Shop Writer is produced by MasterLink Software, a privately held company that has been delivering quality products and services since 1982. Collaborating with an international team of programmers and leveraging the latest Microsoft Windows development tools and technologies, MasterLink has established itself as a trusted provider in the industry.
Founded in Southern California in the spring of 1982 as a database programming company, MasterLink was soon approached by the Automotive Services Council of Southern California to develop software tailored for automotive repair shops. Over the next year, the founder engaged with shop owners, gathering their insights and incorporating their feedback into a specialized software solution. The cornerstone of this development was the creation of a computerized work order that adhered to all state guidelines and professional practices.
In 1983, the first copy of Auto Shop Writer was installed at a shop in Covina, California. The program gained rapid popularity and was sold by independent resellers who integrated it with emerging computer technology. MasterLink Software was the first to design a program specifically for the Microsoft MS-DOS operating system. Several years later, Auto Shop Writer became the first program in the automotive industry to operate on networked personal computers.
Staying true to our founding principles, every feature added to our programs is based on client input, implemented as technology advances to provide reliable new capabilities for shop owners. These enhancements aim to improve business knowledge and boost profits through carefully planned efficiency. Our DOS version has proven robust over 15 to 20 years of use, and we have built the same level of excellence into our current Windows versions.
While many companies outsourced technical support to offshore "script readers," MasterLink Software remained committed to offering personal service and support directly from our developers. We provide assistance and training through online connections, and system upgrades are automated to ensure ease of use.
Viewing the needs and requests of other service oriented small businesses, more generic subsets of the ASW program were developed, leading to Quick Writer, and Service Shop Writer.
MasterLink Software remains focused on the needs of Shop Writer users, continuously enhancing the product as business strategies evolve in the coming years. As we add features, our clients become increasingly creative and consistently share their ideas with us.
Our Team
Auto Shop Writer is a collaborative effort involving a diverse range of resources. MasterLink Software develops the “business logic” that drives decision-making within the product, using Microsoft Visual languages like C++ and C# to create the core product. Our latest releases leverage cutting-edge technologies to provide the best possible experience.
Multiple groups work together daily to bridge the gap between business logic and core components of the Microsoft Windows system, ensuring a stable product enriched with the latest features available in today’s computing landscape.
The Future
It's a well-known saying that “software is never done.” No matter what we add or refine, our clients continually suggest innovative ideas. We thrive on this interaction and plan to make it a central part of our work for many years to come.
While our older versions may still be running strong decades later, our dedication to innovation ensures that we remain vital for the next generation of shop owners.