Software 32 LKQ Euro Car Parts is aiming to help independent garages save time, improve their online presence and win more work with its new garage management system, Launch Control. Independent garages have never had more opportunities to attract new business, but making the most of them can be a challenge. Customers increasingly expect to find a workshop online, read reviews, book appointments digitally, and receive professional-looking estimates and invoices. At the same time, rising costs and tighter margins mean garage owners have little time to juggle multiple software packages or spend hours on administration. It is against this backdrop that LKQ Euro Car Parts has introduced Launch Control, a new garage management system (GMS) developed by aftermarket software specialist Alex Lindley. Rather than trying to be another complex workshop management platform, Launch Control has been designed around what its developers describe as “outrageous simplicity”, bringing together the core digital tools many independent garages need into a single, affordable package. At its heart, Launch Control combines four key elements: a garage management system, digital vehicle health checks, a customer website and an online booking tool. Together, they are intended to help workshops manage jobs more efficiently while presenting a more professional image to existing and prospective customers. Speaking to Aftermarket, Gavin Sparks, Head of GMS at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said many independent garages are still missing opportunities because they simply do not have the time to manage their digital presence. “We search online for almost everything now,” he said. “Motorists are doing exactly the same when they’re looking for a garage. If your website is out of date, your reviews aren’t visible, or customers can’t easily book with you, you’re making it harder for people to choose your business.” Launch Control aims to remove many of the barriers that have traditionally discouraged smaller workshops from adopting a management system. Instead of lengthy installation and training, garages can set up the software using a guided wizard, adding details such as their logo and labour rates, and begin creating estimates and invoices within minutes. The platform also integrates directly with the LKQ Euro Car Parts catalogue, allowing users to identify a vehicle, access repair data, check real-time parts availability and pricing, and add components directly to customer estimates without switching between multiple systems. And importantly, workshops are not restricted to fitting only parts supplied by LKQ Euro Car Parts, allowing them to continue specifying alternative brands where appropriate. Beyond workshop administration, much of the emphasis is on improving the customer journey. Every Launch Control user can generate a professional website complete with an online booking facility, while integrated vehicle health checks allow technicians to record inspections digitally, complete with photographs where required. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can also help garages create customised health-check templates, giving workshops a practical starting point without replacing technicians’ judgement. Gavin believes these kinds of automated processes can become one of the most valuable members of the business. “Digital systems don’t take holidays, and they don’t forget to follow up with customers,” he explained. “If you’ve identified work that needs doing in three months’ time, the system can remind the customer automatically, helping garages secure work that might otherwise be lost.” For many workshops, adopting digital systems can feel like a significant step. However, Launch Control’s approach reflects a growing recognition that technology is no longer just about improving efficiency behind the scenes. It is increasingly about helping independent garages compete for customers before a vehicle even arrives on the forecourt. In a market where professionalism, visibility and convenience are becoming just as important as technical expertise, bringing those elements together in one straightforward platform could prove an attractive proposition for many independent workshops. launchcontrol.app Taking control of the digital garage
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