Tickets

The heart of your repair shop operations. Track every repair from intake to completion with powerful workflow management.

Overview

Tickets are the core of RAD Repairs. Every repair job, service call, or customer request flows through the ticket system. From the moment a customer walks in with a broken device to the final pickup, tickets track every step of the journey.

What is a Ticket? A ticket represents a single repair job or service request. It contains all information about the customer's issue, the device being repaired, work performed, parts used, time spent, and the final resolution.

Ticket Workflow

The typical lifecycle of a repair ticket follows this flow:

1

Customer Intake

Customer brings in a device or contacts you about an issue. You create a new ticket, capturing the customer info, device details, and problem description.

2

Initial Assessment

A technician reviews the ticket and performs diagnosis. They may update the issue description, add notes, and create an estimate if needed.

3

Repair Work

The assigned technician performs the repair, logging time entries and adding technician notes throughout the process.

4

Customer Communication

Once the repair is complete, you update the ticket status and let the customer know. From the ticket you can send an Email, SMS, or both directly from the notes box - the message is saved on the ticket for your records.

5

Customer Pickup & Invoice

Customer picks up their device. You create an invoice from the ticket, collect payment, and change the ticket to a resolved status.

Ticket List

The ticket list gives you an at-a-glance view of all repairs in your shop. You can see ticket status, customer name, issue summary, assigned technician, and priority level.

Ticket List View
Ticket List - Light Mode
The ticket list displays all open and recent tickets with quick status indicators

List Features

Creating a New Ticket

Creating a new ticket captures all the information needed to track and complete a repair job. Here is a step-by-step guide:

New Ticket Form
New Ticket Form - Light Mode
The new ticket form with customer selection, device info, and issue description
1

Select or Create Customer

Start typing the customer name to search existing customers. If this is a new customer, click "Add New Customer" to create their profile inline without leaving the ticket form. You can search by name, phone number, or email address.

2

Enter Device Check-In Information

Capture the device color, make, device type (laptop, desktop, phone, tablet, etc.), model, and serial number. You can also record the operating system and the device password/PIN so technicians can get into the machine. For laptops, the form asks whether the customer left the charger - the answer is stored on the ticket. If the customer already has devices on file (including RMM-managed computers), you can pick one from the "Managed / Previous Computers" list to link the ticket to that asset.

3

Select Issue Type

Choose the category that best describes the problem (for example Virus/Malware, Hardware Repair, Data Recovery, or Screen Replacement - your issue types are configurable). If a worksheet template is linked to the issue type, it is automatically attached to the ticket.

4

Describe the Issue

Enter a clear description of the customer's reported problem. Be specific - this helps technicians understand the issue and provides a record for future reference. Include any symptoms, error messages, or circumstances when the problem occurs.

5

Set Priority and Due Date

Choose the priority level (Low, Medium, High, Urgent) and optionally set a "Due By" date. Urgent tickets are counted on the ticket list summary and due-soon tickets are highlighted on the dashboard so they get immediate attention.

6

Assign Technician (Optional)

Assign the ticket to a specific technician, or leave it unassigned. Each technician can use the "My Open Tickets" view on the tickets page to see their own workload.

7

Save the Ticket

The ticket is created under the location currently selected in the sidebar, so make sure the right shop is selected if you operate multiple locations. If the customer has ticket email notifications enabled, they automatically receive a confirmation email when the ticket is created.

No device? For work that isn't about a specific computer — service calls, consultations, on-site jobs — tick “No device associated with ticket” next to Device Information. The device fields hide and are replaced by a simple Ticket Title box (with the description shown above priority). The ticket is created with no device and no asset attached.

Pro Tip: Use the quick customer search to speed up intake. Start typing any part of the customer's name, email, or phone number - matching results appear instantly. Press Enter to select the first match.

Document Device Condition: Always note any pre-existing damage (cracks, scratches, dents) in the intake notes. This protects your shop from false damage claims when the customer picks up their device.

Ticket Detail View

The ticket detail view is where all the work happens. Here you can see all ticket information, add notes, track time, update status, and manage the entire repair workflow.

