FEATURE Smart factories & AI
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Transforming and streamlining the automotive sector with AI
By Bill Brower, SVP Global Industry Relations & North America Claims Sales at Solera L
ike many others right now, the automotive sector is in the middle of a skills shortage. However, in
this sector, research shows there’s a current vacancy rate of 4.3 per 100 vacancies, 43% higher than the average across all industries. The problem is not likely to go away any time soon, making running a profitable and optimised business very difficult.
If bodyshops want to successfully navigate this challenge, they should look at how AI technology can transform their operations, resolving many of the problems.
AI for customer service AI can streamline the repair process by enhancing customer and employee experiences. AI helps ease the stress the driver feels following an incident by providing clear, intelligent guidance on next steps, all geared to the specific incident. It facilitates better communication between driver, insurer and bodyshop, and it gets the vehicle back on the road faster than using the more traditional process. AI integration not only improves customer service but streamlines work intake procedures for the bodyshop operations. This reduces repair delays, and both technician and estimator can focus on more complex repairs. Here, for example, AI can assist technicians and estimators in quickly determining whether a vehicle can be repaired or deemed a total loss, no matter the model or damage done to the car. This rapid decision making not only saves time but optimises space in bodyshop centres. AI can also determine what parts are required for the repair before the vehicle arrives at the bodyshop.
One of the most transformative applications of AI in automotive repair is AI-based estimating. These solutions
34 September 2024 | Automation
enable bodyshops to generate high- quality estimates in under five minutes by simply analysing photographs of the vehicle and its damage. This immediate picture enables shop estimators to provide on-the-spot quotes while customers are there, allowing repairs to be scheduled the same day instead of waiting hours or days for an estimate.
Streamlining claims Using AI and automation also accelerates the claims process, passing the time savings onto customers and facilitating faster settlements. This provides improved accuracy and a better customer experience. When adopting AI and automation technologies, it’s vital for insurance carriers and automotive businesses to tailor the solutions to their specific needs and customer expectations. This ensures seamless integration into existing workflows without disrupting ongoing operations in the bodyshop. Strategic implementation of AI also
prevents unnecessary expenditure of resources, further maximising efficiency as has been highlighted already.
Closing the skills gap
skills crisis, with a growing demand for highly-skilled mechanics and technicians. AI can also play a crucial role in addressing this challenge by enhancing training, hiring and continuous learning processes. AI- powered training programs, for example, enable technicians to practice on virtual way to master complex tasks.
Whether it’s EVs, car computers or even self-driving cars, the industry is always evolving, and technicians must have their skills up to date to keep up. AI can also be used in the recruitment
process. Looking through CVs, AI can quickly identify key skills. .
Adopting technology responsibly When bodyshops choose new technology, it’s important to remember that it must be its seamless integration into existing resources. Although the implementation process might appear daunting, but with result can save a lot more than just money.
automationmagazine.co.uk
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