{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Interview - Tim McDonnell, Mitchell 1 - March 7, 2026","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ron-ananian-the-car-doctor-interview-tim-mcdonnell-mitchell-1-march-7-2026","audioUrl":"https://podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/23b3ebcc-d509-4d04-8003-ae32006cd9bb/a0475c99-d279-413a-875d-b415015a89bb/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=6079d671-6a0e-4c7c-bb47-ae32006cd9c9","description":"Ron welcomes Tim McDonnell from Mitchell 1 to discuss the latest updates and improvements to Mitchell’s repair and shop management software. They talk about how modern repair information systems are evolving to help shops work smarter, document repairs better, and keep up with the increasing complexity of today’s vehicles. Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.  Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com  Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes   Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel   Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900   Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":134.4,"endTime":141.0,"type":"company","title":"Mitchell One","url":"/glossary/mitchell-one","quote":"Top of mind for me, for my daily experience here at Mitchell One is going to be the shop management software.","canonicalId":"company:mitchell-one","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mitchell One is a major provider of automotive shop software and repair information used by service departments. In this segment, it’s the platform the guest works with for shop management and workflow tools.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mitchell One is software that auto repair shops use to run jobs and access repair info. It helps service teams organize work and manage paperwork more efficiently."}},{"startTime":144.0,"endTime":151.0,"type":"company","title":"manager SE","url":"/glossary/manager-se","quote":"Typically, I would lead off with manager SE. That's our flagship product. It's in tens of thousands of shops.","canonicalId":"company:manager-se","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Manager SE is Mitchell One’s shop management software product mentioned as the guest’s starting point. The discussion frames it as a widely used “flagship” system in large numbers of shops."}},{"startTime":170.8,"endTime":179.3,"type":"term","title":"service advisor","url":"/glossary/service-advisor","quote":"If you're a service advisor, instead of considering all those grid line items that you're looking at...","canonicalId":"term:service-advisor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A service advisor is the front-line staff member who communicates with customers and manages the repair order. In shop software, the advisor’s screen layout and workflow are critical for accurate quoting and tracking.","simplifiedExplanation":"A service advisor is the person who talks to the customer and helps set up the repair order. They’re the one using the shop’s software day to day."}},{"startTime":179.3,"endTime":192.3,"type":"concept","title":"job view containers","url":"/glossary/job-view-containers","quote":"Instead of treating that as one monolithic item, we have introduced job view containers. And by doing that, it means that I've always been able to check profit on the whole order.","canonicalId":"concept:job-view-containers","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Job view containers are the structural grouping of order line items into separate sections (e.g., labor, parts, fees). This enables more granular control and reporting, such as profit tracking per job segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Job view containers are like folders inside the repair order. They let the shop group related items together so it’s easier to manage and understand the job."}},{"startTime":194.7,"endTime":202.6,"type":"concept","title":"multiple discounts","url":"/glossary/multiple-discounts","quote":"...first time multiple discounts are possible now.","canonicalId":"concept:multiple-discounts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Multiple discounts refers to the ability to apply more than one discount to a repair order or job section. The guest says the system now supports first-time multiple discounts, improving pricing flexibility.","simplifiedExplanation":"Multiple discounts means you can apply more than one discount to a repair bill. The guest is saying the software can handle that now."}},{"startTime":206.4,"endTime":208.5,"type":"concept","title":"canned job","url":"/glossary/canned-job","quote":"...I can say, hey, make this one into a canned job.","canonicalId":"concept:canned-job","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A canned job is a saved, reusable job template in shop software. The guest implies that the system can convert a job into a template (“make this one into a canned job”) to speed up future quoting and ordering.","simplifiedExplanation":"A canned job is a saved “ready-to-use” repair template. If you do the same kind of job often, the software can reuse the setup to save time."}},{"startTime":222.7,"endTime":252.8,"type":"concept","title":"itemized invoice","url":"/glossary/itemized-invoice","quote":"So, they can clearly see what each item is going to cost... You can't read it. It doesn't decipher well. Doesn't compute.","canonicalId":"concept:itemized-invoice","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An itemized invoice lists individual line items (parts and labor) so customers can match charges to the work performed. The speaker contrasts this with unreadable or poorly formatted invoices that don’t communicate clearly.","simplifiedExplanation":"An itemized invoice is a bill that lists each charge separately. It’s the difference between “trust me” and “here’s exactly what you paid for.”"