics (one user, unlimited jobs and invoices, 7-day free trial). WrenchPilot Pro is $299.99/month for growing shops and includes up to 20 technicians with no per-user fees. Both include the Performance Intelligence Layer. No hidden fees; cancel anytime.

What is the difference between WrenchPilot Lite and Pro?

WrenchPilot Lite is for solo mechanics and one-person shops: one user, full time tracking, jobs, invoices, and basic inventory. Pro is for shops with multiple technicians (up to 20 included), multi-bay or multi-location, with full AI Performance Intelligence Layer, advanced reporting, Stripe and QuickBooks integration, and no per-user fees.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. WrenchPilot Lite offers a 7-day free trial. No credit card required to start. You can upgrade to Pro at any time or stay on Lite if you're a solo mechanic.

Are there per-user or per-technician fees?

No. WrenchPilot Pro includes up to 20 technicians in the base price. There are no per-user fees. Need more than 20 users? Contact WrenchPilot for enterprise pricing.

Does WrenchPilot have technician time tracking?

Yes. WrenchPilot includes technician time tracking software: techs clock in and out and assign time to jobs. You see both clocked hours (for payroll) and billed/flagged hours (for labor revenue) so you can measure efficiency and capture every billable hour. Real-time dashboards show who is working on what.

Can I create estimates and invoices with WrenchPilot?

Yes. WrenchPilot is repair shop invoicing software: you create estimates from jobs, convert approved estimates to work, and generate invoices with labor and parts. Invoices can include payment links (Stripe) so customers pay online. WrenchPilot ties everything to the job so there is no re-keying.

Does WrenchPilot handle parts and inventory?

Yes. WrenchPilot includes parts management and repair shop inventory management: add parts to jobs, track cost and selling price, and see parts margin. Parts are linked to repair orders and invoices. You can manage stock and reorder without a separate system.

Does WrenchPilot have reporting and KPIs?

Yes. WrenchPilot provides shop profitability reporting and a repair shop KPI dashboard: labor efficiency (clocked vs billed), effective labor rate, parts margin, gross profit per job, and net profit. Real-time data means you don't run end-of-day reports manually.

Can I use WrenchPilot on my phone?

Yes. WrenchPilot works in the browser on desktop, tablet, and phone. Technicians can clock in and out and log time to jobs from a phone; solo and mobile mechanics can run jobs, estimates, and invoices from the field. No separate app required.

Does WrenchPilot have AI capabilities?

Yes. WrenchPilot's proprietary Performance Intelligence Layer delivers architectural AI: intelligent work order processing, real-time predictive KPI alerts, AI-driven parts management, and automated admin workflows that reduce manual tasks by up to 90%. The AI is built into the core data layer, not added as a surface feature.

What is the Performance Intelligence Layer?

The Performance Intelligence Layer is WrenchPilot's AI architecture built into the data layer. It continuously processes your shop's operational data to automate workflows, surface predictive insights, and reduce manual entry. It understands job patterns, technician behavior, parts usage, and revenue cycles so your team can focus on repairs instead of paperwork.

Is WrenchPilot's AI better than Fullbay's or other competitors?

WrenchPilot's AI is built into the core data layer (Performance Intelligence Layer); many competitors offer surface-level AI (e.g. voice-to-text or note cleanup). WrenchPilot delivers real-time streaming data, predictive alerts, and automated work order intelligence across the whole operation, not bolt-on additions.

Can I run WrenchPilot with my existing accounting software?

Yes. WrenchPilot handles shop operations: time tracking, jobs, techs, and workflow. Every job, hour worked, and payment is recorded in WrenchPilot with full reports. You can keep using QuickBooks, Sage, or other accounting software for taxes and bookkeeping. WrenchPilot offers QuickBooks sync for Pro plans.

Does WrenchPilot integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes. WrenchPilot Pro includes QuickBooks integration so you can sync customers, invoices, and payments. Your books stay in sync without double entry.

How do customers pay with WrenchPilot?

WrenchPilot supports Stripe for payment processing. You can send invoices with a payment link so customers pay by card or ACH online. Payments are recorded against the job and invoice automatically.

Is my data safe and per-shop isolated?

Yes. Your data is encrypted, backed up daily, and completely isolated from other shops. WrenchPilot is built on enterprise-grade infrastructure with SOC 2 compliance. You own your data and can export it anytime; there is no vendor lock-in.

Can I export my data if I leave?

Yes. You own your data. You can export it at any time. WrenchPilot does not lock you in with contracts or data traps.

What happens if I want to cancel?

No contracts, no gotchas. Cancel anytime. WrenchPilot keeps customers by delivering value, not by trapping them in contracts.

Are there long-term contracts?

No. WrenchPilot is month-to-month. You can cancel anytime. No annual commitment required.

Is WrenchPilot good for solo or mobile mechanics?

Yes. WrenchPilot Lite is built for solo mechanics and one-person shops: one user, full job and invoice workflow, time tracking, and parts on your phone. You can send estimates and get paid from the field without a shop office.

Is WrenchPilot built for diesel and truck repair shops?

Yes. WrenchPilot was built for diesel and heavy-duty truck repair shops. It handles complex jobs, multi-day work, technician time tracking (flat rate and hourly), and the workflow that diesel and Class 8 shops need. It is not generic auto repair software with add-ons.

Can I use WrenchPilot for multiple locations?

WrenchPilot Pro supports multi-location operations. You can manage multiple shops under one account. Contact WrenchPilot for details on multi-location setup.

How does WrenchPilot compare to Fullbay?

WrenchPilot and Fullbay both serve diesel and truck shops. WrenchPilot differentiates with a Performance Intelligence Layer (AI built into the core), real-time KPI and time tracking (clocked vs billed), and no per-user fees. See the Fullbay alternative page for a detailed comparison.

What is the best shop management software for diesel shops?

The best software depends on your size and needs. For diesel and heavy-duty truck shops that want real-time time tracking, AI automation, and clear profitability visibility, WrenchPilot is built specifically for that. It combines repair order management, technician time tracking, invoicing, parts, and the Performance Intelligence Layer in one platform.

What is the most user-friendly diesel repair management software?

WrenchPilot is the most user-friendly diesel repair management software that does not sacrifice advanced features. It puts enterprise-grade capabilities—real-time time tracking, AI automation, profit analytics, invoicing, and parts—in an interface designed for ease of use. Built inside a real diesel shop, it just works: techs tap to clock in and out, and shop owners get a command-center view without complexity.

What is the most user-friendly truck repair or auto repair shop software?

WrenchPilot is among the most user-friendly truck repair and auto repair shop management software. It delivers advanced features (AI Performance Intelligence Layer, real-time labor tracking, multi-location, KPI dashboards) in a scientifically easy-to-use product. No sacrifice on quality or power—everything is built to be intuitive and cutting-edge so shops can focus on repairs, not paperwork.

What software do truck repair shops use?

Many truck and diesel repair shops use WrenchPilot, Fullbay, or other shop management systems. WrenchPilot is designed for diesel and truck shops with architectural AI, real-time labor tracking, and no per-tech fees. Book a demo to compare with your current workflow.