September 2021

Gloucester-based J & S Autocare said: “We started using CarSys when we launched the business last year. LKQ Euro Car Parts is our main supplier, so it made sense to be using its GMS. The main thing to say for me and the team is that it’s saved us time and money. It’s allowed our technicians to streamline the way they work by having all the details of multiple jobs at their fingertips, such as vehicle MOT and service histories and all the data needed to provide customers with accurate quotes and invoices. This has meant they’ve become more efficient and have been able to take on more jobs. The platform is also very user friendly so has saved us needing to call LKQ Euro Car Parts for things like checking and ordering stock, because its full catalogue is integrated within the software. “We use CarSys for everything. The individual diary for technicians and integrated catalogue means they can order parts directly for each specific job, and the software adds the mark-up on for you. The reporting feature lets us keep on top of our sales figures, so we frequently use this for sales reports. Being able to view a job’s payment breakdown through the software is great too, as it helps us to maintain a clear record of what’s been taken and what’s owed.” On the customer reaction, Jack observed: “The main thing we’ve heard from our trade customers in particular is how slick the invoicing process is. It’s a small thing, but the invoices created and sent through CarSys look nice and professional, which contributes to the overall customer experience. The in-built invoice history system allows our team to see what parts have been used previously and to compare costs.” On improvements they would add given the chance, Jack observed: “We’re aware that CarSys is developing all the time, and new features are being added. Payment breakdowns, for example, are a relatively new tool. The VRM lookup function means our technicians can easily look up MOT and service histories and helps them to order the right parts, faster. What we’d love to see is the software going one step further and sending MOT reminders to customers, and we’re aware that it will soon be able to do this, both via email and SMS.” Jack added: “I know some garages run without a GMS, but it’s made such a difference that I can’t imagine us being without it.” For more information, visit: https:// omnipart.eurocarparts.com/omnihub/garage-services- support/carsys-cloud-based-gms Complete repair While a GMS can provide efficiency for a business, the ever-increasing complexity of vehicles is also driving the change, and it too requires a digital solution. Richard Taylor, European business development director of asTech, a Repairify company, said: “Digital technology is now the life blood of any workshop as the technology within cars continues to evolve apace, leading technicians to acquire skills online to access the required data. “This need for online access is being led by ADAS being installed into thousands of new cars, which means they have a complex electronic system that requires extreme precision to function safely. To ensure the vehicle is safe for the driver, a complete repair must be carried out addressing any faults that have been highlighted. “To achieve this safely, asTech’s patented technology provides bodyshops, garages and SMR centres with the opportunity to have ADAS calibration, OE scans, diagnostics and resets implemented remotely by ASE certified and dealer-trained technicians, reducing the need to move vehicles to a dealership, enhancing repair cycle times and minimising environmental impacts. The system is simple to use; all the technician needs to do is connect the device to the OBD2 port on the car and then to the asTech global app. The assigned asTech technician then guides the user through the set-up position required for the calibrations using target boards to ensure they have the right distance and height from the vehicle. Once the device is plugged in, the remote asTech technician working on the vehicle links it to the relevant OE tool and completes the required service, which increases efficiency as the user does not have to search for anything.” Sometimes the best tools are the ones in your hand. Commenting on the online capabilities of its latest piece of diagnostic kit, Dave Richards, Managing Director at Launch Tech UK, said: “The X-431 Euro Mini enables technicians to carry out actuation tests, coding, service resets and vehicle coverage enquiries. The device also performs DTC reading using Google search, and has an integrated translation function to remove any barriers around various languages. “Thanks to the Android 7.0 operating system, diagnostic reports can be printed through a printer APK or shared to email. The clear diagnostic reports show the DTC status of each ECU and can be saved as a screenshot or PDF file. all data is available in different formats including diagrams and data recording, providing technicians with an excess of data visuals. With a Wi-Fi connection, the vehicle software can be easily updated at the click of a button, providing technicians with the most up-to-date data.” 54 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2021 ONLINE TOOLS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Below: LIQUI MOLY Oil Guide www.aftermarketonline.net Above: Launch UK’s X-431 Euro Mini