}},{"startTime":263.7,"endTime":277.22,"type":"company","title":"Mitchell Manager SA","url":"/glossary/mitchell-manager-sa","quote":"...they care about this conversation because the shop that's using Mitchell Manager SA is an efficient shop, is an organized shop, and they're able to manage history.","canonicalId":"company:mitchell-manager-sa","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mitchell Manager SA is a shop-management software used by automotive repair businesses to organize estimates, invoices, and vehicle repair history. In this context, it’s being credited for helping a shop run efficiently and keep clear records so customers can understand what they’re paying for.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mitchell Manager SA is software that auto repair shops use to keep track of estimates and repair work. It helps shops organize paperwork so customers can see what each part of the bill is for."}},{"startTime":309.3,"endTime":310.5,"type":"term","title":"oil change","url":"/glossary/oil-change","quote":"Here's the oil change. Here's the brake check. Here's the tire rotation.","canonicalId":"term:oil-change","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An oil change is routine maintenance where the engine oil is replaced to maintain lubrication and protect engine components. In the transcript, it’s used as an example of a simple, customer-friendly line item in the software’s job breakdown.","simplifiedExplanation":"An oil change is when the shop drains the old engine oil and puts in fresh oil. It’s regular maintenance that helps the engine stay healthy."}},{"startTime":311.5,"endTime":313.1,"type":"term","title":"tire rotation","url":"/glossary/tire-rotation","quote":"Here's the tire rotation. You know, we don't want to do the brake check this time.","canonicalId":"term:tire-rotation","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Tire rotation is a maintenance procedure that moves tires from one position to another to promote even tread wear. In the segment, it’s listed as another clear line item in the job breakdown shown to customers."}},{"startTime":371.0,"endTime":377.4,"type":"concept","title":"nine revisions","url":"/glossary/nine-revisions","quote":"I only had nine revisions at one point... I really need to have more than nine slots.","canonicalId":"concept:nine-revisions","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker references an earlier limitation: having only nine “revisions” available in the system. They then explain that shops wanted more capacity, which motivated the redesign of the revision screen.","simplifiedExplanation":"At one point, the software only allowed a limited number of saved service entries (like nine). Shops asked for more room because some cars need lots of history tracked over time."}},{"startTime":434.5,"endTime":436.4,"type":"concept","title":"waiting for parts","url":"/glossary/waiting-for-parts","quote":"And maybe, maybe it was supposed to be there for three days and it's been like four weeks because you're waiting for parts or who knows what.","canonicalId":"concept:waiting-for-parts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"When a repair is delayed because parts aren’t available, the job can stretch from days into weeks. That’s often why shops emphasize parts sourcing and scheduling early in the repair process.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sometimes a car can’t be finished because the shop is waiting on parts. If the parts take a while to arrive, the repair can take much longer than expected."}},{"startTime":447.8,"endTime":453.0,"type":"concept","title":"comments column","url":"/glossary/comments-column","quote":"we added a comments column so that the shop could put in their own notes addressing those revisions.","canonicalId":"concept:comments-column","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “comments column” suggests a structured way for the shop to capture internal notes tied to specific revisions. In practice, this can improve handoffs between technicians, advisors, and managers by keeping context with the repair record.","simplifiedExplanation":"A comments column is a place in the paperwork/software where the shop can write extra notes. It helps everyone stay on the same page about what changed and why."}},{"startTime":468.9,"endTime":475.6,"type":"concept","title":"recommendation","url":"/glossary/recommendation","quote":"Remember, the recommendation is that customer language that's important to explain what the repair is and what needs to be done.","canonicalId":"concept:recommendation","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “recommendation” is the shop’s documented explanation of what repairs are needed and why. It typically translates technical findings into customer-friendly language so the owner understands the scope and urgency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A recommendation is the shop telling you what they think needs fixing and explaining it in a way you can understand. It’s the part that helps you decide what to approve."}},{"startTime":485.7,"endTime":491.0,"type":"concept","title":"shop that manages the information","url":"/glossary/shop-that-manages-the-information","quote":"The shop that's most efficient, the shop that manages the information, sure, they're going to be more profitable.","canonicalId":"concept:shop-that-manages-the-information","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “shop that manages the information” refers to using systems/processes to track repair findings, approvals, revisions, and documentation. Better information flow reduces rework, missed steps, and delays—improving both customer experience and profitability.