LAS VEGAS — The majority of auto technicians rely on technology to perform their jobs and are comfortable using advanced diagnostic tools, Anyline G.m.b.H announced at the 2024 SEMA Show.
Vienna, Austria-based AI tech firm Anyline conducted a survey of 224 technicians in October. The survey found that 70% of auto techs rely on technology to do their daily job and 68% are comfortable using advanced diagnostic tools.
It also found that 60% of techs would be interested in incorporating Anyline technology — specifically a smartphone app that can instantly measure tire tread depth — into their daily routine.
Anyline’s Tire Sidewall Scanner and Tire Depth Scanner technology uses AI to integrate with shop's existing digital vehicle inspection (DVI) and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
The platforms use mobile devices to instantly capture tire information, such as size and DOT codes, or measure tire tread depth.
Anyline debuted the technology at the 2022 SEMA Show.
According to Anyline, 87% of techs surveyed say digital data and analytics build customer trust and improve satisfaction.
“Our survey confirms a growing enthusiasm among technicians for technology’s role in shaping the future of automotive service,” Chris Garcia, head of U.S. automotive at Anyline, said.
“Anyline is excited to contribute to this technology revolution with our mobile data capture platforms that increase operational efficiency and eliminate manual data-entry errors. Digitized data empower techs to service more vehicles every day, reducing customer wait times and improving the overall service experience.”
Anyline noted that its technology solutions come at a time of workforce uncertainty in the industry. Nearly half, 46%, of those surveyed cited a technician shortage as the biggest challenge they will face over the next decade.
According to Anyline, future-forward auto shops are using digital vehicle diagnostic platforms to increase efficiency and allow staff to service more vehicles per day, by eliminating manual data entry and streamlining operations.
According to the survey, 57% of techs manually log tire information into point-of-sale systems and customer relationship management (CRMS) platforms and 72% say manual data entry is time consuming.
“Anyline’s vehicle and tire scanning technology helps address the industry’s labor challenges and technicians’ needs head-on,” Garcia said.
“Shops that deploy digital tire and vehicle inspection platforms are better positioned to recruit and retain highly sought after technicians. These tools eliminate manual data entry and streamline operations so technicians can spend more time under the hood doing the parts of the job they enjoy most.”
Anyline's technology is used at Discount Tire shops in the U.S., as well as at other auto service chains, Garcia said, noting at about 40,000-50,000 techs are currently using the technology.
This doesn't include shops in the EU where Anyline is based, he said.
