Streamlining Processes in UK Repair Businesses Could Save Staff an Extra Hour a Day

Streamlining Processes in UK Repair Businesses Could Save Staff an Extra Hour a Day

Industry research reveals how technology can reduce workplace inefficiencies and save time in bodyshops

Inefficient processes in the workplace are now costing UK bodyshops and repair businesses an average of one hour per day per employee, according to research released by Audatex, global provider of market-leading solutions for bodyshops, service providers, insurers and customers.

The findings have been launched with the first in a four-part series of insight reports, based on Audatex’s latest ‘An Extra Hour in the Day’ research. The research explores the changing nature of the vehicle repair industry and the impact technology is having on businesses achieving their goals.

The findings demonstrate that many UK bodyshops still heavily rely on manual tasks or paper-based solutions to perform day-to-day processes, which are often both time and labour-intensive and have a high margin for human error. Despite the technology solutions now readily available, more than half of bodyshops still use manual methods of fleet car management (50%), vehicle collection and delivery (60%) and courtesy car management (54%).The research also revealed that:

• Over 90% of fleet car and parts provider processes are performed outside of Bodyshop Management Systems in a standalone or manual system (e.g. post and email)
• 46% still adopt a manual approach to workshop planning
• A software solution is more likely to be used for invoicing (62%) and accounting (68%), yet a third of bodyshops still perform these tasks manually

“Despite the growing investment in technology across the sector, many bodyshops in the UK are still reluctant to replace their manual, paper-based processes with tech-driven alternatives. This lack of streamlined management processes is now slowing down the industry unnecessarily, leading to prolonged key-to-key time and lower customer satisfaction levels.

Shepherd continued,“As vehicles become more complex and the demand for fast repairs grows, bodyshops must now look ahead to a more digital future and use software solutions to drive workshop efficiency and equip their staff with the time needed to complete repairs safely and accurately.”

David Shepherd, RMD, Audatex UK and Africa

The independent research was conducted by Coleman Parkes in 2018 with 250 independent and franchised bodyshops across the UK. With the nation’s clocks due to go back on Sunday 28th October, the report’s release is timely and demonstrates the value that can be added for bodyshops by claiming back this time through technology.

To read the full report, visit Audatex’s An Extra Hour in the Day website: here.