Protractor, a cloud-based management tool for auto repair and tire shops, has unveiled its new digital vehicle inspection (DVI) tool and VIN scanner. These tools will be accessible from a web app on mobile devices.
Introduced at the 2023 AAPEX and SEMA aftermarket shows, the DVI tool provides technicians the ability to conduct comprehensive vehicle inspections. The tool incorporates features like images, videos and descriptions, allowing for sharing of results with customers, the company said.
Cavan Robinson, general manager of Protractor, highlighted the benefits of the DVI tool for creating a streamlined customer experience that can potentially save time. The tool offers features such as:
- Detailed inspection reports with images and video;
- Increased workflow efficiency;
- User-friendly templates that can be updated with mileage and VIN from the inspection screen;
- Reducing the need for multiple vendor logins and additional costs.
The newly introduced VIN scanner aims to help shops capture vehicle information efficiently. This data can then be automatically incorporated into work orders via the mobile app. This minimizes manual input errors and supports the tool’s capabilities for 2D and OCR scanning for vehicles lacking QR code functionalities.
Robinson emphasized the value of digital tools in modern auto shops, noting the convenience they offer to both drivers and technicians. He stated that such innovations reduce the need for multiple technical tools and streamline operations within the service bay.
