Unlearning SAM X: Why Warren’s Garage & Towing Moved to Auxo Workshop for Simpler Workflows
“Auxo Workshop does need a bit of tweaking with a couple of things, but nothing compared to what SAM was. I just find it’s so much easier to work with and I’m still learning.”
When you’ve been using the same system for years, switching isn’t something you do lightly.
For Warren’s Garage & Towing – a husband-and-wife team running a busy workshop and towing operation – SAM X was familiar. It worked. They knew where everything lived. But when they were invited to trial Auxo Workshop, they decided to take a look.
“We got asked if we would like to trial it and we had a look at it. And we just liked the way it was set up.”
They didn’t move because they had to. They moved because everyday tasks started to feel simpler.
One of the biggest differences for Jenny, who manages the administration side of the business, was how parts were handled. “We found SAM was quite lagging… putting in my parts and stuff, I found that was a real mission.”
With Auxo Workshop, that friction disappeared. “I can just click on my purchase list and put in my part to my job.”
It’s a simple change in workflow, but in practice it’s become her favourite feature. The purchase order functionality -and the way it flows directly into the job – has made a noticeable difference to her day.
The improvement hasn’t just been in parts management. Warren’s Garage & Towing also handles a high volume of tow jobs, which are often entered at the end of the month once remittances are received. Under SAM X, Jenny was limited in how far back she could navigate when entering those jobs.
“With SAM I could only go back so far.”
Now, she can simply click back through the calendar to the exact date she needs. It’s a small detail, but it’s made month-end processing easier and more flexible.
“It just seems to make my job so much quicker.”
The transition itself wasn’t instant.
“To begin with, I found it very frustrating, but that was because I was unlearning SAM to learn Auxo.”
That adjustment period is real. After years of doing things one way, change requires patience. What helped most was guided onboarding, with someone walking her through the system visually. Being shown how it worked on screen made the difference.
Over time, the frustration faded and the efficiency became clearer.
“So far I’ve found the experience very good.”
Support has also felt different. Instead of relying solely on phone-based helpdesk support, Jenny began using Axel inside Auxo Workshop. She found it surprisingly helpful – especially for smaller questions she might previously have felt hesitant to call about.
“I actually found it really good… sometimes I felt really embarrassed ringing for something really basic.”
And when Axel couldn’t resolve something, someone followed up directly.
“He said you need a human… and they rang me back the next day.”
Compared to waiting a couple of days in the past, that responsiveness stood out.
The move to Auxo Workshop has also coincided with growth in the business. Warren’s Garage & Towing has recently brought on a new technician as they’ve become busier.
“We’re getting a lot busier now.”
He’s already downloaded Auxo Workshop on his tablet and started typing notes directly into the system – a practical improvement for the office. Instead of trying to decipher handwriting or walking back out to the workshop for clarification, Jenny can simply open the notes and enter them into the job.
“I don’t have to go and ask, ‘Is this 7 or is this 9?’”
For now, they’re still running some paperwork alongside the system, largely because her husband prefers it. But the direction is clear. Over time, they plan to move further toward using phones or tablets on the workshop floor.
Online bookings are also in use, with customers responding positively. It’s another step toward a smoother front-of-house process.
Jenny is honest that Auxo Workshop isn’t perfect.
“Auxo does need a bit of tweaking with a couple of things, but nothing compared to what SAM was.”
But overall, her view is consistent.
“I just find it’s so much easier to work with and I’m still learning.”
For Warren’s Garage & Towing, the move wasn’t about dramatic change. It was about removing friction – fewer steps to enter parts, easier navigation through past jobs, clearer workshop notes, and faster support when needed.
After trialling Auxo Workshop, they chose to switch.
And today, the overall feeling is simple: it’s easier.
