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 Work Order
Every piece of workshop activity starts with a Work Order — the engagement container that groups all Job Cards, documents, and financial records for a single customer visit.
To open your first Work Order:
- Click Work Orders in the left navigation
- Click New Work Order
- Select the Customer — create on the fly if they're new
- Select their Vehicle — the list filters by customer automatically
- Choose the Job Type: Service Only, Service & Parts, or Parts Only
- Enter the Brief Complaint — what the customer told you
- Click Create
SparkShop automatically creates the first Job Card and takes you straight to it. Set the Intake Date, Promised Date, add services and parts, then save.
Navigation Overview
| Section | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Dashboard | Live overview — active work orders, parts on order, upcoming promised dates |
| Work Orders | Create and manage all workshop engagements — the primary entry point for new work |
| Job Cards | View and update individual Job Cards within a Work Order |
| 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.