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is about how well the shop keeps track of what’s happening with your car. When the shop organizes the details, repairs tend to go smoother and faster."}},{"startTime":530.0,"endTime":543.8,"type":"concept","title":"vehicle repair history","url":"/glossary/vehicle-repair-history","quote":"I mean, the fact that you just have any of the vehicle repair history, one click away in the history tab and that I can print a tech worksheet to give the technician that has dates and category of service...","canonicalId":"concept:vehicle-repair-history","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Vehicle repair history is a record of past work done on a car, including what was serviced and when. Having it readily available helps shops answer questions like when brakes were last replaced and what mileage that service occurred at.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s basically the car’s service log—what work was done and when. If you know the last time something like the brakes was serviced, it’s easier to plan the next repair and avoid guessing."}},{"startTime":533.0,"endTime":537.3,"type":"term","title":"tech worksheet","url":"/glossary/tech-worksheet","quote":"...one click away in the history tab and that I can print a tech worksheet to give the technician that has dates and category of service...","canonicalId":"term:tech-worksheet","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A tech worksheet is a printed or digital document that summarizes what work is needed and includes relevant history for the technician. Here, it’s generated from the vehicle’s repair history so the technician sees dates, service categories, and mileage context.","simplifiedExplanation":"A tech worksheet is a sheet the mechanic gets that tells them what to look at. It can include the car’s past service info so they don’t have to guess."}},{"startTime":577.1,"endTime":578.5,"type":"term","title":"year make model","url":"/glossary/year-make-model","quote":"Well, don't you want to know? Oh, yeah. Don't you want to know the year make model? Nope.","canonicalId":"term:year-make-model","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Year, make, model” are the key identifiers used to specify exactly which vehicle is being serviced. The segment highlights a workflow decision: whether to collect those details directly from the customer or rely on other identifiers like the license plate."}},{"startTime":586.3,"endTime":611.8,"type":"term","title":"Vin","url":"/glossary/vin","quote":"it will tell me Vin. It will give me engine choices. It will help me break down what that is because, you know, it's dialing out to the, in my case, I guess the New Jersey motor vehicle database and, you know, it's bringing it up.","canonicalId":"term:vin","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique 17-character code assigned to each vehicle. Using the VIN lets software pull the exact configuration (like engine and trim/fitment) so parts ordering is accurate.","simplifiedExplanation":"VIN is the car’s unique ID number. Because it’s specific to that exact vehicle, it helps the computer find the right parts."}},{"startTime":587.8,"endTime":589.5,"type":"term","title":"engine choices","url":"/glossary/engine-choices","quote":"It will give me engine choices. It will help me break down what that is because, you know, it's dialing out to the, in my case, I guess the New Jersey motor vehicle database and, you know, it's bringing it up.","canonicalId":"term:engine-choices","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Engine choices” refers to selecting the correct engine variant for the specific VIN. Many cars have multiple engine options across trims/years, and parts compatibility can change depending on the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some cars come with different engines. The software helps you pick the right one so the parts you order actually fit."}},{"startTime":840.6,"endTime":856.7,"type":"concept","title":"file attachment","url":"/glossary/file-attachment","quote":"First feature already finished is file attachment. What the heck, what's the value? All right, so when you're on the order screen, and you will hover your mouse over the lines, there'll be a new column in there that'll say, do you want to add a document?","canonicalId":"concept:file-attachment","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A file attachment feature lets users add documents or media (like photos, videos, or diagnostic outputs) to a specific record in the system. In a service context, attaching media to the correct repair order item makes the documentation more useful for pricing, approvals, and later reference.","simplifiedExplanation":"File attachment is a feature that lets the shop add files—like pictures or test results—to the job record. That way, the information stays connected to the right repair."}},{"startTime":864.3,"endTime":868.3,"type":"concept","title":"repair order history","url":"/glossary/repair-order-history","quote":"so that once we've even put it in history, two years later it's still there. That's what we saw at that time, so that's the value of it.","canonicalId":"concept:repair-order-history","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Repair order history is the record of past service work tied to a vehicle over time. Keeping attachments and inspection results linked to that history improves continuity—so technicians can see what was previously found or replaced, even years later.","simplifiedExplanation":"Repair order history is the shop’s past record of what they’ve done to your car. It’s useful because it lets future visits reference what was found before."