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Embracing Changing TechnologyPosted 9/9/2003By Kevin Caldwell, Chairman
A few years ago, it was apparent the independent automotive service industry was slow in adopting Internet technology despite its pervasiveness in business and consumer life. Today, I take issue with that statement. I believe today's independent installers - ASA members like you and me - are aggressively adopting such measures to keep up with the demands of our customers. As an association determined to advance the automotive service industry, it is our responsibility to stay abreast of current practices and issues regarding Internet technology. As a member-first organization, it is our responsibility to help our members meet the challenges and demands of this powerful entity. To that end, ASA was recently represented by staff and members at the Aftermarket eForum held in Chicago. And although some may dispute my view, I am proud to say the independent repair sector of the industry is embracing the Internet's capabilities and adapting its business practices to its advancements. We will not be left behind. As you will see throughout this issue of AutoInc., the Internet has come full-force into our industry. And as the next generation of technicians enters your shop, the need for timely, accurate information will be solved with Internet solutions. Future techs have grown up embracing Internet technology. If you don't offer the Internet as a solution in the service bay, your shop will lose well-qualified technicians. Invest in the future of this technology. Per the historic agreement signed one year ago between ASA and vehicle manufacturers, independent repairers now have access to OEM service information and diagnostic tools. The Internet is the tool that streams this information into repair shops. There is no longer a need for repair manuals or CD-ROMs that are essentially obsolete the moment they arrive in the shop. Because of this alone, if your shop is not connected, it's definitely time to reconsider. The Internet is just one technological advancement we as independent repairers must adopt in our shops. Technology is ever changing. How do you keep up? I strongly recommend attending this year's Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Nov. 6-8 during Industry Week in Las Vegas. With the theme "Automotive Service: The Next Generation," this year's event will provide your shop personnel with valuable information on how technology is changing shop operations. Early-bird registration ends Oct. 1, so register now and save. Online registration is available on the CARS Web site, www.CARSonline.org. I hope to see you in 'Vegas in November. Together, we'll embrace - and learn to adopt into our business practices - the changing technology of our industry.
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Copyright (c) 1996-2008. Automotive Service Association. All rights reserved.
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Change is inevitable. This statement might sound like a cliche, but as I sit back and evaluate how my life and business have evolved in the past 10 years, it becomes overwhelming how much change I've had to accept. The same is true when I evaluate the automotive repair industry. Changing technology is what drives this industry. From new computer systems in the vehicles we repair to the state of service information on the Internet, if we don't accept technological change within our industry, then the state of independent repairers is in jeopardy.
