Key points
- Paper job cards and spreadsheets hide lost labour, unbilled parts and slow approvals.
- Look for job cards with an inspection checklist, labour rates and parts from stock.
- WhatsApp updates and service reminders bring customers back without extra calls.
- Parts reserved on open jobs, a reorder list and purchase orders stop stock surprises.
- Your garage software must also handle VAT, corporate tax and PINT AE e-invoicing.
Why paper job cards cost you money
Most UAE garages still run on paper job cards, a WhatsApp group and an accounting package at the end of the month. Labour that was done but never written down, parts taken from the shelf but not billed, and estimates waiting for approval all leak profit. Software that follows each car from the gate to the invoice closes those gaps.
Features to look for
- Job cards with customer, vehicle, odometer, fuel level, complaint and promised time
- Inspection checklist for oils, filters, brakes, tyres, battery, AC, lights and more
- Stages such as received, inspection, awaiting approval, in progress, quality check, ready and delivered
- Labour rate list and parts from stock on every job
- Vehicle history by plate number, with the next service date
- WhatsApp messages from your own number, plus service reminders and rating requests
- Parts inventory with reserved stock, reorder list, RFQs and purchase orders
- Invoicing and accounts with VAT, corporate tax and PINT AE e-invoicing
- Payroll with overtime, advances, gratuity and the WPS salary file
- Branches, user roles and PINs for shared workshop computers
WhatsApp and customer follow-up
Customers expect a message when their car is received, a clear estimate to approve, and a note when it is ready. After delivery, a reminder when the next service is due and a quick rating request keep your workshop busy and build your reputation. Look for software that sends these from your own WhatsApp number and records the replies.
Parts and stock control
Parts are usually the biggest cost in a garage. Good software values stock at weighted average cost, reserves parts as soon as they are added to an open job card, warns you when items fall to their reorder level, and lets you ask several suppliers for quotes before you buy.
VAT, corporate tax and e-invoicing
Car repairs and parts are standard-rated at 5% VAT, so every invoice must be a proper tax invoice. Your garage also needs corporate tax figures from its books, and from 2027 most UAE businesses must issue PINT AE e-invoices through an Accredited Service Provider. Read our e-invoicing timeline to see when your deadline is.
Bayline Garage ERP
Bayline Garage ERP by feenak covers all of the above in one system, with unlimited users and a one-time licence. Download our free job card template if you are still on paper.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the software on a tablet in the workshop?
Yes. Bayline runs in any browser, so technicians can update job cards on a tablet in the bay and advisors can work at the front desk.
Can I bring in my existing customers and parts?
Yes. We help you load your customers, vehicles and parts list from Excel when we set up Bayline.
Does it work for more than one branch?
Yes. Each branch keeps its own job cards, stock and staff under one company TRN, and you can see all branches together.
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change, so check the latest guidance from the Federal Tax Authority, the Ministry of Finance or MOHRE, or speak to a registered adviser.