4 Best Identifix Free Alternatives

Identifix is an auto repair shop management software. It offers a wide range of features and solutions for auto repair shops and mechanics.

Though it’s best known for two major solutions it provides.

1. Identifix provides repair information to mechanics to help them identify problems and potential solutions. It allows both technicians and hobbyists to determine what is wrong with a vehicle and even access live support from expert technicians, if necessary.

2. The second solution is its auto shop management software, which helps auto repair shops create and send invoices, generate estimates, generate repair orders, manage inventory, and more.

While Identifix is a good software overall, it has some disadvantages. For one, it is quite pricey, making it a bit difficult for small businesses and repair shops to afford.

In addition, it has a somewhat clunky interface, making it challenging to navigate.

If you are searching for a free alternative or one that is easier to use, stay with me as I explore some of the best Identifix alternatives.

Best Identifix Free Alternatives

1. International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN)

iATN is a community and knowledge base for automotive technicians. One of the reasons many technicians prefer it over Identifix is because it operates on a free model, in which people give to get back.

Twenty-four hours a day, you can seek help from other expert technicians. You can open a request and provide solutions to requests others have opened; not just anyone can join, as you must meet certain professional qualifications.

You can also browse the forum archives or peruse the database, which includes hundreds of thousands of fixes for almost every vehicle imaginable.

If you are experiencing an issue with a vehicle, there is a good chance someone had that issue before and found a solution, so why sweat it by trying to figure it all out by yourself?

Not only are there forums which you can join, but there is also a free live chat on the site, which is restricted to members of iATN only. That way, you can always chat with other technicians at any time of the day or night.

The forums don’t only provide a way to discuss technical difficulties but also general issues related to running an auto repair shop, such as billing, customer management, and general issues and updates in the industry.

In addition to all that, many OEMs and industry leaders have published resources on iATN, which you can browse directly on the site.

There is even a marketplace where you can buy and sell parts.

You can save information that you think will be relevant for later retrieval in your personal dashboard.

Although the forums and chat room are free to use, the knowledge database is not and requires a subscription.

Also Read: Best Used Car Websites In Texas

2. Diagnostic Network

Diagnostic Network is an online community of expert technicians, coming together to solve complex diagnostic problems and to learn how to use scoping and diagnostic tools to offer a better experience to customers.

It’s important to note that not anyone can sign up to be a member of the community. In fact, Diagnostic Network rejects one out of five registrations due to the registrants not being qualified enough to join the community.

It’s free to join, and the community is one of the most helpful ones you will find in the auto repair business.

If you prefer connecting with real professionals who can help you with broadening your technical knowledge and skills, Diagnostic Network is worth joining as an alternative to Identifix.

Also Read: AutoTempest.com Alternatives

3. AutoZone Repair Manuals and Wiring Diagrams

AutoZone offers free repair manuals and wiring diagrams for a wide range of makes and models. All you need is a free AutoZone Rewards account, which you can sign up for online or at an AutoZone location.

In addition to other perks, such as a $20 reward after every 5 purchases, members get access to hundreds of model-specific repair manuals, along with comprehensive wiring diagrams.

A preview of some of the diagrams is available without creating an account, but for the full diagrams, you will want to create an AutoZone Rewards account and add them to Manage My Vehicles.

Also Read: Best Turo Alternatives

4. Your Local Library

Many local libraries, believe it or not, have a wide range of repair manuals available. You might be able to access them through a digital app or subscription if your library offers it.

For example, many libraries, such as the Beatrice Library of Nebraska (screenshotted above), offer access to Chilton’s auto repair manuals for free. All you need is a library card.

Otherwise, you would have to visit the library physically and check the manuals out.

Of course, that’s not really a sustainable solution if you have an auto shop repair business, but if you’re a hobbyist or only need a specific manual, it could be a great way to access repair manuals for free.

Best Identifix Alternatives With a Free Trial

Let’s discover some alternatives that offer a free trial.

1. ARI

ARI is an auto repair shop management software that offers many useful features, including client, vehicle, and inventory management

It’s also easy to create estimates with ARI. Simply add the client and vehicle, add inspections and repairs, and use the built-in database of car parts to calculate how much replacement parts will cost.

The system will generate an estimate for you. Not only that, but you can easily add upsells to boost your revenue.

The software comes with pre-made inspection checklists, although you can also create your own templates. You can upload pictures for future reference and create detailed damage reports, which you can send to your clients.

ARI also integrates with a wide range of payment methods, allowing you to accept payments from all clients. It has even partnered with 360 Payments, a POS (Point Of Sale) payment processing network, to allow you to collect payments on site.

Additionally, it allows you to order replacement parts with its PartsTech integration.

It’s great for accounting as well, as you can track payments made via various payment methods. You can also see updated stats and reports about your business, allowing you to track your growth and see whether you are reaching your target KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

Also Read: RealOEM Alternatives

ARI offers a free trial which gives you access to five clients, five vehicles, five invoices, five vehicle inspections, and limited accounting options.

2. ALLData

ALLData has been around since 1986 and is one of the best sources for automotive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) repair data.

