Integrated Shop Standard (iShop™)

Auto Care Association’s iShop^TM is for information providers, service shops, service equipment providers, and third-party data enrichment services, among others.

iShop^TM is a set of computer interface standards that allow vehicle service equipment, management software, and inspection servers to communicate seamlessly in the service shop environment. iShop^TM makes it easier for technicians to get information needed for each job, increasing efficiency of service shop jobs and tasks. Using iShop^TM, technicians are more productive as they can focus on the service task at hand rather than administrative task of aggregating data and information because the information is available at their fingertips. iShop^TM provides a single, open, worldwide standard for the integration and interconnectivity of computer-based shop equipment utilizing standards-based XML Web service.

The iShop^TM suite is made up of two areas:

Inspection Server (iShop^TM IS)
Shop Management Server (iShop^TM SMS)

Inspection Server (iShop^TMIS)

The iShop^TM Inspection Server (IS) is a web-API used by information providers and repair shops. The IS provides a central location to share information between information providers, shop owners, and technicians. Information providers can post information such as service times, rates, etc. to a common server. Shop owners and technicians can access the central location to read information from multiple information providers. The use of the IS simplifies required technical infrastructure in services shops establishment of one connection for access to multiple information sources. Similarly, information providers are able to reach broader audiences.

The Inspection Server is based on a subset of the standard iShop^TM SMS version. The Inspection Server is a lightweight server option which is focused on a one-way exchange of information.

Shop Management Server (iShop^TM SMS)

The iShop^TM Shop Management Server (SMS) is a standard used to facilitate the exchange of repair and diagnostic information between shop tools, and frontend POS system. SMS is used by service shops, service equipment providers, and third-party data enrichment services. Using SMS, shop equipment and systems from variety of providers are able to share information. Data, such as information about the customer, vehicle, equipment, diagnostic results and repair order information can seamlessly flow from start to finish of a job. Shops can use equipment from a variety of providers, using the best equipment for each job. Equipment providers can integrate with shops avoiding brand loyalty constraints. The use of SMS reduces shop service time, cost, and errors related to re-keying data from one device to another resulting in more focused and efficient technicians.

Learn more about our documentation

Integrated Shop Standards

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iShop^TM 4.1 is the current version of the Integrated Shop Standard (iShop^TM) offered to the industry. This version, and all versions, are designed and maintained by the industry, for the industry, through industry workgroups and the guidance of the Technology Standards Committee (TSC).

Documentation includes:

  Technical Implementation Guide
  Functional Implementation Guide
  Interface Diagram

Note: Our documentation is available to the public. To view and download documentation, please sign-in with your autocare.org login information to the Auto Care Digital Hub. If you do not have a login, please create an account.

Download

The Integrated Shop Standard (iShop^TM) can be downloaded through the Auto Care Vehicle Information Portal (VIP).

iShop^TM requires an active paid subscription to view and download.

Subscriptions are based on each individual product of iShop:

iShop^TM Inspection Server (iShop IS)
iShop^TM Shop Management Server (iShop SMS)

Note: Access to the VIP site does not require a paid active subscription. However, access to certain products within the site will require an active paid subscription. To access the VIP site, users are required to create an autocare.org account. Click here to create an account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Integrated Shop Standard (iShop™)?

Auto Care Association’s iShop™ is for information providers, service shops, service equipment providers, and third party data enrichment services, among others. iShop™ is a set of computer interface standards that allow vehicle service equipment, management software, and inspection servers to communicate seamlessly in the service shop environment. iShop™ makes it easier for technicians to get information needed for each job, increasing efficiency of service shop jobs and tasks. Using iShop™, technicians are more productive as they can focus on the service task at hand rather than administrative task of aggregating data and information because the information is available at their fingertips. iShop™ provides a single, open, worldwide standard for the integration and interconnectivity of computer-based shop equipment utilizing standards-based XML Web service. iShop™ suite is made up of the Shop Management Server and the Inspection Server.

What does iShop™ do?

iShop™ technology tells various computers in the shop how to communicate with each other, even when they are supplied by different companies. This means that once a piece of information exists, it can be shared and viewed at other computers in the shop. This saves needless and non-productive re-keying of information about the customer, the vehicle and the work performed. In addition, information created in the back shop, such as alignment results, can be shared and saved on the shop management system in the front shop. The interconnectivity of iShop™ allows the technician to remain focused on vehicle service and adds productivity to the shop operation.

How does iShop™ benefit a repair facility?

When a shop is equipped with certified iShop™ shop management systems (SMS), diagnostic machines and information servers, all the data needed to service the vehicle is available at the fingertips of technicians and service writers, increasing their productivity. Additional benefits include:

Productivity increases with integrated shop equipment by allowing a technician to view needed information right from their bay.
Enhanced communication with the vehicle owner, enabling the service writer to use multiple information sources to effectively demonstrate how the job was done.
Time savings and reduced wasted effort, leading to increased bay utilization, greater technician productivity and improved customer satisfaction.
Improved efficiencies in all areas: greeting the customer; developing a work order; performing diagnostics; scheduling service; procuring parts; facilitating technicians' access to repair information; and invoicing.

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