Ticket Detail View
Ticket Detail View - Light Mode
Complete ticket details including status, notes, time entries, and action buttons

Detail View Sections

Ticket Statuses

RAD Repairs tracks where each ticket is in the repair workflow using statuses. These are the default statuses included with every account:

Status Description Typical Use
Open Ticket just created, not yet reviewed Initial intake - ticket awaiting technician assignment or diagnosis
In Progress Actively being worked on Technician is performing diagnosis or repair work on the device
Waiting for Parts Repair paused pending parts arrival Parts have been ordered and you are waiting for delivery before continuing
Waiting for Customer Awaiting customer response or approval Estimate sent for approval, awaiting customer decision, or need additional info from customer
Customer Reply Customer has responded Set automatically when a customer replies by email, replies in the customer portal, or submits a support request from the tray app on a managed device - these tickets appear in the "Needs Attention" section
Resolved Ticket fully resolved Repair finished, device picked up, ticket closed

Customer Reply is automatic: "Customer Reply" is a system status. Whenever a customer emails a reply to a ticket, responds through the customer portal, or a support request comes in from the RMM tray app, the ticket's status changes to Customer Reply so your team knows a response is waiting.

Custom Statuses

You can create additional statuses in Admin Settings (Ticket Statuses) to match your specific workflow. For example, many shops add:

The ticket list's status sidebar includes quick filters for On Hold, Completed, and Cancelled, so statuses with those names slot right into the built-in views.

Color Coding: Each status has a color assigned in Admin Settings. Use consistent colors (green for complete, red for urgent, yellow for waiting) to make the ticket list scannable at a glance.

Assigning Technicians

Proper technician assignment ensures work is distributed efficiently and customers know who is handling their repair.

Assignment Methods

Tracking Each Technician's Workload

Shared Work: While only one technician is assigned at a time, any staff member can add notes and time entries to any ticket. Time entries record who did the work, so multi-tech repairs and shift handoffs are billed correctly.

Notes & Customer Communication

Effective documentation is crucial for quality repairs and customer satisfaction. The notes box on each ticket has a rich-text editor (bold, lists, links) and a type selector that controls where the note goes.

Note Types

Note Type Visibility Purpose
Private Note Staff only (internal) Diagnostic findings, repair steps, internal reminders, parts needed - never shown to customers
Public Note Customer visible Notes the customer can see in the customer portal. Keep professional!
Email / SMS / Email + SMS Sent to the customer Sends the note to the customer as an email, a text message, or both, and saves a copy in the ticket's history
Incoming Replies Automatic Customer email replies, SMS replies, and portal comments are added to the ticket automatically and flip the status to "Customer Reply"
Activity Timeline Staff only (automatic) System-generated log of changes and communications on the ticket

Best Practices for Notes

Pro Tip: Use private notes to document pre-existing damage on devices at intake, and upload intake photos to the ticket's Attachments card. "Customer device had cracked corner on back case upon arrival - documented with intake photos" protects you from false damage claims.

Worksheets & Checklists

Worksheets are structured checklists that ensure consistent, thorough repairs. Each worksheet template is linked to one or more issue types and is attached to tickets automatically.

How Worksheets Work

  1. Create Templates - Build worksheet templates in Admin Settings with specific checklist items for each repair type, and choose which issue types each worksheet applies to
  2. Auto-Attach - When a ticket is created with a matching issue type, the worksheet is attached automatically and appears in the Worksheets card on the ticket
  3. Complete During Repair - Technicians check off items and fill in fields as they complete each step; responses save automatically
  4. Optional Customer Updates - You can enable a daily worksheet status email (off by default) that sends customers a progress summary for open tickets with worksheets

Example Worksheets

Laptop Diagnostic

Power test, battery health check, display inspection, keyboard/trackpad test, port verification, RAM test, storage health, software diagnostics

iPhone Screen Repair

Pre-repair photos, backup verification, screen removal, adhesive application, display test, touch calibration, Face ID/Touch ID test, water resistance seal

Data Recovery

Drive assessment, imaging attempt, file system analysis, recovery software scan, recovered files verification, data transfer to new drive, source drive handling

Virus Removal

Full malware scan, PUP removal, browser extension audit, startup items check, scheduled tasks review, hosts file check, security software install, customer education

Desktop Build

Component verification, motherboard install, CPU/cooler mount, RAM install, storage install, GPU install, cable management, POST test, OS install, driver updates

Network Setup

Router configuration, WiFi setup, firmware update, security settings, port forwarding, device connection, speed test, customer walkthrough

Required Items: Worksheet items can be marked as required when building the template. Required items are flagged with an asterisk on the ticket so technicians know which steps must not be skipped.

Worksheet Field Types

Worksheets can include various field types to capture different information:

Time Tracking

Accurate time tracking ensures you bill correctly for labor and helps identify efficiency opportunities. RAD Repairs offers a built-in timer and flexible time logging options.

Using the Timer

Each ticket has a dedicated Time Tracking section with a real-time timer. This is the easiest way to accurately track time spent on repairs.

