It’s hard to imagine today’s world without artificial intelligence. Similarly, one cannot imagine running an auto shop without digital vehicle inspection. It can make a significant difference for auto shop owners and technicians. It’s a lot easier to inspect the vehicle in a short period and inform customers promptly via text or email to get their approval. Customers don’t want to pay for what they cannot see. But with this tool, they need little convincing.
Only a good idea for business is not sufficient to make it successful. Using the right technology matters too. Therefore, using digital vehicle inspection tools brings in more transparency, as customers always want to know why they are charged for the amount.
These tools contain all of the solutions required to perform inspections and create inspection records, etc, allowing customers to see the issues.
So it’s sufficient to say that the software is likely here to stay, as it has a lot to offer to the auto shop businesses. But let’s take a closer look at digital vehicle inspection.
What is digital vehicle inspection?
Unlike a traditional paper-based method, digital vehicle inspection or DVI utilizes technology to assess vehicles. It improves the accuracy level and shows consistency in inspection.
Technicians can document by recording photos or videos in real-time and attaching them to the report to make the information accessible for customers. They can review the inspection items, and they can be marked (color coded) to analyze the vehicle. For example, red indicates “needs immediate action”, yellow means “requires future attention and green means “good to go”.
These are just some of the benefits of using a digital vehicle inspection software. It’s easy to use, and technicians can be trained promptly to use it, generate customized reports, and keep a detailed history log of the vehicle inspection.
How to know DVIs are good for your auto shop
Investing in new tools and software is a great proactive approach to adopt new practices, but not every auto shop is ready to adopt digital inspection. Here is the criteria that indicates your auto shop needs the digital vehicle inspection:
- Performing general maintenance: If your auto shop is taking care of routine services like oil changes, wheel alignment, and other preventative maintenance, then you need to use digital vehicle inspection.
- Full-time technicians and service advisors: if you have employed a full-time dedicated team for regular services and inspections are consistent.
- Using a POS system: The best part is that DVIs are easy to integrate with modern shop management systems, so if you are using one, it’s time to adopt this too.
- WiFi connectivity: DVIs have cloud backups, so if you have a strong internet connection, it will drive optimal performance.
Why digital inspections are the future of auto shops
66% technicians are unable to clarify the vehicle-related issues to customers with a traditional paper-based inspection process. However, currently, the market is valued at $1341.9 million. Which means it will be growing steadily in the coming years, which makes using DVIs imperative.
Here are a few factors driving growth for the digital vehicle inspections market:
1. Rapid technological advancement
AI technology drives the digital vehicle inspection process. Hence, it is cloud-based and AI-powered to enhance and make the overall process more reliable. Augmented reality allows real-time visuals, which is a great way to guide the customer.
Additionally, IoT devices are integrated and enable automated data collection for proactive vehicle maintenance.
2. Vehicle safety demand
Customers are becoming aware of what technology can keep their vehicles safer. It’s a huge contributing factor in the growth of the DVI market. Customers want assurance to avoid vehicle-related incidents and accidents that might happen/
But the comprehensive reports generated by digital inspections enable technicians to focus on the safety components like brakes, tires, wheels, etc., ensuring that preventative maintenance is easier.
3. Aftermarket services
Another significant factor in the DVI solution market relies on the aftermarket services. To increase the average lifespan of vehicles, routine inspections are needed. Vehicle owners are now opting for aftermarket services more than ever as part of a maintenance package.
This way, auto repair shops find it easier to manage customer relationships when customers willingly come back for follow-ups and regular maintenance.
4. Environmental regulations
The automotive industry is always focusing on implementing and taking certain measures to reduce vehicular emissions. Auto shops want to promote eco-friendly practices. Therefore, with digital vehicle inspections, it’s easier to identify issues with emissions as the root cause. Customers can avoid hefty fines by getting such parts in the vehicle replaced in a timely manner.
Plus, it helps to improve the fuel efficiency in cars, too, and prioritize sustainability.
Conclusion
Adopting digital vehicle inspection in your auto shop might be the opportunity you need to improve sales and boost customer satisfaction. Embracing new and safer technology is what will set you apart from competitors and attract new customers.
