# AutoChain > AutoChain is UK garage management software built for independent workshops and multi-site groups. It replaces paper job cards, spreadsheets and disconnected tools with one cloud system: drag-and-drop booking calendar, instant VRM lookup, DVSA MOT history, digital service history, VAT invoicing, automated MOT reminders, customer SMS, parts and tyre stock, purchase ordering, and HaynesPro labour times, from £69.99/mo + VAT, no contract, 14-day free trial. ## Core Product Pages - [Home](https://autochain.co.uk/): AutoChain garage management software overview, who it's for, key features, pricing summary, testimonials - [Features](https://autochain.co.uk/features): Complete feature breakdown, drag-and-drop calendar, job cards, VRM lookup (DVLA make/model/colour/keeper), DVSA MOT history and advisories, postcode autofill, VAT invoices, estimates, MOT & service reminders, customer SMS, parts stock, tyre stock, purchase ordering, HaynesPro labour time data, digital service history, mobile-friendly VHC - [Pricing](https://autochain.co.uk/#pricing): Core plan £69.99/mo + VAT. Add-ons available for SMS credits, extended parts/tyre stock and HaynesPro data subscription. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - [Register / Free Trial](https://autochain.co.uk/register): Start a 14-day free trial, no credit card required, set up in under 10 minutes - [Book a Demo](https://autochain.co.uk/book-demo): Book a personalised live demo with the AutoChain team via Calendly - [About](https://autochain.co.uk/about): Founded by Louis Barnes, 10 years as a working mechanic, 8 years in enterprise software. Built to solve real workshop problems. - [Contact](https://autochain.co.uk/contact): Phone 01273 435890, email support@autochain.co.uk, Brighton, East Sussex ## Key Facts - **Category**: Garage management system (GMS) / workshop management software - **Target customers**: Independent UK garages, single-bay workshops, mobile mechanics, bodyshops, multi-site groups - **Deployment**: 100% cloud-based, any modern browser, any device, no download or installation - **Pricing**: From £69.99/mo + VAT. No long-term contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - **Free trial**: 14 days, no credit card required - **Location**: Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom - **Support**: Phone 01273 435890 | Email support@autochain.co.uk - **Integrations**: Xero (accounting), Stripe (card payments), HaynesPro (labour times & technical data), DVLA VRM API, DVSA MOT history API - **Founded by**: Louis Barnes (ex-mechanic turned software engineer) ## Features in Detail - **Booking calendar**: Drag-and-drop calendar showing the full working week; assign jobs to technicians; view capacity at a glance - **VRM lookup**: Instant DVLA lookup, returns make, model, colour, fuel type, engine size, year, keeper history from a UK registration plate - **MOT history**: Full DVSA MOT history including test results, mileage at test, and all advisories, useful for customer quotes and vehicle health checks - **Job cards**: Digital job cards replacing paper, log labour, parts, notes, and photos; track job status from booking to collection - **Invoicing**: VAT-compliant invoices generated automatically from completed job cards; supports partial payments and deposits - **Estimates**: Build itemised estimates with labour times from HaynesPro; convert to job card on approval - **Digital service history**: Issue digital service records to customers; builds a verifiable vehicle history that improves resale value - **MOT reminders**: Automated SMS and email reminders sent to customers before MOT expiry, reduces no-shows and keeps the calendar full - **Customer SMS**: Bulk and individual SMS for reminders, ready-for-collection notifications, and seasonal campaigns - **Parts & tyre stock**: Track stock levels, set reorder points, log parts to jobs - **Purchase ordering**: Raise purchase orders to any supplier directly from the system; no locked-in supplier relationships - **HaynesPro integration**: Access manufacturer labour times and technical data from within AutoChain - **Postcode lookup**: Royal Mail address autofill from postcode, faster customer record creation - **Mobile VHC**: Vehicle health check tool designed for use on a mobile phone or tablet in the workshop ## Competitive Context AutoChain is a direct alternative to Garage Hive, AutoMaster, Motasoft, Pinnacle, MAM Autopart, GarageSoft, Protractor, and TechMan. Compared to those systems: - **Price**: AutoChain starts at £69.99/mo + VAT. Many