}},{"startTime":878.7,"endTime":885.4,"type":"concept","title":"multi-point inspection","url":"/glossary/multi-point-inspection","quote":"And then we also have an upgraded inspections program, the multi-point inspection. Manager SE inspections will come out, and that will be performed on a mobile device.","canonicalId":"concept:multi-point-inspection","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A multi-point inspection is a structured checklist-based assessment of multiple vehicle systems (often brakes, tires, fluids, suspension, lights, etc.). In service workflows, it helps standardize what gets checked and makes it easier for advisors to explain findings to customers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A multi-point inspection is a checklist the shop uses to look at several parts of your car. It helps them find issues and explain them clearly instead of guessing."}},{"startTime":937.7,"endTime":946.5,"type":"concept","title":"Digital Engine","url":"/glossary/digital-engine","quote":"The big one that we're working on right now, and the code name... refer right now as Digital Engine. The name may change by the time it comes out.","canonicalId":"concept:digital-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Digital Engine” sounds like a code name for a software platform the shop is building. The goal appears to be streamlining the inspection-to-approval workflow using digital communication and media (video/phone/photos) so customers can decide what work to authorize."}},{"startTime":946.5,"endTime":953.76,"type":"concept","title":"AI","quote":"The big one that we're working on right now... refer right now as Digital Engine... Leveraging a little bit of AI, what we can do is,","canonicalId":"concept:ai","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"AI (artificial intelligence) refers to software that can interpret information and make recommendations or automate tasks. In this context, the shop is using AI to improve how customers review and approve work—likely by analyzing images/video or extracting details from the inspection.","simplifiedExplanation":"AI is basically smart computer software. Here, it’s being used to help the shop understand what’s going on with the car and make the approval process easier for the customer."}},{"startTime":964.0,"endTime":966.4,"type":"term","title":"gasket","url":"/glossary/gasket","quote":"It's like, hey, you're not going to forget the gasket. You're not going to forget these other related parts.","canonicalId":"term:gasket","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A gasket is a thin sealing material placed between two engine or cooling-system parts to prevent leaks. When shops do work like replacing a water pump, they often need the correct gasket so the seal stays tight after reassembly.","simplifiedExplanation":"A gasket is like a seal between two parts. It helps stop leaks, especially after you take something apart and put it back together."}},{"startTime":975.7,"endTime":977.3,"type":"term","title":"water pump","url":"/glossary/water-pump","quote":"So it's like you're replacing a water pump. You're doing breaks, whatever it may be.","canonicalId":"term:water-pump","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to control temperature. If it fails, the engine can overheat, so related parts and labor (like gaskets and coolant service) often need to be estimated together.","simplifiedExplanation":"The water pump moves coolant around the engine to keep it from overheating. If it breaks, the engine can run too hot quickly."}},{"startTime":1010.9,"endTime":1016.84,"type":"term","title":"alternator","url":"/glossary/alternator","quote":"is type the word alternator in on Repair or type it in on Manager, right? You guys will spell check it.","canonicalId":"term:alternator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An alternator is the electrical generator in a vehicle that powers the car’s electronics and recharges the battery while the engine runs. Shops often estimate alternator replacement with related labor steps and sometimes additional parts like belts or wiring connectors.","simplifiedExplanation":"An alternator is what keeps the battery charged and powers the car’s electrical system. If it fails, the battery can run down and the car may not start."}},{"startTime":1035.5,"endTime":1047.7,"type":"term","title":"Did You Mean?","url":"/glossary/did-you-mean","quote":"So we now have a new attribute when you're in the Repair and estimating debt is called Did You Mean? And so therefore, if you should happen to leave a few letters out, we can still figure out what you're trying to get to","canonicalId":"term:did-you-mean","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Did You Mean?” is a software feature that suggests or corrects what a user likely intended when input is incomplete or misspelled. In repair-estimating workflows, it helps technicians and estimators quickly select the correct items or terms, reducing mistakes and improving throughput.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Did You Mean?” is a computer feature that guesses what you meant if you type something wrong. In a repair shop program, it can help you pick the right options even if you miss a letter."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"iHeartPodcasts","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Ron Ananian The Car Doctor","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ron-ananian-the-car-doctor-interview-tim-mcdonnell-mitchell-1-march-7-2026/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}