February 2020

your research to make sure that you have the most effective method for your testers or garage.” Looking more broadly, he commented: “As vehicle technology continues to surge forwards, garages are having to learn and adapt continuously. Precious time and the skills of technicians combined are the main commodity a garage has to sell. Garages are having to find ways to work as efficiently as possible, to make the most of every technician hour available. Training is vital to ensure that garages obtain a return on their investment on any piece of new equipment. Time wasted by poorly trained technicians cannot be recovered, and therefore represents lost revenue. It is important that in the midst of all this change and growth, the customer remains in focus.” On how the IGA can help, Frank said: “The independent garage sector performs outstandingly in customer service, and Trust My Garage statistics show that TMG members outperform franchises in this area, with customer satisfaction percentages reaching the high 90s.“ He added: “We will be releasing more detailed CSI figures very soon, and current observation shows that the independent sector is leading the way when it comes to delivering what customers want.” FEBRUARY 2020 AFTERMARKET 45 www.aftermarketonline.net at the end of the test the results are sent back to the cloud automatically. “Tests can be repeated if needed as many times as required as the system simply keeps the last set of results sent to it from each piece of connected equipment. Once the complete vehicle examination is completed and the tester logs back into MTS to record the finding, the results from the connected equipment are waiting in the cloud to be simply accepted as part of the overall test results.” Eliminating error There are real advantages according to Julian: “This system has the possibility to eliminate simple human error. This means you don’t have to make notes or generate printouts to take to the MTS terminal to for manual entry into the system, or store printouts. The best thing is it speeds up the test cycle. As every MOT tester/station will know, the DVSA use the Red-Amber-Green (RAG) risk rating system to identify potential quality concerns. By investing in modern connected equipment or updating your current equipment to connected status, you can help reduce the risk of simple errors thus reducing your risk rating for the DVSA. “All businesses need to be looking to the future and investing in technology to improve the efficiency and quality of the service they provide. I often quote the phase ‘if you stand still in today’s world, then you’re really moving backwards’.” Julian added: “I would encourage all MOT stations to not sit back and wait for the DVSA to mandate changes, but grasp the opportunity and activity go to your equipment supplier and ask about updating to connected status. Lists of equipment that has already been approved as connectable to MTS can be found on www.gea.co.uk along with suppliers. This is a rapidly changing list and if your supplier/equipment is not currently listed as connectable contact them as you will find they are developing the technology.” Change Also commenting on recent developments in the MOT, Frank Harvey, Head of Member Services at the IGA said: “Change is inevitable, and the MOT process is not exempt. Over recent years we have seen some significant changes in this arena, and it appears that this will continue. The DVSA recently announced the requirements for new MOT stations, and existing stations updating some of their equipment, to have connected equipment, starting with roller brake testers. The long-term aspirations of the DVSA are clear, reduced manual inputs and greater accuracy of data entry at the time of test. “No-one likes spending hard- earned profit to replace equipment, but the greater accuracy afforded by connected equipment not only reduces test times, but importantly avoids costly administration time correcting errors and ultimately helps a MOT station’s RAG scores.” Training On the MOT Training requirements, Frank observed: “As we approach the end of the third year of MOT testers having to undertake a minimum of three hours training per annum, plus an annual assessment, the inevitable last-minute rush of testers looking for training dates and assessment codes to avoid suspension is starting to occur. With under two months to go until the 31 March deadline, it is imperative that testers are proactive in booking their training and assessment. There are a variety of training options available from the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills to suit individual and business requirements, so it is important to do Below: MOT equipment, including roller brake testers, now offer connectivity