OEC Data Bay: Tech & Tools

The data from the 2018 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey represents a cross-section of shops across the country and provides a glimpse into how the average shop performs, how its leadership manages the shop, and the tech and tools the shop uses.

Only 5 percent of shops report not having access to repair information services, indicating the future is digital. To that end, only 10 percent of shops report not offering telematics services, despite the fact that by 2022 it is estimated nearly 90 percent of new vehicles in the U.S. will feature telematics technology. Therefore, the ability to plug into a car will have a direct impact on your shop’s bottom line. It is also estimated that 75 percent of consumers have no idea what telematics is or how it affects their repairs, so trusting the general driving market to tell you what you need is not a reliable way to plan for tomorrow’s vehicles.

Forty-seven percent of respondents use a digital inspection sheet to assess and record repairs. Fifty-one percent use customer relationship management software (possibly the same tool), and the majority of shops (84 percent) use an electronic estimating system. Eighty-five percent of shops report access to OEM repair information and 95 percent subscribe to repair information services.

Ensure your shop commits to accessing the right OEM data. With RepairLinkShop.com, you get parts illustrations directly from the OEM, so you can buy the correct parts you need the first time, every time.