Like Identifix, it has both a professional and DIY option, making it great for hobbyists working on their personal vehicles as well.

In fact, ALLData is considered to be the industry standard, as it is used by over three out of four auto body repair shops to research OEM repair information, according to a survey.

ALLData offers diagnostic and repair information for over 44,000 vehicles, covering 95% of vehicles on the road and which you are likely to see in your auto repair shop. That includes information on procedures on how to properly diagnose and repair issues with those vehicles.

For technical issues, the Find-a-Fix feature helps you find the solution most likely to address the problem. The solutions are ranked by how likely they are to resolve the problem and whether they have been verified to work by expert technicians.

Live help is available as well, just like at Identifix, with over 30 of the best technicians available to answer your questions and walk you through solutions. These technicians are located in different time zones across North America and have an average of over 25 years of experience.

ALLData is the industry standard, although it has many products that can sometimes be confusing. For example, ALLData Repair is its flagship diagnostics software, but there is also ALLData Collision, which gives you access to collision repair information.

ALLData Mobile, which connects your phone to the system as well to allow you to provide diagnostic reports while on site, requires a separate subscription.

Check Out: Best Tesla Apps For Apple Watch

Fortunately, a free trial of its most popular bundle is available for seven days. It includes access to:

• ALLData Repair
• ALLData Mobile
• ALLData Inspections
• ALLData Shop Manager
• ALLData Find-a-Fix
• 300,000+ colored wiring diagrams
• Expert support via the community forum

3. AutoRepair Cloud

AutoRepair Cloud is a cloud-based software alternative to Identifix. It is a complete automotive repair shop management software that has streamlined pricing, without so many confusing products and add-ons like Identifix.

Let’s go over some of the features of Auto Repair Cloud.

One of its most useful features for automotive repair shops is the ability to generate accurate estimates. Its labor database contains around 500 different repair jobs for over 10,000 vehicles, allowing you to quickly estimate the labor cost for a task.

The database also comes complete with repair tips, advice, and possible symptoms, helping you get the job done easier.

Not only that, but you can adjust the estimated labor time and cost based on the qualifications of your mechanic. You can even include the estimated time to prepare and set up the vehicle!

Of course, when calculating estimates, you should also consider the cost of the repair parts, and Auto Repair Cloud assists you with that as well.

It has a database of over eight million parts. Just enter the part name to see prices from different manufacturers.

With AutoRepair Cloud, you can also manage your shop’s inventory, get updates if your inventory stock is low, manage your purchase history, track the parts you have used for repairs, and even resell parts you don’t need with automatic markup rules.

Not only can you instantly purchase from major parts suppliers like AutoZone and online marketplaces like Amazon, but you can add local suppliers manually to make it easier to order from them.

Then you have the diagnostic solutions offered by AutoRepair Cloud. You can perform smog checks, view diagnostic codes, read PID values, store the diagnostic history for a vehicle, and more.

You can even take pictures of the faulty parts and upload them so that customers can see exactly what problems their vehicles have in their online dashboards.

For storing and managing customer and vehicle information, you will be pleased to learn that there are no storage limits to how many customers or vehicles you can store.

You can access all diagnostic and repair history reports in one place, generate invoices, estimate the next maintenance checkup due date, and more.

Similarly, you can allow customers to book appointments online, get email reminders about upcoming appointments, and create quotes tied to appointments.

Quotes can be downloaded and can include information such as a breakdown of the parts and labor costs, as well as any discounts added.

What about diagnostic and OEM information? If Chilton is available at your public library, you can import repair manuals and wiring diagrams.

You can also find repair manuals, complete with repair procedures, from Motor, and there is an option to upload your own repair manual for future reference as well.

With AutoRepair Cloud, you can provide customers with a web interface where they can see their repair reports, complete with pictures you have uploaded. They can also chat with you directly from within the app, where you can send emails, messages, upload PDF documents, and more.

It integrates with a variety of tools, such as WhatsApp Messenger for communicating with clients and various accounting software, such as Quickbooks, Sage, and Xero.

AutoRepair Cloud also makes it easy to collect payments from customers, either using Square for credit card payments or allowing customers to pay via cash, checks, and bank transfers.

To make things easier for your customers, you can opt to allow them to split their payments.

As mentioned, pricing is streamlined and transparent, with only three plans available (although adding users may increase the price). Discounts are available for longer commitments.

Also Read: Best OBD2 Scanners

A 14-day free trial is available for all plans, giving you access to all features for two weeks See more details here.

Conclusion

As you can see, Identifix is just one of many options available to auto repair shops. If you want a free solution, iATN and Diagnostic Network are great.

They allow you to get expert help from other technicians at any time of the day or night. You can share knowledge and gain knowledge in return.

Your local library may give you access to Chilton’s repair manuals for free, and you can also use AutoZone to find free repair manuals and wiring diagrams.

ALLData, ARI, and AutoRepair Cloud are excellent products as well, and they all offer a free trial.

Above all, remember that these diagnostic solutions are merely tools to point you in the right direction, and you should always apply your expert knowledge and discretion when performing a repair.

Enjoyed the post?

Share on Pinterest