RECAP
Overcoming technology’s challenges with...technology. BY CHASIDY RAE SISK
ON INDUSTRY DISRUPTIONS AND SOLUTIONS It’s no secret that the collision industry is full of disruptions, but during SCRS’ IDEAS Collide Showcase on the final day of SEMA 2021, experts explored how those disruptions may offer solutions to some of our biggest challenges. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been used in vehicle manufacturing and for photo estimating by insurance carriers, but what if that same technology benefited repairers by helping them build better repair plans? “In today’s world, none of the OEM data access options brings everything you need together immediately,” Pete Tagliapietra (NuGen IT) noted. “Imagine using photos to immediately generate a list of all necessary repair procedures, pre- and post-repair scans, calibrations and OEM position statements before you even write your first estimate. This technology already exists, and by applying it to our side, we can leverage the same technology used by insurers to create a better way for body shops if we can just embrace it.” Shops must also embrace ADAS, according to Ben Kaminsky (SEMA Garage Detroit), who explored the challenges of creating a calibration environment that can accommodate all makes and models. Accurately performing calibrations requires a large room with a perfectly level floor and sufficient lighting; just a small variance can make a huge difference that can lead to fatalities. “If you lie to the vehicle, it will believe you. ADAS techs need to be thorough and detailoriented because we want to return vehicles to the road in the same manner they left the factory, and successfully repairing these systems requires understanding how they interface.” Accurately performing repairs all begins with following OEM requirements and recommendations, especially when it comes to the parts that can be used for a specific repair. Pointing to the many resources available for
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obtaining that information, Todd Korpi (3M) stressed: “Always refer back to the OE procedures, and use that documentation to get paid. If it’s ‘recommended,’ I strongly suggest that you follow it.” Technological advances have led to a significant increase in the data used to repair vehicles, but while data access makes the job easier in some respects, it also creates its own challenges. “All technology needs data, and that data needs to be protected,” Brandon Laur (CCi Global Technologies) explained. “Just because you delete data from your management system doesn’t mean that it was deleted from your third-party vendors’ databases. What devices are connected to your data? If your techs’ phones connect to the shop Wi-Fi, their phones should be encrypted because that’s the number one way criminals can access your system and hold your data hostage.” If a data breach occurs, Laur recommended handling communication related to the breach with complete transparency, but he also stressed that collision repair shops in 2021 absolutely need to invest in cyber insurance to protect their businesses. “What MUST the industry do to evolve?” asked Jake Rodenroth during his short presentation. In addition to discussing the importance of transparency in writing an estimate (“When you tell a story, it opens their eyes and becomes less of a battle.”), he shared insights on the technician shortage that continues to disrupt the industry. “As a kid, I was constantly told what I couldn’t do, what I wasn’t qualified to do – the industry was incredibly abrasive, and I wouldn’t
Pete Tagliapietra wants to see the collision industry use AI technology to their benefit.
have stayed in it if I didn’t have such a passion for what I do. Stop looking for the things that young people do wrong! Take them under your wing, and praise them for the things they do right.” “It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but integrity is everything,” Rodenroth added. “My father always told me, ‘Be good at what you do because complete strangers are counting on you.’ Integrity is the lifeblood of true professionals.” Additional IDEAS Collide Showcase speakers included Sandy Blalock (Automotive Recyclers Association) who discussed the growing prevalence of total loss claims, while Michael LoPrete (Plastfix Industries) shared suggestions on reducing the industry’s carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability, and Danny Gredinberg (DEG) provided tips for “getting paid for what we do and helping consumers get their vehicle fixed with as little friction as possible.” H&D
Executive Director’s Thoughts The IDEAS Collide Showcase is just another example of the crucial information shared at an event like this, and why everyone in our industry needs to strap in and get involved. Things learned through these education events, especially “SEMA week”, are so important to making strategic shifts in your business. It’s how you plan for the future, so it’s not a disruption of epic proportion and rather, a welcome wave you can ride to surpass your competition. -Jordan Hendler
