Fytron Software co-founder David Arce said their software “can make you money.” As the son of a machine shop owner (pictured), Arce saw where well-designed software could replace antiquated systems that leave a lot of opportunities on the table — and the revenue along with it.
Fytron Software’s Roots
Arce witnessed his father, Dave Arce, build up his business within the San Diego, California, metro area. The elder Arce started his venture in 1990 as a part-time engine builder and parts reseller from a two-car garage. He built up Arce Enterprises into a successful, full-time venture that provides complete automotive repair service. However, at the core of Arce Enterprises remains its engine-building segment, where Dave Arce carries a master engine machinist certification from ASE, as well as engine machinist and cylinder head certifications from AERA.
The younger Arce, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from San Diego State University, seen where his expertise in coding could benefit his father’s shop.
“[My father] built the invoice system,” said Arce. “It was professional, but outdated. It was not flexible and hard to have other people work on it. They had issues with losing data and all of the issues with hosting your own system. So, I said to my father, ‘Hey, why don’t I create you an invoicing system?’”
With his father’s business as their beta tester, Arce and his partner, Vaso Vasich, developed Fytron Software.
Access Anywhere for Anybody
Arce went to work on creating cloud-based software that multiple users can access from anywhere with an Internet connection, whether it’s a computer hooked up to a high-speed line, a tablet connected to Wi-Fi, or a smartphone working off of cell service.
“It only allowed one person at a time,” Arce said of his father’s setup. “And, there was only one spot to access it from.”
With Fytron Software, if you have a large shop, now multiple employees can input information directly from their work station. If you’re out in the field, you can access inventory and create estimates right on the spot. The system keeps information stored securely in a central point, where multiple users can access it easily, without stepping on one another.
Completely Modular
Machine shops can vary widely in size and from the types of customers they serve. Fytron Software offers a wealth of options that’ll please the larger shops as much as the smaller ones. Want to only do invoicing? No problem. Want to keep track of inventory? Can do. Need a guide for how much time a job roughly takes? Also included. It does this all in a package that’s easy to follow.
“We wanted to follow KISS — keep it simple, stupid,” said Arce. “We color-coded many things, because everyone knows that green is good, red is bad, and yellow means be careful.”
Built Specifically for Machine Shops
Mainstream software often tries to accommodate as many different uses as possible for it. Unfortunately, the old adage, “When you try to please everyone, you please no one,” holds especially true when it comes to unique needs of machine shops.
“Many people try to use automotive repair software,” Arce said. “It has so much stuff for the automotive side, but machine shops don’t need any of that. They try to work around it to make it work for them.”
An example of the how Arce and Vasich built Fytron Software specifically for machine shops comes down to inputting specs for engines.
“We have 300 fields that can be documented for the engine and the balance spec sheet,” said Arce. “We also have calculated values, such as compression ratio, displacement, etc.”
Money-Saving Features
Fytron Software offers some other features unique to machine shops.
“A common problem is that a customer says they brought in some parts, but they actually didn’t,” Arce said. “The customer calls after they came in, asking where are the parts, and you and your employees spend 30 minutes looking for them. With Fytron Software, you can take pictures of jobs as they enter the premises. Now, machine shops have documentation of what came in.”
Some features ensure you provide accurate invoicing and estimates.
“Shop supplies and EPA are calculated based on the amount of labor,” said Arce. “That way you don’t forget to charge EPA. If you’re handwriting invoices, you can forget tax — this calculates that, too. The software can make you more money, because you’re not going to miss these things.”
You can sign up for a free, 30-day trial on Fytron Software’s website — fytronsoftware.com. Beyond that, it costs $99.95 a month. However, AERA Engine Builders Association members receive a discount, with the monthly fee at $79.95.
Source
Fytron Software, LLC
Santee, California
657-888-2414
fytronsoftware.com
Outside Groove Note of Transparency: Fytron Software paid for the production of this article. The content was subject to approval of Fytron Software.
The Outside Groove Executive Editor has covered motorsports since 2000. His many awards include the 2019 Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Jim Hunter Writer of the Year and the 2013 Russ Catlin Award for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism.
