Overview
Easily decode VINs to pull make, model, year, and engine details automatically for accurate record keeping.
Steps
1. Go to Customers → Select Customer → Assets → New Asset.
2. Enter the VIN Number → click Decode VIN.
3. Review decoded details (Make, Model, Engine Type).
4. Link the vehicle to a Customer or Work Order.
Pro Tips
· Ensure VINs are entered exactly as printed—one wrong character affects decoding.
· Use decoded data to speed up estimate creation.
FAQs
Q: Can I manually add vehicle details without a VIN?
A: Yes, fill in the details manually if VIN decoding fails.
Q: Does VIN decoding work for imported vehicles?
A: It depends on regional database coverage.
Q: Can an Asset be added without a VIN?
A: No. A VIN is a required field when creating an Asset. If the actual VIN is not available, you can enter a temporary placeholder VIN so the Asset can still be created and updated later.
To avoid duplicates, we recommend using a unique format such as:
CUSTOMERNAMEUNIT# (for example: ACMETRUCK12). This ensures the VIN remains unique over time.
Using generic placeholders like UPDATEVIN can lead to duplicate entries, so it’s best to follow a structured naming format. Once the correct VIN becomes available, you can simply update the Asset with the accurate value.
Related Articles
· Work Order Layout
· Referencing Vehicle & Customer Repair History
· Parts Catalog Overview