The verdict in three sentences
For a group of 3 Dublin-area dealerships with 18 lifts and 14,000 workshop visits a year, custom aftersales workshop software connected to the existing DMS costs between EUR 30,000 and 55,000 excluding VAT in 2026. The main financial lever is the conversion rate on additional work, which tablet check-in with photos and follow-up quotes by SMS can lift by 20 %. Online booking synced with real lift capacity reduces inbound calls and smooths the workshop load.
What aftersales workshop software costs in 2026
The manufacturer's DMS remains the accounting base and the source of repair orders. Workshop software sits on top to manage the customer journey: booking, reception, vehicle tracking, work approval and handover.
| 2026 option | Budget excl. VAT | Timeline | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMS booking module | Included or EUR 150 to 400 per month per site | Immediate | Basic scheduling, weak link with real lift capacity |
| Video check-in and SMS quote SaaS | EUR 250 to 500 per month per site | 4 to 6 weeks | Inspection video, SMS quotes, no scheduling or multi-site tracking |
| Kolonell core: booking and check-in | EUR 30,000 to 38,000 | 10 to 12 weeks | Online booking, tablet check-in, photos, signature |
| Kolonell full: SMS quotes and control | EUR 42,000 to 55,000 | 14 to 18 weeks | Additional-work SMS quotes, real-time tracking, multi-site dashboard, DMS API |
| Tablets and mounts (12 units) | EUR 6,000 to 9,000 | 2 weeks | Rugged tablets, cases, charging stations |
| Annual maintenance and hosting | EUR 4,500 to 8,000 | Recurring | Support, updates, minor improvements |
A SaaS at EUR 400 per month across 3 sites costs EUR 14,400 a year and covers only part of the journey. Custom software makes sense when the group wants one tool for all three sites, aligned with its own scheduling rules.
The features that grow workshop revenue
On 14,000 visits, a modest rise in average ticket matters. Additional work spotted at reception (brake pads, tyres, wipers, shock absorbers) is often lost for lack of visual proof and a quick customer answer.
| Feature | Problem solved | KPI tracked |
|---|---|---|
| Online booking | Saturated phone lines, poorly filled slots | Share of bookings made online |
| Capacity per lift and skill | Monday overload, Friday gaps | Lift occupancy rate |
| Tablet check-in with photos | Disputes over scratches and arrival condition | Disputes per month |
| Additional-work SMS quotes | Customer unreachable, work postponed | Acceptance rate on additional quotes |
| Real-time vehicle tracking | "Is my car ready?" calls | Inbound calls per day |
| Handover and online payment | Waiting at the counter | Average handover time |
| Multi-site dashboard | No comparison between dealerships | Average ticket per site |
The SMS quote includes the technician's photos, the price including VAT and an approval button. Customers reply on average within 20 to 40 minutes, versus several hours by phone.
Mini case study
Aoife, aftersales director of a 3-dealership group in Dublin, Swords and Bray, currently sees 18 % of additional work accepted on the proposals made, with an average additional ticket of EUR 210 excluding VAT. Around 5,000 visits a year lead to a proposal, so 900 acceptances and EUR 189,000.
With photo check-in and SMS quotes, the target is 21.6 %, a 20 % rise in the rate. That means 1,080 acceptances and EUR 226,800, an extra EUR 37,800 in revenue. With a workshop margin of around 60 %, the annual gain is about EUR 22,700. For a EUR 48,000 project plus EUR 7,500 of tablets, payback comes in about 2.5 years on this lever alone, faster when avoided calls are counted. An estimate to check on 3 months of real data.
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FAQ
Does the software replace our DMS?
No, it connects to the DMS by API or file exchange to create and update repair orders. Budget EUR 4,000 to 10,000 for this integration depending on the vendor.
Are check-in photos GDPR compliant?
Yes, the photos concern the vehicle and are kept for a defined period, for example 24 months. Plates and faces can be blurred automatically.
How much do SMS cost?
An SMS in Ireland costs about EUR 0.04 to 0.08 in 2026. For 14,000 visits and 3 SMS per visit, the budget is around EUR 1,700 to 3,400 a year.
Do technicians need training?
Half a day per site is enough for check-in and quotes. Service advisors need one day for scheduling and the dashboard.
Can we start with a single dealership?
Yes, a 6 to 8 week pilot at the Dublin site measures the gain before rolling out to the other two.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your DMS, number of sites and lifts: we will price a scope between EUR 30,000 and 55,000 with a pilot at one dealership. 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.
