This article explains how to export existing data from Workshop Software and import it into MechanicDesk, allowing a full system change without losing historical records.
Overview
Workshop Software provides built-in export functionality for all core business data. These exports can be imported into MechanicDesk. No data needs to be recreated manually.
Step 1: Open the Export Area in Workshop Software
Log in to Workshop Software.
In the left-hand navigation panel, select Actions.
Open the Export section.
Step 2: Export Core Data Sets
The Export page contains five available export types:
Customers
Vehicles
Suppliers
Stock
History
For each export:
Click the green export button next to the data type.
Enter your email address when prompted.
Submit the export.
The file will be emailed to you.
Step 3: Export Invoice History (Mandatory)
The History export includes two separate files. Both are required.
Invoice Summaries
Invoice Items
Run both exports. MechanicDesk requires these two files together to correctly reconstruct historical invoices. If either file is missing, invoice history will be incomplete.
Step 4: Import Data into MechanicDesk
Download all exported files received by email.
Follow the MechanicDesk data import guide.
Import each file in the required order to ensure correct data mapping.
Result
After import, MechanicDesk will contain:
Customer records
Vehicle and service history
Supplier data
Stock and inventory
Full invoice history with line-item detail