On May 1st 2010 all Independent shops in Canada are suppose to have open access to the OEM websites which was agreed to through a voluntary agreement.
This simply means that information such as vehicle calibration codes and the ability to re-flash and reset the vehicle computers coupled with diagnostic information is suppose to be available to the Aftermarket for a reasonable fee.
Some words of caution on this key leap forward for the Independent sector that I received from respected competent technicians:
1. Ensure you have hard wire to the various laptop computers available throughout the bays and preferably located at the technicians tool box. Wireless is not recommended when it comes to downloading a re-flash issue. Hard wire & high speed is important as certain downloads, such as a BMW re-flash which could take up to 8 hours to complete, and the last thing one needs is an interruption due to a poor connection. A hick-up with a download could destroy a vehicle computer.........if you are not familiar with the variables in downloading information, get ready to write the cheque!!
2. Invest in high end laptops. Bargain priced low-end laptops are not the way to go for this job. Make sure they are stripped of all the software "stuff" that comes with them. You don't need interference with items to slow the process down when downloading information from an OEM website for a specific vehicle!!!! Forget the Excel, PowerPoint and all the other "software verbiage" that accompanies a laptop. Keep it simple with Windows 7 as the one feature to allow access to the internet.
3. Communicate, communicate, communicate!!! When one technician has an experience with an OEM website issue, it is imperative to stop the bay activity and take the time to call everyone over to witness and explain the experience. Everyone must see the issue live in order to learn/familiarize themselves with the various website set-ups and diagnostic issues. The old concept of "I am the only one who knows this site or issue" is wrong and will be detrimental to the shop in the long run. It must be a "team" effort and experience. Management and staff must understand the importance of this issue.
4. Be prepared for a new learning curve. Re-flashing is an important issue BUT it is not the only thing. Website information and where it is located must be learned throughout the shop and this will take a lot of time as every OEM website is different. The culture of the shop must be "exchange information when discovered, no exceptions". The internal shop strategy of everyone is an island does not hold water any more. Internal communication and everyone acting in a team format is the ONLY way that this will work internally.
5. If you are thinking you are going to get rich quick through this new information access with the ability to re-flash and calibrate vehicle computers.........you may be disappointed. Do the math. The investment will be incredible. There will be many stepping stones to be taken such as internal processes for capturing and documenting time will have to be thoroughly reviewed and mastered. This will require an investment of time and manpower to ensure we, as a sector, serve the end client/consumer competently and professionally.
The Independent Aftermarket sector is a unique division of the automotive industry. Take the time to do this right so your shop can serve the end client/consumer in the most professional manner. The shop culture must embrace the philosophy of "We will NOT let you down".
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3 comments:
It is a huge investment not only to purchase the required OEM scan tools, but to locate and have your tech's take the proper training required. Some of this training may not be available locally right away, so you may have to travel to get it. Bob has hit the nail on the head with this one.
Robert Scott
Glenwood Auto Service
Saskatoon, Sk.
I'll have to disagree with the comment that everything should be hard-wired. We've been doing reflash on a wireless network for over 3 years without any problems. I do agree that if you want to get into this segment, educate yourself as to the particulars on the vehicle lines you work on. Things change from one OE to the next.
Mike, I appreciate your comments but the reason for hard wire is during a re-flash, it is important to have "the maximum network stability" possible. Wired networks provide a greater level of reliability, and reliability = profitability
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