Torqvoice

Introduction to Torqvoice

Torqvoice is a self-hosted, open-source workshop management platform designed specifically for automotive repair shops. It consolidates core operational functions—including work order tracking, invoicing, customer and vehicle management, inventory control, and reporting—into a single application that runs on the user's own infrastructure. The platform addresses the common challenge faced by many independent shops: reliance on fragmented tools such as spreadsheets, standalone invoicing software, and informal note-taking systems.

Torqvoice targets a diverse range of automotive service businesses, from solo mechanics and small independent repair shops to multi-bay garages, specialty performance or restoration shops, and mobile technicians. Its design emphasizes practicality over complexity, omitting enterprise-level bloat in favor of features directly relevant to daily shop operations.

Key Takeaways

• Self-hosted deployment via Docker with bundled PostgreSQL, enabling full data ownership and control over backups, updates, and access permissions
• Integrated work order management with technician assignment, parts and labor logging, diagnostic file attachments, and real-time status tracking
• Vehicle-centric database with lifetime service history, mileage tracking, VIN lookup, and customer-facing service portals
• Branded invoicing and quoting with PDF generation, online payment integration (Stripe, Vipps), and email notifications
• Customer database linking contact details, vehicles, and complete service records in one view
• Reporting and analytics covering revenue, services performed, and technician productivity
• Role-based team collaboration supporting up to 50 members across pricing tiers
• Open-source codebase available on GitHub with community and priority support options

How Torqvoice Works

Torqvoice operates as a web-based application deployed on the user’s local server or private cloud environment. Installation begins with cloning the repository, configuring environment variables (e.g., database credentials, SMTP settings), and launching the stack using Docker Compose. Once deployed, users configure company branding, invoice templates, payment gateways, and team members before onboarding customers, vehicles, and existing service records.

Daily use follows a vehicle- and job-centered workflow: technicians or front-desk staff create work orders upon vehicle intake, associate them with customer and vehicle profiles, log labor and parts, attach diagnostic evidence, and update status through stages (e.g., intake, diagnosis, repair, quality check, completion). Invoices and quotes are generated per job, branded with the shop’s logo and colors, and shared via secure links. Customers access service histories and pay invoices without requiring account creation.

Core Benefits and Applications

Torqvoice supports consistent operational discipline across varied shop types. Independent mechanics benefit from eliminating manual tracking and reducing administrative overhead. Multi-bay garages leverage workload visibility and technician assignment to balance capacity across bays. Specialty shops use custom fields and detailed service timelines to document complex restoration or tuning procedures. Mobile mechanics utilize the responsive interface to create quotes and log work remotely, synchronizing data upon reconnection.

The platform’s self-hosted architecture ensures compliance with data residency requirements and eliminates recurring SaaS subscription fees. Inventory tracking integrates with work orders to monitor part usage, while reports provide objective metrics for financial review and staffing decisions. All tiers include core functionality; differentiation occurs in scale limits (e.g., number of customers, team members) and advanced capabilities such as custom email configuration and priority support.