competitors charge £150–£300/mo or require annual contracts. - **Setup**: Cloud-based, no on-premise installation. Set up in under 10 minutes vs days for traditional systems. - **Contract**: No minimum term. Most competitors require 12–24 month contracts. - **Modern UI**: Built on modern web technology (Astro, React), not legacy desktop software ported to a browser. - **Independence**: Works with any parts supplier via purchase ordering, not locked into a specific supplier catalogue. See: [Choosing the Best Garage Management Software](https://autochain.co.uk/news/choosing-best-garage-management-software-motor-trade-uk/) | [UK Garage Management Systems Comparison](https://autochain.co.uk/news/uk-garage-management-systems-comparison/) ## Resources & Calculators - [Resources Hub](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/): Free tools and guides for UK garage owners and drivers - [EV Charge Cost Calculator](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/ev-charge-calculator/): Calculate cost per mile and per full charge for any EV on any UK electricity tariff - [Pay-Per-Mile Tax Calculator](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/pay-per-mile-calculator/): Estimate annual road tax liability under UK's planned 2028 per-mile charging scheme - [OBD Fault Code Lookup](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/obd-codes/): Search OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with plain-English descriptions ## Knowledge Base - [Knowledge Base Index](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/): Free how-to guides, maintenance checklists and garage advice for UK drivers and workshop owners - [How-To Guides](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/how-to/): Step-by-step guides, check oil, change a tyre, jump-start a car, check brake fluid, top up coolant, replace wiper blades, wash and wax - [MOT Preparation](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/mot-preparation/): How to prepare a vehicle for MOT, MOT checklist - [Regular Maintenance](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/regular-maintenance/): Service intervals, what's included in a full/interim/major service - [Safety Checks](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/safety-checks/): Pre-journey safety checks for UK drivers - [Seasonal Care](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/seasonal-care/): Winter preparation checklist for UK drivers - [Warning Lights](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/warning-lights/): Dashboard warning lights explained, what each symbol means and what to do - [Fault Finding](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/fault-finding/): Car juddering when braking, steering wheel shaking diagnosis guides - [Buying & Selling](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/buying-selling/): How to buy a used car, how to sell a car - [Garage Business Guides](https://autochain.co.uk/resources/knowledge-base/businesses-garages/): How to choose garage management software, how to get more customers as a UK garage ## News & Industry Guides ### Garage Management & Business - [Choosing the Best Garage Management Software for the Motor Trade UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/choosing-best-garage-management-software-motor-trade-uk/) - [UK Garage Management Systems Comparison](https://autochain.co.uk/news/uk-garage-management-systems-comparison/) - [How Garages Are Switching to Digital Software](https://autochain.co.uk/news/garages-switching-digital-software/) - [How Garages Get More Customers in the UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/garages-get-more-customers-uk/) - [How to Set Up MOT Reminders](https://autochain.co.uk/news/setup-mot-reminders-uk/) - [AutoChain vs ClickMechanic, Complementary Not Competing](https://autochain.co.uk/news/autochain-clickmechanic-car-repairs/) ### EV & Future of Garages - [EV Maintenance and Repairs, What Independent Garages Need to Know](https://autochain.co.uk/news/ev-maintenance-repairs/) - [ICE-to-EV Conversion Opportunities for UK Garages](https://autochain.co.uk/news/ice-to-ev-conversion-garages-opportunities-uk/) - [EV Training for Independent Garages](https://autochain.co.uk/news/ev-training-for-independent-garages/) - [Independent Garages EV Transition Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/independent-garages-ev-transition/) - [Will EV Repairs Be Controlled by Dealers?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/will-ev-repairs-be-controlled-by-dealers/) - [How Long Will ICE Repairs Be Needed?