our story
vision
As a leader in the automotive shop software industry, we are passionate about improving the businesses and the lives of automotive professionals and shop owners. Backed by the knowledge and power of a Fortune 100 parent company, our passionate employees continue to evolve the software to be scalable and configurable – so R.O. Writer can be your trusted business partner for the long term.
R.O. Writer empowers shops to optimize and streamline operations. We not only make fast work of otherwise manual processes, but also improve shop profitability on both parts and labor. Seamless tools for accounting, customer management, scheduling and more bring new levels of efficiency to shops small and large alike.
We offer completely customizable software, and thorough training. We'll form a strategic partnership with you that grows as your business grows.
R.O. Writer is the only software designed with each shop owner's exact needs and operations in mind. In this way, we enhance both your experience, and your customer's. And a happy customer is a return customer.

who we are
Since 1989, R.O. Writer has provided smart software solutions for automotive
specialists, developed by industry pros. Our intuitive, user-friendly tools manage
everything from part orders to shop accounting to inventory.
R.O. Writer Advantages
Efficiency
From fast and accurate estimates, to at-a-glance inventory management, R.O. Writer's superior software optimizes your shop's efficiency.
Improved Operations
Our software offers solutions for ordering, accounting, sales and more. It even has tools that preserve profit margins. We take care of your business so you can focus on serving your customers.
Reliable, Intuitive Features
Backed by decades of industry experience, R.O. Writer's easy-to-use programs are reliable and smart, providing enhancement to both your productivity and your bottom line.
Support For Your Business
R.O. Writer was specifically built to support and optimize every aspect of the customer experience, from the moment they call for a quote to the moment you return their keys.
Adaptable Tools
Simple upgrades, high quality add-ons, and optional modules make R.O. Writer an ideal software system that grows alongside your business.
High-Quality Support
R.O. Writer's qualified team of industry experts represents the most trusted name in automotive software.
our history
From an engine knocking… to opportunity knocking.
It was the early days of software development, and the hobby of tinkering with
cars led to tinkering with computers. There was a need, and R.O. Writer filled it!
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1977
houston, texas
Progressive Automotive Systems founded as a consulting business
Read More about our consulting historyRead LessWe began as a consulting company for dealerships. We worked to streamline the Service department, identify lost sales opportunities, improve profit margins, and help with bookkeeping.
One day, a Chevrolet dealer asked for help with their Parts department. After working with staff, we created a brand-new inventory management software and counter sales system. These steps increased profits for the dealer, and inventory was no longer a mystery process either.
Around this same time, General Motors™ had stopped publishing their price books, and the need for parts catalog management surged. We responded by updating the software to manage these new pricing catalogs. The spark to create R.O. Writer was ignited!
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1989
houston, texas
Progressive Automotive Systems creates first version of R.O. Writer
Read More about first version of R.O. WriterRead LessR.O. Writer began as a DOS application — a text-based interface. The software’s popularity grew quickly, with word-of-mouth sales, few worthy competitors and ease of use.
The Windows version came out in 1996. Marketed as an “easy to use shop management software”, the processes were closely aligned with the real world — unlike other systems of the day. Shops were up and running quickly, and could add new items and people to the system in real time instead of through a lengthy setup process. They also were introduced to the ’Work In Progress’ screen for the first time — something no one else at the time was doing.
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2004
itasca, illinois
Acquired by Midas for shop software, operations moved to Itasca, IL
Read More about our accquisition by MidasRead LessOur success didn’t go unnoticed. One of our customers decided it made good business sense, both strategically and operationally, to acquire the company. In 2001, Midas purchased Progressive Automotive Systems and the R.O. Writer product, moving the entire operation to Itasca, IL in 2004.
Midas saw benefits from our success in retail, and strategically they were able to add customizations for their franchise operations; our retail customers saw them, too. Our staff took great care to keep the retail customers and Midas operations separate, including hardware infrastructure, websites and data.
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2013
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
TBC Corporation acquires Midas, R.O. Writer own business unit.
Read More about our accquisition by TBCRead LessIn 2012, TBC Corporation finalized an agreement to purchase Midas International, and its subsidiaries including Progressive Automotive Systems and the R.O. Writer product. Both operations were moved to the West Palm Beach area starting in 2013 and the Itasca offices closed in April.
New management took over Progressive Automotive Systems as an independent line of business. TBC Corporation officially entered the commercial software industry and has its resources at the disposal of the R.O. Writer team to make the best possible software package for independent shop operators and franchisees.
Have Questions? Give Us a Call.
Sales: (888) 928-9769 Support: (800) 881-5859
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R.O. Writer experts are ready to demonstrate how our
software gets your shop working smarter and faster.
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