If you're looking at workshop software in New Zealand, you've probably come across SAM. It's been around for over three decades, powers a significant chunk of NZ workshops, and it's actually Kiwi-owned. So is Hoist. Two New Zealand options - but with very different approaches to the same problem.
Let's break down what makes them different and help you figure out which one fits your workshop better.
Full Disclosure
We built Hoist, so we're obviously biased. We'll try to be fair about where SAM genuinely has advantages - they've been doing this for 30 years and we respect that. But take our perspective with appropriate salt.
The Background: Two Different Eras
SAM by Auxo Software
SAM has been serving New Zealand workshops since the 1990s. Auxo Software (formerly TSI Group) has delivered workshop software for over three decades, and SAM is their flagship product for independent workshops. In 2021, the Motor Trade Association (MTA) acquired Auxo Software, which speaks to how embedded they are in the NZ automotive industry.
SAM is desktop-based software designed primarily for medium to large workshops. It's comprehensive, feature-rich, and has been refined over decades of real-world use. According to Auxo, SAM powers around 50% of repair seminars and 40% of dealerships in New Zealand.
Auxo also offers a newer cloud-based product called Auxo Workshop, designed for smaller teams who want a simpler, more modern interface. If you're a smaller operation, that might be worth looking at alongside SAM.
Hoist
Hoist is new. We started in 2024 in Upper Hutt, built specifically for the New Zealand market from day one. We're cloud-based, designed for simplicity, and focused on workshops that want modern software without the complexity of enterprise systems.
We don't have 30 years of features. What we do have is a clean slate - built on modern technology without legacy code, designed for how workshops operate today.
| Aspect | SAM (Auxo) | Hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Company Origin | New Zealand (MTA owned since 2021) | New Zealand (Upper Hutt) |
| Years in Market | 30+ years | New (2024) |
| Platform | Desktop (Windows) | Cloud-based (any browser) |
| Target Workshop | Medium to large | Any size |
| Accounting | Xero integration | Xero integration |
Desktop vs Cloud: The Core Difference
The biggest technical difference between SAM and Hoist is how they run.
SAM: Desktop Software
SAM is installed on your workshop computer. Your data lives on that machine (or your local server). This approach has been the standard for decades, and it comes with certain characteristics:
- Works offline - If your internet goes down, SAM keeps running
- Data stays local - Some workshop owners prefer keeping data on their own hardware
- Requires installation - IT setup needed, runs on Windows
- Updates need installing - You control when updates happen
- Access from one location - Primarily used from the workshop computer (remote access possible but requires additional setup)
Hoist: Cloud Software
Hoist runs in your web browser. Your data is stored securely on cloud servers and syncs across all devices in real-time:
- Access anywhere - Works from any device with internet (workshop, home, phone)
- Automatic updates - Always running the latest version
- No installation - Open browser, log in, done
- Automatic backups - No worrying about local backup procedures
- Requires internet - Needs connectivity to function
Desktop Works Better If...
- • Your internet is unreliable
- • You prefer data on your own hardware
- • You want to control update timing
- • Your techs work from fixed stations
- • You already have IT infrastructure
Cloud Works Better If...
- • You need access from multiple locations
- • You want staff to use phones/tablets
- • You don't want to manage IT
- • You want automatic backups
- • You prefer subscription over upfront cost
Pricing Comparison
Let's talk about what you'll actually pay.
Monthly Cost
SAM / Auxo Workshop
Contact for quote
Auxo Workshop from $99+GST/mo
Hoist
$60/month NZD
Early adopter pricing (normally $99)
SAM Pricing
Auxo doesn't publicly list SAM pricing - they provide custom quotes based on your workshop size and requirements. Contact them directly for accurate pricing.
Their cloud product, Auxo Workshop, starts at $99 + GST per month for the Essentials plan. webSAM (their browser-based option) is $99 NZD/mo for one user plus $19/mo for additional users.
Hoist Pricing
Hoist is $60/month for early adopters (locks in permanently) and will be $99/month after our public launch. Flat fee, unlimited users - no per-seat charges.
Both offer free trials, so you can test before committing.
Feature Comparison
SAM has three decades of features built up. Hoist is focused on core functionality done well. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | SAM | Hoist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Management | ✓ | ✓ | Both solid |
| Customer Database | ✓ | ✓ | Both solid |
| Vehicle History | ✓ | ✓ | Both solid |
| NZTA Integration | ✓ | ✓ | Both have plate lookup |
| Xero Integration | ✓ | ✓ | Both integrate |
| Parts Supplier Integration | ✓ | ✓ | SAM: Repco, NAPA. Hoist: Repco |
| Time Clocking | ✓ | ✓ | Both have it |
| Bulk SMS Marketing | ✓ | ✓ | Both offer |
| Stock Management | ✓ | ✓ | SAM more comprehensive |
| Cloud Access | ✗ | ✓ | Hoist native |
| Works Offline | ✓ | ✗ | SAM advantage |
Where SAM Wins
SAM has been in the market for over three decades, and that experience shows. The Motor Trade Association's ownership means they're deeply connected to the NZ automotive industry - they understand what Kiwi workshops need because they've been listening for 30 years.
Desktop software has a real advantage when your internet is unreliable. SAM keeps running even when your connection drops, which matters if you're in a rural area or just have a dodgy ISP. The software is also battle-tested at scale - some of NZ's largest workshop operations run on SAM, so you know it can handle high job volumes across multiple bays.
SAM's supplier integrations are more extensive too. Repco, NAPA, and others - they've had years to build these connections. If you rely heavily on parts ordering through your software, SAM's got more options.
Where Hoist Wins
We built Hoist from scratch in 2024, which means we didn't inherit any legacy code or outdated design decisions. The interface is clean and modern - designed for how people actually use software today, not adapted from something built in the 90s.
Cloud access changes how you work. Check job status from home, update a quote from your phone, or pull up a customer's history while you're grabbing lunch. Your data syncs across every device automatically, and you never have to worry about backups - that's handled for you.
The learning curve is genuinely shorter. We focused on doing the core things really well rather than cramming in every possible feature. Most workshop owners are up and running within a day, not weeks. And when you need help, you're talking directly to the people who built the software - no support tiers, no ticket queues, just real answers from people who know the product inside out.
Who Should Choose What?
SAM makes sense if...
You're running a larger operation with high job volumes, you need offline capability because your internet isn't reliable, you want the comprehensive feature set that comes from 30 years of development, or you simply prefer desktop software that you install and control locally.
Hoist makes sense if...
You want simplicity over exhaustive features, you use Xero for accounting, you need cloud access from anywhere, you don't want to deal with IT management or software installations, and you prefer a modern interface that's quick to learn.
The Kiwi Factor
Both SAM and Hoist are New Zealand options - which matters. NZ workshops have specific needs: NZTA integration for plate lookups, WoF/CoF tracking, GST handling, and support during NZ business hours.
SAM has the advantage of MTA backing and decades of NZ market knowledge. Hoist was built ground-up for NZ and nothing else. Either way, you're supporting local and getting software designed for how Kiwi workshops actually operate.
Try Before You Decide
The best way to choose is to actually use the software. Get your hands on it, run through your daily workflow, see what clicks. We offer a free 14-day trial with no credit card required.
Try Hoist Free