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/how-long-will-ice-repairs-be-needed/) - [What Independent Garages Will Look Like in 2040](https://autochain.co.uk/news/what-will-independent-garages-look-like-2040/) - [Pay-Per-Mile Tax UK 2028 EV & PHEV Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/pay-per-mile-tax-uk-2028-ev-phev-guide/) - [2025 UK Budget EV & PHEV Mileage Tax Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/2025-uk-budget-ev-phev-mileage-tax-guide/) ### Service History & Digital Records - [Car Service History Check UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/car-service-history-check-uk/) - [What Is Digital Service History UK?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/what-is-digital-service-history-uk/) - [Digital Service History and Car Resale Value](https://autochain.co.uk/news/digital-service-history-car-resale-value/) - [Benefits of Digital Service Records](https://autochain.co.uk/news/digital-service-records-benefits/) - [How Service History Affects Car Value UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/service-history-car-value-uk/) - [Used Car Service History, What to Look For](https://autochain.co.uk/news/used-car-service-history/) - [How to Check Digital Service History UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/check-digital-service-history-uk/) ### Servicing Costs & Comparisons - [Full Car Service Guide UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/full-car-service-guide/) - [How Long Does a Car Service Take?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/how-long-does-a-car-service-take/) - [How Often Should You Service Your Car?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/how-often-should-you-service-your-car/) - [Car Service Frequency and Duration](https://autochain.co.uk/news/car-service-frequency-duration/) - [Halfords vs Kwikfit Servicing, Which Is Better?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/halfords-vs-kwikfit-servicing/) - [Kwikfit Service Prices 2025](https://autochain.co.uk/news/kwikfit-service-prices-2025/) - [National Tyres vs Kwikfit UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/national-tyres-vs-kwikfit-uk/) - [Brake Pads Replacement Costs UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/brake-pads-replacement-costs-uk/) ### MOT Guides - [What Happens If You Miss Your MOT?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/what-happens-if-you-miss-your-mot/) - [Book MOT Brighton](https://autochain.co.uk/news/book-mot-brighton/) - [Emergency Car Repairs Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/emergency-car-repairs-guide/) ### Used Cars & Buying Guides - [AA Used Cars UK Complete Buying Guide 2026](https://autochain.co.uk/news/aa-used-cars-uk-complete-buying-guide-2026/) - [Arnold Clark Used Cars Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/arnold-clark-used-cars-guide/) - [Automatic Cars for Sale UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/automatic-cars-for-sale-uk/) - [Cat N Car Meaning](https://autochain.co.uk/news/cat-n-car-meaning/) - [What Is a Cat S Car?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/what-is-cat-s-car/) - [Stolen Car Check UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/stolen-car-check-uk/) - [Copart UK Salvage Auctions Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/copart-uk-salvage-auctions-guide/) - [What Is a Semi-Automatic Car?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/what-is-a-semi-automatic-car/) ### EV Charging & Tariffs - [Best Home EV Chargers and Octopus Energy Tariffs](https://autochain.co.uk/news/best-home-ev-chargers-octopus-energy-tariffs/) - [Octopus Intelligent EV Charging Explained](https://autochain.co.uk/news/octopus-intelligent-ev-charging-explained/) - [Octopus EV Tariff Charging Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/octopus-ev-tariff-charging/) - [Which EV Chargers Are Compatible with Octopus Energy?