October 2023 - 45

Being proactive with
digital inspection tools
Using a digital inspection tool to view a vehicle's
service history provides technicians with
invaluable insights into customers' vehicles.
By Emily Markham
Digital inspection tools serve many purposes in the shop from
streamlining a technician's workflow to reducing paper waste,
these tools enhance overall shop efficiency. In particular, a
digital inspection tool can be used to quickly view a vehicle's
service history as well as provide automated reminders for
factory-scheduled maintenance checks.
Having a vehicle's service history at their fingertips allows
technicians to gain valuable insight into any previous
maintenance and repair work done.
" Reviewing the service history allows technicians to identify
recurring problems, previously addressed issues, and any
outstanding concerns, " says Brian Canning, a veteran of the
automotive repair industry. " It also keeps on our radar service
and repair items that a customer might have declined on a
previous visit, so they are not overlooked or forgotten about. "
response rate. Take a moment and think, if a person is in a
meeting or some other situation that they can not speak on
the phone, it is going to take until they have an open opportunity
to speak with you. Also, as people are so busy today,
they may simply forget to return the call. But by texting, they
can communicate with you when they would normally not be
able to. Typically, almost instantly. Think about how quickly
you answer your text messages.
With digital inspection tools, you can add notes, measurements,
pictures, and videos. This will give you incredible credibility
and transparency with your client to increase their trust
level in you. Furthermore, some of the systems allow you to
classify the repairs as safety, needed, and recommended repairs
that way your client can easily understand the importance of
having the repairs made. Also, you can explain the order in which
the repairs should be made. If the repairs are not all completed
at this visit, it is an easy way for them to look back and see which
repairs still need to be completed. Yes, all of this may generate
questions, but I would much rather have a client who fully
understands the job than one who leaves the shop with questions.
They will typically be an easier sale if they fully understand why.
THE BENEFITS OF DIGITAL INSPECTION TOOLS
Let's talk about some more of the benefits that you will experience.
First and foremost, you will no longer have to struggle
with trying to read your technicians' handwriting. No more
estimating mistakes due to misread checkout sheets. A more
professional-looking vehicle checkout. Some of the digital
Circle 80 on card or click " PTEN e-inquiry " on VehicleServicePros.com
www.VehicleServicePros.com OCTOBER 2023 PROFESSIONAL TOOL & EQUIPMENT NEWS 45
2310MA_EVPro+.indd 1
8/22/23 8:17 AM
Canning notes, this overview of the vehicle's past helps
technicians:
* Better understand current problems and provide a more
accurate diagnosis,
* Eliminates unnecessary repairs,
* Identifies potential warranty coverage,
And helps assure the customer that the shop is keeping
their vehicle well-maintained.
The service history also shows the technician the vehicle's
age, mileage, and historical patterns. This information allows
them to recommend maintenance measures that can be taken
in advance to ward off future problems.
By taking this proactive approach, the vehicle's overall
condition is improved with the added benefit of enhancing the
customer's trust and satisfaction with the shop's service.
zephyr_p | Adobe Stock
http://www.evproplusprogram.com http://www.VehicleServicePros.com http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2023
