Fully networked and digitalized

Fully networked and digitalized

Where humans and machines work, mistakes happen. This will remain the case in the future. The only difference is: the errors become fewer, the efficiency increases and, ideally, so does the profit for automotive companies. This is made possible by digitalization and networking in everyday workshop life. While vehicle data previously had to be laboriously written down and passed on, today all steps from vehicle acceptance to return to the customer can be seamlessly and digitally accelerated. An example: vehicle acceptance with damage to the customer's vehicle. In the event of insurance damage, the expert had to come, document the damage in writing and pictures, and then we had to wait and see. Today, the vehicle owner comes into the company, the acceptance employee goes to the vehicle with a tablet or smartphone, damage is photographed and comments are added, the work order is already created in the background and the costs are calculated. After just a few minutes, the order appears on the tablet and the customer only needs to sign. At the same time, the damage report is sent to the insurance company, which processes the digital order automatically and can therefore react much faster than in the paper age. The vehicle data has been stored in the system from the start or can be quickly updated via database comparison. The entire process is either cloud-based or runs via your own operating server and interfaces.

The digital work order, in which all relevant data about the vehicle owner, the vehicle itself and the insurance company is stored, can be automatically compared with the company's internal DMS. This means that the work order is transferred to the workshop planning in a completely networked manner, including the corresponding data delivery to the warehouse for the required spare parts (merchandise management system), the lubricant quantities and the work rates to be invoiced according to the manufacturer's information or the insurance contract. The corresponding software solutions for fully digitalized damage calculation for insurance companies, experts and workshops are available from providers such as Solera Audatex, Eurotax and DAT, to name just a few. Complete dealer management systems (DMS) for automotive businesses are available from a variety of providers, with different solutions depending on the size and focus of the business. These include providers such as Motiondata / Vector, easyWerkstatt and Locosoft, to name just a few. The basic logic is always similar: it's about minimizing human inaccuracy through digitally specified processes and carrying out work steps in the background, for example balancing warehouse logistics. All in all, this saves money and time, which can be used to focus employees on the essentials: customer service, vehicle maintenance and correct, transparent accounting.

Standard processes such as a §57a check can be made significantly easier with the right software. What used to be the asanetwork, a solution that connected all testing and testing equipment, is now the Workshop.Net. A European data standard with which results from emissions testers, brake testers, etc. are automatically transferred to the corresponding software solution, for example the EBV. This prevents incorrect data transfers and makes manipulation more difficult. In addition, in the event of a revision, the seamless digital process is a strong argument for operation, and transmission errors in the chain can be ruled out - provided they are technically correct. The digital workshop saves valuable time, especially when it comes to spot checks, which are vital for many vehicle businesses.

The networking of the operating devices has led to the fact that even oil pumps (connected in the digital circuit) provide the appropriate amount of oil per vehicle and customer to the tenth of a liter. This saves money in two ways: there are no more torn oil containers, and anyone who wants can bill their customers precisely. In addition, there is less oil loss because only precisely defined quantities are dispensed. If you want to tap more than the stored quantity, this must be entered manually - and is therefore traceable in the event of an inventory. Diagnostic devices can also be seamlessly integrated, which opens up completely new service options via remote maintenance.

The cross-brand communication standard Workshop.Net also results in noticeable price advantages for companies, as you don't have to buy everything from a single source, but can instead meet your personal preferences when it comes to workshop equipment. Nevertheless, many of the modern devices have become more expensive, although they offer a significant increase in comfort and functionality. But if you want to invest in your workshop equipment today, you should have complete networking and digitalization on your radar. Because even if the acquisition costs may be higher at first, the financial outlay will quickly be amortized over the years. But important: In addition to the devices, also take into account the corresponding software license and maintenance fees (usually annually), because unfortunately the massive increase in comfort and security does not come for free.