Ferris Garage

Ferris Garage at a glance

Established in 1954, Ferris Garage has been in the same Cornish village for decades, reflecting both the area’s heritage and the family’s commitment to service.

Today, Ferris Garage runs from a single site with a team of four technicians, including two apprentices trained in-house, and a driver.

The business has carved out a strong reputation not just for MOTs and general servicing, but also for advanced diagnostics and electric vehicle (EV) work, particularly on Tesla models. Around 80% of customers are private vehicle owners who travel from across Cornwall, while the remainder is made up of fleet work, including contracts for local military bases.

The garage invests heavily in new tools, training, and systems to ensure they strike the perfect balance between a personal and professional service.

The challenge

As the business has grown, the way Ferris Garage has managed its day-to-day operations has previously held them back. Much of the admin was handled manually, involving phone calls to suppliers, handwritten job notes, and constant paperwork. Every part of the customer journey - booking a service, creating an estimate, ordering parts, issuing an invoice - was time-consuming and fragmented.

The result was an administrative burden that demanded significant resources. At one point, four full-time clerical staff were needed just to manage these jobs. Not only was this costly, but it also made the garage dependent on manual processes that were slow, error-prone, and inefficient.

Ferris Garage found itself caught between two conflicting priorities. On the one hand, it wanted to uphold the garage’s long-standing values of personal service and reliability. On the other, it had to keep pace with rising demand, more complex vehicles, and rising customer expectations. It was becoming clear that the old way of working was no longer fit for purpose.

The garage needed a solution that would streamline operations, reduce admin costs, and free up more time for technicians and customer care teams.

The solution

Ferris Garage made the decision to implement Autowork Online by Klipboard, a garage management system designed specifically for workshops looking to improve efficiency and modernise their operations.

Autowork Online quickly became the life blood of the organisation. By bringing bookings, estimates, invoicing, and stock management into one easy-to-use platform, it eliminated the inefficiencies that had built up over the years.

Streamlined parts management with Autocat

Ordering parts had long been a pain point. Previously, it meant long calls to suppliers and uncertainty around availability. With Autocat, integrated directly into Autowork Online, Ferris Garage gained instant access to a comprehensive electronic parts catalogue. By simply entering a vehicle’s VIN or registration, staff could view the latest data across multiple suppliers in a consistent format, making it easy to compare brands and choose the correct part.

Combined with the ordering features in Autowork Online, this gave Tim real-time stock visibility, simplified returns, and the ability to pre-order parts days ahead. The result was lower stock levels, fewer errors, and confidence that technicians always had the right part, on time.

The system is easy to use, especially for parts. The returns process is tighter, and online ordering is a game changer, as I am no longer waiting on the phone. I can see stock levels instantly and switch suppliers if needed to get the right part on time.

Tim Ferris, Owner of Ferris Garage

Faster customer communication

Another major improvement came in how estimates were handled. In the past, they were often prepared after an initial customer call, requiring a second call back later. With Autowork Online, Ferris Garage could create an accurate estimate instantly while still on the phone with the customer. This saved time, projected a more professional image, and made it easier for customers to make quick decisions.

Reduced administrative overhead

Autowork Online also reduced the burden facing Ferris Garage’s administrative staff. Tasks that once required four full-time clerical workers could now be managed by just one – freeing up employee's time and reducing operating costs. The platform also gave Ferris Garage full oversight of the workshop, enabling it to run four technicians and keep the garage moving smoothly without layers of paperwork.

The outcome:

The introduction of Autowork Online has had a lasting impact on Ferris Garage. By streamlining admin and giving it greater control, the business is now leaner, more responsive, and better equipped for the future.

• Admin time cut dramatically: What once needed the attention of four full-time staff can now be handled by a single employee.
• Smarter parts management: Autocat ensures accurate parts selection, while live stock visibility and online ordering reduce wasted time, costs, and errors.
• Customer service improved: Estimates are created instantly, meaning customers get quicker answers and a smoother experience.
• Business efficiency increased: The owner can now oversee the entire operation, from booking to invoicing, without bottlenecks.

The garage’s focus is now firmly on what it does best: delivering reliable MOTs, servicing, and EV diagnostics to a loyal customer base. And with admin no longer a drain on time and resources, technicians can focus on servicing cars and apprentices can be given the training and support they need.

Customers, too, have noticed the difference. Faster estimates, clearer communication, and reliable turnaround times have all helped strengthen Ferris Garage’s reputation. The garage is busier than ever, with some customers travelling long distances across Cornwall for its trusted service.

Looking ahead, Tim recognises that the industry will continue to change as more EVs come onto the road and servicing demands evolve. But with Autowork Online at the heart of operations, he is confident the business is equipped to adapt.