The verdict in three sentences
For an independent garage, a DMS or vertical SaaS (100 to 350 EUR/month) is enough: repair orders, scheduling, parts catalogue and invoicing are covered. Custom software (22,000 to 55,000 EUR) targets multi-site groups wanting to integrate manufacturer CRM, used-vehicle fleet and customer relations at scale. The most profitable lever remains the workshop schedule: optimised well, it adds 15 to 20 % mechanic productivity.
Garage DMS/SaaS versus custom
The DMS handles the standard workshop; custom serves the network model and manufacturer integration.
| Criterion | Garage DMS / SaaS | Custom build (Kolonell) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0 EUR | 22,000 to 55,000 EUR |
| Monthly cost | 100 to 350 EUR | Maintenance 400 to 900 EUR/mo |
| Repair orders | Standard | Custom |
| Workshop schedule | Included | Optimised (+15-20 % prod.) |
| Catalogue + parts stock | Included | Multi-site native |
| New/used vehicles + manufacturer | Option | Manufacturer CRM integration |
| Service reminders | Basic | Automated + marketing |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
A single-site garage rarely amortises a 22,000 EUR build. The maths flips once a group wants to consolidate parts stock, used-vehicle fleet and CRM across several dealerships.
Modules and productivity impact
| Module | 2026 stake | Custom order of magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Repair orders + quotes | Workshop flow | 4,000 to 9,000 EUR |
| Optimised workshop schedule | +15-20 % productivity | 5,000 to 12,000 EUR |
| Catalogue + parts stock | Stock-out avoided | 5,000 to 11,000 EUR |
| New/used vehicles + manufacturer | Fleet and margin | 6,000 to 14,000 EUR |
| Automated service reminders | Customer retention | 3,000 to 8,000 EUR |
| Annual maintenance | Updates + support | 15 to 20 % of build |
Mini case study
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Mr Barral runs a 2-dealership group in Toulouse with a 12-mechanic workshop. His DMS bills 350 EUR/month per site, i.e. 8,400 EUR/year, with no parts-stock consolidation or unified manufacturer CRM. A custom build at 46,000 EUR plus 7,400 EUR/year maintenance optimises the schedule: +17 % productivity on a 720,000 EUR workshop cost represents roughly 122,000 EUR of additional billable capacity a year, part of which converts to net margin. Payback happens in under a year on scheduling gains alone.
FAQ
Is a DMS enough for an independent garage? Yes. At 100-350 EUR/month it covers orders, scheduling, parts and invoicing with no capital tied up. Custom would be oversized for a single site.
What gain from workshop scheduling? As a 2026 order of magnitude, optimisation adds 15 to 20 % mechanic productivity. On a busy workshop the effect on billable capacity is major.
Does custom integrate manufacturer CRM? Yes, it's often the reason to switch. New/used-vehicle and manufacturer integration costs between 6,000 and 14,000 EUR depending on available APIs.
Can service reminders be automated? Yes. Targeted reminders (service, inspection, tyres) improve retention and workshop fill. Budget 3,000 to 8,000 EUR.
From how many sites should I switch to custom? In practice, from 2-3 dealerships or for a group wanting to consolidate stock, used vehicles and CRM. Below that, the DMS offers the best cost/value.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the number of sites, your priorities (scheduling, parts stock, manufacturer CRM) and an indicative budget. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