1

Start the Timer

Open the ticket and click the green Start button in the Time Tracking section. The timer begins counting immediately, showing elapsed time in HH:MM:SS format.

2

Work on the Repair

Perform your repair work. The timer continues running even if you navigate away from the page or close your browser. Your running timer is tracked server-side.

3

Stop the Timer

When finished, click the yellow Stop button. The time entry is saved with the duration, your hourly rate, and marked as billable by default.

Timer Stats: The Time Tracking section displays three quick stats: Today (time logged on this ticket today), Total (all time logged on this ticket), and Billable (total billable amount based on hourly rates).

Runaway Protection: Timers are automatically capped at 8 hours to prevent accidental overnight running. If you forget to stop a timer, it will be automatically stopped and capped when you return to the ticket.

Manual Time Entry

You can also add time entries manually using the + Add Manual Entry button:

Time Entry List

All time entries for a ticket are displayed in a scrollable list showing:

Field Description
Technician Who performed the work (auto-filled from logged-in user)
Date/Time When the work was performed
Duration Hours and minutes spent (e.g., "1h 30m")
Billable Amount Calculated from duration x hourly rate (shown in green)
Notes Description of work performed
Billable Badge Green "Billable" or gray "Non-billable" indicator

Hourly Rates

Each technician can have an hourly rate configured in Admin Settings under User Management. When a timer is started, the technician's current hourly rate is captured with the time entry. This allows for:

Adding Labor to Invoices

When creating an invoice from a ticket, you can easily import all tracked labor:

  1. Click Create Invoice from the ticket
  2. On the invoice page, click the Add Labor from Ticket button
  3. A modal shows the ticket's billable time entries
  4. Select which entries to include
  5. Check Combine all entries into single line item to bill one labor line, or uncheck it to keep each entry as its own line
  6. Confirm to add the labor line items to the invoice

Automatic Calculations: Labor line items are automatically calculated as hours x hourly rate. For example, 1.5 hours at $75/hr creates a $112.50 labor charge.

Time Reporting

Logged time is useful beyond billing:

One Timer at a Time: You can only have one timer running across all tickets. If you try to start a timer while another is running, you'll see a message indicating which ticket has the active timer.

Creating Invoices and Estimates from Tickets

When repair work is complete (or when you need approval before starting), create an invoice or estimate directly from the ticket. The document is automatically linked to the ticket and pre-filled with the customer's details.

Invoice Process

1

Click "Create Invoice"

Use the Create Invoice button in the action bar at the bottom of the ticket view. The invoice page opens with the customer's name, email, phone, and address pre-filled, and the invoice linked to the ticket.

2

Add Products and Services

Add line items from your product and service catalog for the parts used and work performed. Adjust quantities and pricing as needed.

3

Import Labor

Click Add Labor from Ticket to pull in the ticket's billable time entries as labor line items, calculated at each technician's hourly rate.

4

Collect Payment or Send

Take payment on the spot, or send the invoice to the customer. Customers can pay online through the customer portal, including partial payments.

Other Actions from the Ticket

Linked Documents: Estimates and invoices created from a ticket appear in the ticket's Related Documents card, so the full billing history for a repair is always one click away. A single ticket can have multiple linked invoices (e.g., a deposit invoice plus a final invoice).

Printing Tickets

Print a ticket at intake so the customer leaves with a copy, or print a work order for the bench. The ticket header has two print buttons:

Print Options

QR Code on Printed Tickets

Every printed ticket includes a QR code that links directly to that ticket in RAD Repairs. Scan it with a phone or tablet to jump straight to the ticket - no searching required.

Tip: Keep the printed ticket with the device on the bench. Any technician who picks up the job can scan the QR code to open the ticket and continue the worksheet exactly where the last person left off.

Checking Repair Status: Customers do not need a printed copy to check on their repair - they can log into the Customer Portal with a magic link sent to their email to see ticket status anytime.

Filtering and Searching Tickets

With potentially hundreds or thousands of tickets, finding the right one quickly is essential. RAD Repairs provides powerful search and filter tools.

Search Capabilities

Filter Options

Filter Description
Status Sidebar One-click views for Active Tickets, My Open Tickets, All Tickets, Open, In Progress, On Hold, Completed, and Cancelled
Location Dropdown to show a single shop location or All Locations (for multi-location setups)
Urgent Click the Urgent card in the summary stats to show only urgent-priority tickets
Sortable Columns Click any column header (Ticket #, Priority, Status, Customer, Computer, Issue, Tech, Created) to sort; click again to reverse
Per-Customer View Open a customer's record to see all of their tickets on the Tickets tab of the customer detail view

Quick Filter Views

Use the status sidebar to quickly filter tickets by common views:

Customer Portal

The Customer Portal is a separate, secure interface where your customers can view their repair status, invoices, estimates, and more - without needing access to your staff backend.

