Frequently Asked Questions About Labor Descriptions, Pick Lists, And Service Kits

The Glossary system is one of the most powerful features in MLS 2026.

It allows your shop to:

•Build professional labor descriptions

•Speed workorder entry

•Improve consistency

•Standardize pricing

•Reduce typing

•Create reusable service packages

When used properly, the Glossary system dramatically improves both efficiency and professionalism.

Glossary Basics

What is a Glossary entry?

A Glossary entry is a prewritten labor description stored under a specific code.

When the code is entered:

•The labor description appears automatically

•Labor times may be inserted

•Pricing may be applied

•PM schedules may be updated

Why use Glossary entries?

Glossary entries:

•Save time

•Eliminate repetitive typing

•Improve consistency

•Reduce spelling errors

•Create professional invoices

Why are professional descriptions important?

Your invoice is a communication document.

Clear descriptions:

•Build trust

•Reduce disputes

•Explain value

•Improve professionalism

Why should abbreviations be avoided?

Abbreviations:

•Confuse clients

•Look unprofessional

•Create misunderstandings

Clear language improves customer confidence.

Glossary Codes

What is a Glossary code?

A Glossary code is the shortcut used to retrieve a labor description.

Examples:

•BRK-FR

•OIL-SYN

•TUNE6

The code retrieves the full labor entry automatically.

Do I need to memorize all Glossary codes?

No.

MLS includes full lookup capability.

You may:

•Type the code directly

•Use the search lookup

•Browse by system and group

What happens if I enter an incorrect code?

MLS will:

•Display the lookup list

•Allow you to browse entries

•Help locate the correct code

Using The Lookup System

How does the lookup system work?

The lookup system usually follows:

1.System category

2.Service group

3.Specific labor description

Example:

•Engine

•Cooling System

•Replace Water Pump

Why organize Glossaries by system and group?

Organization:

•Speeds searching

•Simplifies training

•Maintains consistency

•Helps new employees

Blank Line Entries

What is the B code?

The B code creates blank lines for custom text entry.

Use it when:

•No Glossary exists

•The service is unique

•Special comments are needed

Why does MLS ask if I want to save a B entry?

Because MLS assumes you may want the description available for future use.

Usually:

•YES = reusable description

•NO = one-time entry

What happens if I accidentally save a B entry?

The next time B is used:

•The saved description may appear again

This can create confusion.

Editing Glossary Entries

Can I modify a Glossary description on a workorder?

Yes.

Changes affect ONLY the current workorder.

The master Glossary remains unchanged.

Why is this useful?

It allows:

•Personalization

•Vehicle-specific notes

•Detailed explanations

•Custom recommendations

Without altering the original template.

Should I create detailed labor descriptions?

Absolutely.

Detailed descriptions:

•Demonstrate professionalism

•Explain services clearly

•Reduce misunderstandings

•Improve customer confidence

Labor Times

Can labor times be stored in Glossary entries?

Yes.

Glossary entries may contain:

•Flat rate units

•Labor rates

•Technician information

•Tax defaults

What is the advantage of storing labor times?

Stored times:

•Speed estimates

•Improve consistency

•Standardize pricing

•Improve productivity tracking

Labor Charts

What is the Labor Chart system?

MLS automatically tracks:

•Actual charges

•Units

•Average times

•High/low labor values

Specific to:

•Year

•Make

•Model

Why is this valuable?

Labor Charts help:

•Improve pricing accuracy

•Compare technician efficiency

•Estimate future jobs

•Understand profitability

Pick Lists

What is a Pick List?

A Pick List is a predefined group of parts.

Examples:

•Oil service parts

•Brake hardware kits

•Tune-up components

Why use Pick Lists?

Pick Lists:

•Save time

•Reduce missed parts

•Standardize repairs

•Improve consistency

How many parts can a Pick List contain?

A Pick List may contain up to 50 parts.

How are Pick Lists activated?

Enter:

#CODE

Example:

#BRAKE

MLS will:

•Display the list

•Allow editing

•Add the selected items

Can Pick Lists be edited before processing?

Yes.

Before processing:

•Quantities may be changed

•Items may be removed

•Services may be adjusted

What happens if quantity is set to zero?

That item will not be added to the workorder.

Kits

What is a Kit?

A Kit combines:

•Labor

•Parts

•Pricing structures

Into one reusable service package.

Why are Kits useful?

Kits:

•Speed workorder creation

•Improve consistency

•Standardize services

•Reduce entry errors

Can Kits include both labor and parts?

Yes.

This is one of their greatest advantages.

What is the Automatic Kit Builder?

The Automatic Kit Builder creates Kits directly from an existing workorder.

How does the Automatic Kit Builder work?

1.Highlight a labor item

2.Select Build

3.Select related parts

4.Enter a Kit code and title

5.Save

MLS creates the new Kit automatically.

Can more items be added later to a Kit?

Yes.

Use the same Kit code again and MLS will append the additional entries.

PM Integration

Can Glossary entries update PM schedules?

Yes.

Certain services may automatically:

•Reset PM intervals

•Update service dates

•Track mileage intervals

Why is this important?

Automatic PM updates:

•Reduce missed maintenance

•Improve reminder accuracy

•Increase repeat business

Recommendations

Can Glossary entries be used for Recommendations?

Yes.

Many shops create recommendation-specific entries.

Examples:

•Brake wear warnings

•Tire wear notices

•Fluid service reminders

Why are recommendation templates useful?

Templates:

•Save time

•Improve consistency

•Maintain professionalism

•Personalize communication

Writing Better Descriptions

What makes a good labor description?

Good descriptions are:

•Clear

•Complete

•Professional

•Easy to understand

What should descriptions explain?

Descriptions should explain:

•What was done

•Why it was necessary

•What was inspected

•What was replaced

•Any important findings

Why should descriptions avoid technician shorthand?

Clients do not understand shop shorthand.

Descriptions should communicate clearly to:

•Vehicle owners

•Fleet managers

•Warranty companies

•Insurance adjusters

Productivity Benefits

How much time can Glossaries save?

A properly designed Glossary system can:

•Reduce workorder writing time dramatically

•Improve consistency

•Increase invoice quality

•Reduce training time

Why do experienced shops rely heavily on Glossaries?

Because they:

•Improve speed

•Reduce mistakes

•Create professionalism

•Standardize communication

Common Mistakes

What are the most common Glossary mistakes?

1. Using abbreviations

Confuses clients and reduces professionalism.

2. Creating duplicate entries

Creates inconsistent descriptions.

3. Saving poor-quality descriptions

Weak descriptions repeat forever.

4. Failing to organize by systems/groups

Makes searching difficult.

5. Using vague descriptions

Reduces customer confidence.

6. Not updating labor times

Creates pricing inaccuracies.

7. Overcomplicating codes

Codes should be logical and memorable.

8. Forgetting to save entries

Unsaved work is lost.

9. Creating kits with incorrect pricing

May distort profitability or tax handling.

10. Not reviewing Glossary quality periodically

Outdated descriptions weaken professionalism.

Best Practices

What are the keys to a successful Glossary system?

Successful shops:

•Use clear descriptions

•Avoid abbreviations

•Standardize terminology

•Organize entries logically

•Maintain pricing accuracy

•Build useful Pick Lists

•Develop reusable Kits

•Review and refine descriptions regularly

The Glossary system is one of the most valuable productivity and communication tools within MLS 2026.