When Technology Overwhelms

Next month, we will continue investigating the Ford IDS tool. But this month, I want to talk about some personal experiences directly related to the Tech E world.

For the last two weeks, I have been involved in hearings concerning repair information availability in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts. Unlike many who comment on this topic, I am going to let you know where I sit before I tell you where I stand. 

I firmly believe - because I practice it - that if you use the information that is available, you will be successful repairing cars. I also believe that if more people in our industry took the time to strike compromises and learn from one another, the entire industry would be better served. 

So don't take anything I am about to say as being in support of adding more laws to an already confusing situation. I don't endorse that approach. Please don't send me your arguments for or against that position, although I would be delighted to talk about and publish your solutions in future articles. 

As I demonstrated the use of a scan tool and software reflashing of a powertrain control module (PCM) to a representative of the New Jersey legislature, I was surprised by the young man's knowledge of computer systems. The reflash took some time, so he and I got to chat a bit. It occurred to me that computers are, for lack of a better word, "organic" to his existence. Performing basic maintenance such as reflashing BIOS and upgrading RAM and hard drives is as second nature to him as performing basic car maintenance was to the baby boomers. 

This young man was able to get his head around methods of finding information and using a computer to talk to another computer very quickly. I don't think that either he or I had any doubt that the reflash that I was doing would be successful. However, most of the people surrounding us were older and represented the carmakers. I am almost sure that I heard them all breathe a collective sigh of relief when the vehicle started up after I was done. 

So, what can we glean from that experience? Several things came to mind for me that day:

1. Younger generations have an inherent belief in a computer's ability to enhance productivity.

2. Older generations still have doubts about integrating technology into their businesses.

3. Engineering types are still not convinced that technicians possess the skills to effectively use the tools they create.

4. When you take the time to teach someone something you know, they get better and you get better.

Fast-forward one week to a hearing in Boston. Many presenters; many problems. Some perceived; some real. Bottom line: Perception is reality if you cannot fix a car. 

My presentation took the position against legislation, and I was not presenting problems. I was, however, a party to those high-level, top-secret meetings that occurred between representatives for the car companies. Some people are not going to like what they were talking about, but I would hope that you will. 

The central topic of conversation was, "How can we help these guys to fix our cars so that our customers will buy from us again?" My answer to them: "You can't unless they want to be helped." 

Technology has overwhelmed many of our peers. They truly believe that they are being passed by and that it is an intentional effort by "they," "them," "those who are not 'me.'" 

I am only one person, but I am willing to commit my time to help anyone who wants the help - who wants to embrace technology and creative solutions to make the job easier and more efficient. 

I am going to leverage my relationship with manufacturers to help you understand why they do what they do. More importantly, I am going to bring you more information to help you do what you need to do. In return, I ask you to pass that information on to others. Find a willing technician or shop owner and help them to embrace technology, not be overwhelmed by it.