For many reasons, not least to minimise the number of unwanted parts returns, it’s clearly an advantage to you if your workshop customers are able to undertake effective diagnostic processes; in fact, according to Hella Gutmann, they can benefit further if they choose to become a supplier of the brand’s range of equipment – so, how can they? Head of Hella Gutmann UK, Neil Hilton, offers his opinion:
One of the major challenges facing independent workshops is cyber security management (CSM). Among other features, the latest vehicle models have electric, or partially electric, drivetrains, extensive connectivity and a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) functions. These developments go hand-in-hand with expanding data volumes and new on-board network architectures, which VMs are increasingly securing against unwanted access, by means of CSM.
To support independent workshops to communicate with these and future vehicles, we implemented the CSM function in our mega macs range of diagnostic devices in 2020. This allows verified users with a single Hella Gutmann registration to diagnose secured vehicles without accessing the VMs’ portal and is a genuine multi-brand function that is being successively expanded.
Without official access to CSM, many current diagnostic tools in the market will have less and less capabilities. We have also just released our Smart Component Help, an additional function within our software to further assist a technician in identifying the correct part to replace on the vehicle to complete a repair, which also improves efficiencies for you in terms of unwanted returns.
With the recent addition of Renault, Kia and Hyundai, the CSM function has been extended to allow mega macs users to save considerable time and administration when working on protected vehicles from these VMs, as well as those from Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Cupra, Seat, Škoda and VW.
Vying with dealers
Our recent introduction of the macsRemote, which is a remote services product, enables aftermarket workshops to complete work previously reserved for VM franchised dealers. They can now compete with these dealers with the level of service they can offer their customers.
The macsRemote is a connected repair solution that extends the capability of an independent workshop, as it provides diagnostic access to vehicles and systems.
It allows independents to legitimately access VMs’ own data, to diagnose diagnostic faults and activate solutions from the moment a vehicle leaves the showroom, and so bridges the data gap between their existing diagnostic tools and the latest new model registrations.
The mega macs X is a standout diagnostic tool within reach of the independent sector and provides users with the utmost flexibility with an array of options when it comes to both the hardware and software configurations. It allows individual workshops to choose whether they wish to combine their existing desktop browsers or tablets with the mega macs X, or move to a totally mega macs driven platform. This variability means that, should the workshop’s requirements change, then it is able to alter the mega macs X setup to match.
The mega macs X is not only flexible in terms of hardware, thanks to the different software modules that are available, workshops also have a choice when it comes to the scope of the services that can be accessed. This ensures that the workshop is always able to gear the service level it requires to the needs of its customers and, if necessary, the software module altered to make sure it always fulfils the workshop’s requirements.
The mega macs X is the most advanced diagnostic tool Hella Gutmann has ever developed. It incorporates the processor, diagnostic software and integrated diagnostic protocols, which includes among others, the CAN FD and DoIP for recent models, such as the Škoda Octavia, Volvo XC 90 and VW Golf 8, and communicates on a wireless basis.
ADAS calibration software
As with the other mega macs devices in the Hella Gutmann line-up, the mega macs X is equipped with ADAS calibration software, which is now a must-have feature for workshops. In addition, as mentioned earlier, it also comes with a CSM function.
With these two products, plus the benefit of the CSM function, Hella has developed solutions that you can offer independents, which, consequently, will allow them to remain at the forefront of the service and repair sector.
