deals. Those currently in school or in the workforce will need to identify opportunities to learn and grow for tomorrow’s roles.” Businesses that do use AI for some function may need to communicate this to their customers though: “Consumers need to be made aware that what they could be seeing or hearing may not in fact be real. They need to understand the potential repercussions to the job market and shifts in other aspects of daily life. This degree of understanding is critical to creating an empowered population that can welcome the new technology, instead of being scared of it.” If that is the likely effect that would be seen across many industries, what is the likely result of businesses in the automotive aftermarket? There will be some business owners who assume that as long as they let the regular customers know that Karen who answers the phone in reception is in fact a digital phantom, they can feel complacent and just jog on with their routine. Unfortunately, the potential impact across a business, from parts ordering to diagnostics, right through to marketing and beyond could be enormous. Yes. it could even affect your front-of-house. Wealth of insight What could the effect be on the industry as AI spreads out through the various functions of the sector? Hayley Pells, Policy Manager at the IMI, observed: “The advancement of new technologies has brought numerous benefits to the automotive sector, benefiting both motorists and industry professionals. While the impact of AI on the workforce is still unfolding, as highlighted by recent reports it has the potential to revolutionise many aspects of the automotive industry. It can drive advancements in everything from autonomous vehicles to personalised driving experiences. It can also deliver critical benefits for both the environment and the economy through the development of predictive maintenance and servicing schedules. “By leveraging AI-powered analytics and real-time data processing, automotive service providers can gather and analyse vast amounts of information about vehicles, including their usage patterns, driving conditions, and performance data. This wealth of insight allows for a more precise understanding of each vehicle's maintenance requirements, enabling the creation of personalised servicing schedules.” She continued: “Rather than relying on generic maintenance intervals, AI can take into account the unique characteristics of each vehicle and its usage patterns; An approach that ensures servicing is optimised for the individual motorist. Plus, the advantages of AI in identifying potential issues or maintenance needs before they develop into major problems could be considerable. By continuously monitoring and analysing vehicle data, AI systems can detect early warning signs and provide timely alerts to both motorists and service providers. This proactive approach will not only prevent breakdowns and minimise unplanned downtime; It will also enhance overall vehicle reliability and, as a consequence, deliver significant environmental an economic benefits.” Businesses will not be able to dive in blind on this front though noted Hayley: “Of course, such adoption of AI technologies must be matched by a commitment to training. As AI becomes more prevalent, it is vital to ensure the workforce remains equipped with the necessary skills with continuous professional development to adapt and work alongside the new innovations effectively. The significance of maintaining a strong focus on safety and security as the automotive sector adopts AI technologies is, therefore, central to the IMI’s mission. IMI TechSafe will address these concerns through guidance and best practice on the safe integration and use of AI across all areas of automotive. “ 10 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2023 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net
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