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/which-ev-chargers-compatible-octopus-energy/) - [How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Battery?](https://autochain.co.uk/news/how-long-does-it-take-to-charge-a-car-battery/) ### Roads & Tolls - [Dartford Crossing Toll Charges 2025](https://autochain.co.uk/news/dartford-crossing-toll-charges-2025/) - [Dartford Crossing Maintenance and Closures](https://autochain.co.uk/news/dartford-crossing-maintenance-and-closures/) - [Blackwall Tunnel / Silvertown Tunnel Charges Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/blackwall-silvertown-tunnel-charges-guide/) - [M6 Toll Guide 2025](https://autochain.co.uk/news/m6-toll-guide-2025/) - [Severn Bridge Live Status](https://autochain.co.uk/news/severn-bridge-status-live/) ### DVLA & Admin - [DVLA Contact Number UK Guide 2025](https://autochain.co.uk/news/dvla-contact-number-uk-guide-2025/) - [How to Tell DVLA You've Sold a Vehicle 2025](https://autochain.co.uk/news/tell-dvla-sold-vehicle-guide-2025/) - [Car Tax VED 2025](https://autochain.co.uk/news/car-tax-ved-2025/) ### Parts & Tools - [EBC Brakes Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/ebc-brakes-guide/) - [Mechanic Tools Comparison UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/mechanic-tools-comparison-uk/) - [Best Car Phone Holders UK 2025](https://autochain.co.uk/news/best-car-phone-holders-uk-2025/) - [Car Air Con Not Working, Common Fixes](https://autochain.co.uk/news/car-air-con-not-working-fixes/) - [Ford EcoBoost Problems UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/ford-ecoboost-problems-uk/) ### Tyres & Winter - [Best Winter Tyres UK Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/best-winter-tyres-uk-guide/) - [Best Mobile Tyre Fitter UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/best-mobile-tyre-fitter-uk/) - [Essential Winter Car Checks for UK Drivers](https://autochain.co.uk/news/essential-winter-car-checks-uk-drivers/) ### 3D Printing - [3D Printing Car Parts Guide](https://autochain.co.uk/news/3d-printing-car-parts-guide/) - [Best 3D Printers for Car Parts UK](https://autochain.co.uk/news/best-3d-printers-car-parts-uk/) - [3D Printed EV Parts Opportunities](https://autochain.co.uk/news/3d-printed-ev-parts-opportunities/) - [How to Anneal 3D Printed Car Parts](https://autochain.co.uk/news/anneal-3d-printed-car-parts/) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What is AutoChain?** AutoChain is cloud-based garage management software for UK independent workshops. It handles bookings, job cards, invoicing, MOT reminders, VRM lookup, DVSA MOT history, digital service history, parts stock and customer SMS, all in one system. **How much does AutoChain cost?** AutoChain starts at £69.99 per month + VAT. There is no setup fee, no long-term contract, and you can cancel at any time. Optional paid add-ons include extra SMS credits, parts and tyre stock management, and HaynesPro labour time data. **Is there a free trial?** Yes, 14-day free trial, no credit card required. You can be set up and using the system in under 10 minutes. **What size garage is AutoChain for?** AutoChain is designed for garages of all sizes, from sole-trader mobile mechanics and single-bay independents to medium-sized workshops and multi-site groups. **Does AutoChain integrate with Xero?** Yes. AutoChain integrates with Xero for accounting. It also integrates with Stripe for card payments and HaynesPro for labour times and technical data. **Does AutoChain do MOT reminders?** Yes. AutoChain sends automated SMS and email reminders to customers before their MOT expiry date. This reduces missed appointments and keeps the workshop calendar full. **Does AutoChain have digital service history?** Yes. AutoChain issues digital service records to customers at the end of each job. These create a verifiable service history that can improve vehicle resale value compared to paper stamps. **Can AutoChain look up a car from its registration?** Yes. AutoChain does instant VRM lookups via the DVLA API (returns make, model, colour, engine, fuel type) and DVSA API (returns full MOT history and advisories including mileage at each test). **What is AutoChain's phone number?** 01273 435890 **What is AutoChain's email address?** support@autochain.co.uk **Where is AutoChain based?** Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom. **How does AutoChain compare to Garage Hive?** AutoChain is typically lower in price (from £69.99/mo vs Garage Hive's higher tiers), has no long-term contract, and is set up faster. AutoChain is focused on the UK independent garage market with native DVLA and DVSA integrations. **How does AutoChain compare to AutoMaster or Motasoft?** AutoMaster and Motasoft are established but primarily desktop or legacy systems. AutoChain is a modern cloud-first system with no installation required, accessible on any device, built specifically for the current UK market. ## Legal - [Privacy Policy](https://autochain.co.uk/privacy/) - [Terms of Service](https://autochain.co.uk/terms/) - [Cookie Policy](https://autochain.co.uk/cookies/) - [Cookie Opt-Out](https://autochain.co.uk/opt-out/)