Getting Started with SparkShop
SparkShop is a workshop management system built for independent automotive repair shops. This guide walks you through the basics so you can get up and running quickly.
Logging In
Navigate to /admin and sign in with your credentials. If you don't have an account yet, contact your system administrator.
Your First Job Card
A job card is the central record of all workshop activity. Every piece of work — from a simple enquiry to a full service — starts as a job card.
To create one:
- Click Job Cards in the left navigation
- Click New Job Card
- Select the Customer — if they're new, you can create them on the fly
- Select their Vehicle — the list filters automatically based on the customer
- Choose the Job Type: Service Only, Service & Parts, or Parts Only
- Set the Intake Date and Promised Date
- Capture the Customer Concern in the customer's own words
- Click Save
The job card is now open with status Enquiry.
Navigation Overview
| Section | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Dashboard | Live overview of your workshop — open jobs, parts on order, upcoming promised dates |
| Job Cards | Create and manage all workshop jobs |
| Customers | Customer records with vehicle history |
| Vehicles | Vehicle records linked to customers |
| Parts | Parts catalogue and stock levels |
| Services | Service catalogue with labour rates |
| Suppliers | Supplier records for parts ordering |
| Employees | Staff accounts and role management |
User Roles
SparkShop has four roles, each with appropriate access:
- Admin — Full access to everything
- Advisor — Job cards, customers, vehicles, invoicing
- Technician — View and update assigned job cards
- Parts Manager — Parts catalogue, stock, supplier orders
Your role is set by an administrator when your account is created.