OCTOBER 2023 AFTERMARKET 11 www.aftermarketonline.net vehicle fixed; I want to talk to an expert that can decipher the problems I might be experiencing and to answer some of my questions or concerns.” Garages have been dealing with increasing vehicle connectivity for some time now, with benefits and challenges from both ends. This is only going to continue: “With the advent of connected cars, remote diagnostics is, to a certain degree already with us, but wide scale vehicle connectivity, open to all, could have far reaching implications. Access to security related diagnostics and repairs would need to be strictly policed and there is the ever-present fear or threat of vehicles being hacked for personal data or even taken control of remotely. While all this is possible, does it mean it is probable for small independent garages in the short to medium term? “Another possible AI intervention could, according to some, be with front of house or parts procurement, but I refer back to my earlier comment, that personal touch is what enhances the whole experiences with independent garages. As for parts procurement, AI might be able to search, in seconds, a plethora of suppliers to find the available part at the best prices, but again we all know from experience, that getting the right parts isn’t always that simple.” Frank concluded: “Does AI have a role in the independent garage sector? Quite possibly, but the investment required may exclude many, and so delay AI being adopted, but never say never. Look at the changes we have seen in the sector over the last 25 years. Who knows for sure what the future holds?” Final thought With all the myriad functions that AI can take on, at least you know for sure that the final thought in Aftermarket’s Big Issue section will have been written by its Editor, following some reflection on the points raised in this two-part article. Do you know that for sure though? I am fairly certain that if I fed the right question into ChatGPT along the lines of “Provide an overview comment on the potential impact of AI on businesses,” it could produce something pretty close to what I am toiling over as I type right now. However, I don’t think I want to end the article that way. It’s not just sheer self-preservation at play either. What would be gained by me doing it that way? Nothing. It would be a poor use of a tool that has many uses. The tools exist. Great. Now we need to understand them and learn to use them to our advantage. Businesses and individuals are going to have to work out how to integrate this technology into their working lives. Through AI, perhaps there is a better way, and maybe there isn’t, but it would be interesting to find out. If I can learn how to integrate AI into my very old-fashioned approach to work, I’m certain you can too. www.aftermarketonline.net
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=