Online Training Classes

Our collection of online training classes easily allows customers to access the latest knowledge and gain valuable training on an array of topics, no matter where the customers are located. Since we offer an assortment of online training classes covering a range of topics, attendees will learn how to improve profitability, efficiency and productivity, without ever having to leave your dealership!

The following classes are now being offered:

Parts Maintenance

This class covers the parts module configurations, all aspects of maintaining accurate parts files and the full set-up of parts features such as parts extras, parts groups, pricing grids, GL groups, parts pricing file conversions, suggested min/max purchasing.

Work Order Maintenance

In this class we cover the service module configurations, the full set-up of Service features such as WO extras, Internal WO bill codes, status codes, WO Category, Flat Rates, Appliance Serial Numbers, Service Disclaimers.

Managing Parts & Service

This class covers the reports and account reconciliations for both the Parts and Service departments that should be reviewed on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

Creating Work Orders Start to Finish

This class will walk you through the full scope of creating a WO including all the WO heading information and the functionality of over 50 WO subroutines.

Warranty Creation, Submission, Shortages and Reports

The creation and maintenance of the Warranty Customer file, creating,/submitting claims, recording overages/shortages, tracking return parts and payment/credit note application.

Prospecting Letters and Emails

This class will teach you how to:

• Set up and print prospecting letters or emails in Astra to be sent to customers
• Create and send letters to your prospects, sold customers and service customers
• Communicate with your customers to generate more business with just a few keystrokes

Custom Reports

Have you always wanted to create an Astra report to your specifications? This class will teach you:

• How to sort by various criteria, including unit inventory color, type or manufacturer
• How to add subtotals or additional columns of information to an existing custom report
• How to create or adjust existing reports for virtually all areas of the system, including unit and parts inventory, employees and payables

Basic Accounts Payable

This class for new users of Astra Accounts Payable will teach you:

• How to set up new vendors with applicable terms, discount dates and default GL accounts
• Options that can be applied to part purchase payables
• How to create floorplan payables prior to posting a unit inventory sale
• How to merge vendors
• How to write regular, on-demand or batch checks
• How to set up AP funds codes
• How to distribute expenses across multiple GL accounts for departmental allocations
• How to research vendor history

Service Efficiency and Effective Labor Rates

Are you making less than 60% on your labor gross profit? Do you know how to tell how much you are making on labor gross profit? This class will teach you how to increase your service efficiency just by determining your effective labor rate and how much you are losing to write-offs. You don't have to be using flat rates to use this information to generate more gross profit in your service department!

Daily GL Docs

In this class, you will learn to create reports that can be printed daily for each of your department managers to help them manage gross profit. Additionally, you will learn to input your dealership budget and compare it to your actual figures.

Special Order Parts

Don't ever order over-the-counter parts again without getting paid up-front! In this class you will learn how to:

• Manage special orders and not tie up shelf space
• Increase cash flow when parts are ordered with incoming freight
• Decrease obsolescence through special order parts tracking

Year End Parts Physical Inventory Procedures

The end of the year is approaching quickly. Make sure your parts department is prepared and able to take advantage of Astra's year end parts routines in order to conduct a proper and efficient part year end physical inventory in a timely and efficient manner. This class will teach you want needs to be done prior to starting the inventory process, as well as what steps to take during and upon conclusion of the parts count.

Parts Cycle Count

To ensure the integrity of your parts inventory, it is recommended that aside from doing the year-end parts inventory, the dealership should also complete cycle counts. A cycle count inventory is based on dividing your parts department into sections and verifying the on-hand quantities for all the parts in one section either on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. This class provides a guide, walking you through the processes of carrying out your cycle counts in the Parts Cycle Count menu.

Cash Flow Low? Are Your Warranty Claims What the MFG Would Expect?

Learn how to determine if you're submitting and receiving the cash from the manufacturer for warranty claims for the unit inventory you are paying for.

Setting Up and Running Astra Payroll

You don't have to use Astra payroll to set up your employees, but setting them up will give you the ability to track employee purchases and create employee cell phone and birthday lists, among other things. If you do use Astra payroll, however, this class will teach you how to:

• Set up employees, pay schedules, deductions and fringe benefits
• Print W2 and W3's
• Take advantage of hours and commissions which automatically feed into Astra payroll from their source routines, reducing duplicate input

All online training classes begin at 1pm EST and last approximately 90 minutes. A question-and-answer session will be offered following each class.

Use the links to the right to download the Online Training Class Data Sheet or to learn detailed information about the content offered in these classes.