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If you are interested in implementing the use of flat rates, read the following sections to determine which method best suits your needs.

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Mechanic Flat Rates

This method is the most commonly used method. Although different labor rates can be defined for different employees/mechanics, usually the same flat shop rate is defined in all records. The total labor cost for jobs completed will vary depending on the actual time spent on the job. To use this method, do the following:

1. Add employee/mechanic records as needed.
2. In the Wages Tab, select Flat rate as the wage type.
3. Specify the flat rate to charge when labor is posted to work orders.

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System or Mechanic Flat Rate

NOTE: There are slight differences when using this flat rate method with the Paperless Shop add-on. Please read through this section in its entirety before implementation.
This method uses either the flat rate set in the "Flat Labor Rate" switch in the Main System Parameters (SSM, switch 4) OR the flat rate set in the employee file (MMM). The benefit of using this flat rate method is that it helps to standardize the time charged for the work performed in your shop. This is accomplished by incorporating the use of the standard hours from the VMRS codes. The standard hours are referenced and displayed when labor entries are posted for a job. By always using the default time displayed, the time charged for that particular will be consistent. If needed, you can always override the defaults to charge more or less than the "standard job rate." For more information about estimated hours, refer to "How the System Determines the Estimated Time for a Job." 
Before using this method for charging flat rates, a decision needs to be made on where the flat rate will come from—the "Flat Labor Rate" switch or the employee file.

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• Use the Work Order and Paperless Shop modules in the usual manner. When jobs are added to work orders, the system checks to see if a flat rate record with a matching customer number and VMRS code exists.
• A flat parts charge, if any, is immediately applied after the Post Parts option is accessed (flat rate x job quantity).
• A flat labor charge, if any, is immediately applied after the Post Labor option is accessed (flat rate x job quantity).

Adding a Flat Rate

To add a flat rate record, do the following:

1. Select Master > Customer > Flat Rates from the RTA main menu (MCF).
2. Enter a customer number or press F1 to select a customer from the lookup list.
3. Enter a VMRS code or press F1 to select a VMRS code from the lookup list. When a work order line is created using the specified customer and VMRS code, the flat rate amount will apply to that job.
4. Set the Flat Rate Code to FP to charge a flat rate for both labor and parts; set to FL to charge a flat rate for labor only.
5. Enter the flat rate parts cost. AND/OR
6. Enter the flat rate labor cost.
7. Save the record.

Changing a Flat Rate

You can adjust flat rate costs for parts and/or labor. Changes cannot be made to the customer number or VMRS code. To change a flat rate record, do the following:

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1. Make the changes as needed.
2. Save the record.

Deleting a Flat Rate

To delete a flat rate record, do the following:

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