How Customers Access the Portal

Customers access the portal using passwordless authentication via magic links:

1

Navigate to the Portal

Customers can reach the portal by clicking a link in a notification email (most common), or by visiting your portal URL directly (e.g., yourshop.radrepairs.com/portal).

2

Enter Email Address

On the portal login page, customers enter the email address associated with their account. No password is required.

3

Check Email for Magic Link

The system sends a secure, time-limited magic link to their email. Clicking this link logs them in automatically.

4

View Their Information

Once logged in, customers can view their tickets, invoices, estimates, and registered assets.

Why Magic Links? Magic link authentication eliminates password management for customers. They don't need to remember yet another password, and you don't need to handle password reset requests. It's secure (links expire quickly) and convenient.

What Customers Can See

The Customer Portal provides customers with visibility into:

What Customers Cannot See

The portal keeps your internal operations private:

Reduce Phone Calls: The Customer Portal dramatically reduces "is it ready yet?" calls. Customers can check their repair status anytime, 24/7, from their phone or computer.

Customer Email Notifications

Customers with ticket notifications enabled receive emails at key points:

Notification emails can include a link to the portal where customers can view details, and customers can simply reply to ticket emails - replies land on the ticket automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a completed ticket?

Yes. Open the ticket and change the status back to any active status (such as "In Progress"). This is useful if a customer returns with the same issue (warranty work) or if you need to add additional notes or time entries after the fact.

How do I delete a ticket?

Users with the delete-tickets permission (owners and admins by default) can use the Delete Ticket button at the bottom of the ticket view. For most situations it is better to change the ticket to a "Cancelled" status instead - this removes it from active views while preserving the record for your history.

Can customers see their ticket status online?

Yes! Customers access the Customer Portal using magic link authentication (no password needed). They enter their email, receive a secure login link, and can view their tickets, invoices, estimates, and assets.

How do location assignments work for tickets?

A ticket belongs to the location that was selected in the sidebar when it was created. Use the Location dropdown on the tickets page to view a single shop or All Locations.

Can I merge duplicate tickets?

Yes. Click Merge Ticket at the bottom of the ticket detail view, search for the duplicate ticket, and confirm. The other ticket's notes, time entries, worksheets, linked estimates and invoices, and email/SMS history are combined into the ticket you are viewing.

What happens to the ticket when I create an invoice?

The ticket remains open and linked to the invoice (shown in the Related Documents card). You can continue updating the ticket - adding notes, logging time - until you change it to a resolved status. This allows for post-repair follow-up while maintaining the billing connection.

How do customer email notifications work?

Each customer has a "ticket email notifications" setting on their record. When enabled, they receive an email when a ticket is created for them. To send updates during the repair, choose the Email or Email + SMS note type on the ticket - the message goes straight to the customer and is saved in the ticket history. Email templates can be customized in Admin Settings.

Can I attach files or photos to tickets?

Yes. Use the Attachments card in the ticket detail view to upload photos, documents, PDFs, or any other files - up to 25MB per file and 250MB per ticket. Clicking an image or PDF opens it right in the page (full-screen preview); other types download, and every file also has a download button. Files are stored securely and can only be accessed by logged-in staff. This is excellent for before/after repair photos, documenting device condition at intake, or attaching diagnostic reports.

How do I handle warranty repairs differently?

Create a custom status like "Warranty Repair" and use non-billable time entries. You can also create a worksheet specifically for warranty procedures. Some shops create a "Warranty" issue type to track these separately.

Can multiple technicians work on the same ticket?

Yes. While only one technician can be "assigned" at a time, any technician can add notes and time entries to any ticket. This is common for complex repairs or shift handoffs. Each time entry records who did the work.

How do I track parts that need to be ordered for a repair?

Use the "Need to Order" card on the ticket. Paste the product URL for each part and track its status as Pending, Ordered, or Received, along with an expected arrival date. The parts themselves are billed by adding products to the invoice you create from the ticket.

How can customers on managed devices open tickets themselves?

If the customer's computer has your RMM agent installed, its tray app includes a support request form. When the user submits a request (optionally with a screenshot), a ticket is created automatically under that customer with the device linked, the screenshot attached, and the status set to "Customer Reply" so it appears in your Needs Attention list right away.

Need Help?

Can't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help with ticket management and workflow questions.

Contact Support