Increasing Efficiency with Remote Scanning

New vehicles today are essentially computers on wheels.  

According to Motor Trend’s “Coding the Car” report, the average new vehicle has more than 1,500 wires running through it that span over three miles. Through those wires, 150 million lines of code carry 25 gigabytes of data an hour through the vehicle’s systems. 

Those wires are connected to at least 30 different computers and at least 60 electronic sensors, all of which are controlled by around 1,400 semiconductor chips, according to ConnexVSC. 

Thomas Mulgrew is the marketing manager for AirPro Diagnostics, a remote scanning company that was “born from the desire to provide access to the latest, most cutting-edge technology” for collision repair shops. He says that remote scanning has become a necessity for collision shops as they try to keep up with ever-evolving technology in vehicles. 

“Remote scanning empowers owners of repair shops with fast, accurate, and comprehensive diagnostics, critical for safe and efficient repairs on today’s increasingly complex vehicles,” Mulgrew says.  

The Problem 

In today’s repair landscape, normal diagnostic tools just won’t cut it. And with OEMs putting increasingly unique ADAS systems, sensor arrays and other proprietary technology into their vehicles, keeping track of what exactly needs to be fixed on a vehicle and which repair procedures need to be followed is harder than ever before. 

Though there are third-party vendors and services that provide ADAS calibrations and other essential services to successfully complete a repair, having too many hands on one vehicle can complicate the process. Further, if something goes wrong with the work of one of these vendors, your shop is still on the hook. 

In-house scanning and diagnostic work is the best way to ensure that a vehicle is repaired completely. But depending on what vehicles you have coming into your shop, it can be overwhelming keeping track of the OEM-specific scan tools and databases.  

The Solution 

AirPro Diagnostics was established in 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida, by collision repair industry veterans. Mulgrew says the company’s primary goal is to bridge the gap between OEM diagnostic complexity and repair shops through remote scanning services. 

Remote scanning allows an off-site technician to analyze and diagnose a vehicle’s electronic control units and other systems without being in the shop. Mulgrew says services such as the ones provided by AirPro Diagnostics help shops get access to pertinent and comprehensive repair procedures and information more quickly than they would be able to if they were scanning the vehicles themselves.  

AirPro Diagnostics, for example, is able to connect to a shop through an AirPro scan tool. When a shop plugs in their tool to a vehicle and scans, they’re connected to a remote technician that specializes in that vehicle make. From there, that technician will provide “clear, third-party documentation of diagnostic results and repair recommendations” for a shop to follow.  

Mulgrew says that on average, shops are connected with an AirPro technician in under 90 seconds, which helps shops get accurate information fast. AirPro and other remote scan providers also have brand specialists that, as their titles imply, are experts on a specific make of vehicle and can provide expertise that shops may not have otherwise had access to. 

“AirPro’s process directly supplements and enhances standard collision repair procedures by integrating advanced diagnostics, industry-compliant calibrations and real-time support,” Mulgrew says. “This ensures vehicles are not only cosmetically repaired but are also electronically restored to pre-accident safety and performance standards.” 

The Aftermath 

Remote scanning can eliminate the need for using dealerships or mobile providers for scans or calibrations. Services such as the ones AirPro provides can be a game-changer for your shop, but Mulgrew says that it’s essential your shop makes sure it has the necessary infrastructure to handle remote scans. 

First, good internet connectivity is crucial. Mulgrew says this enables users to collaborate with remote brand specialists who manage the repair. Using a cellular hot spot is possible, according to Mulgrew, but a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection is preferred for optimal performance.  

Data will be transferred both ways, so having good upload and download speeds is essential. HighSpeedInternet.com, an online resource for internet connections, says download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of at least 10 megabits per second are good for video calls and sending files. If you have multiple devices that are connected to your wi-fi and in use simultaneously, though, they recommend even higher, starting around 500 Mbps download speeds.  

“The goal of the AirPro tool is to provide fast connection times and support for vehicle diagnostics, which benefits greatly from a strong internet connection,” Mulgrew says. “A faster internet connection will help ensure smoother and more efficient remote operation and data transfer.” 

Additionally, the AirPro tool is battery-operated and can provide three to six hours of use on a single charge. Mulgrew says having adequate space for the tool to be plugged in lets updates happen overnight helps reduce the need for charging during the day.  

When working on a vehicle, Mulgrew says maintaining battery voltage in the vehicle being diagnosed is crucial when using the scan tool. He says any standard battery tender should be sufficient to use with AirPro tools. 

Mulgrew says that remote scanning is a great option for shops across the board and can help them handle more complex vehicles in-house, boost efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance safety and compliance. 

“There’s no reliance on external sublets or dealerships. You have quicker cycle times and the ability to add new services like ADAS calibration. Standardized procedures ensure vehicles leave correctly calibrated, and documented work supports insurers and defends against warranty claims,” Mulgrew says. “AirPro assists shops in working smarter, not harder—delivering high-quality repairs more quickly, safely, and with complete transparency.” 

The Takeaway 

Remote scanning and calibration take some of the pressure off shops during the initial phases of collision repair. 

Mulgrew says tools such as AirPro ensure shops can handle increasingly complex vehicles safely and efficiently while complying with ever-evolving industry standards. That, he says, is a win-win for shop owners. 

“Shops don’t have to be experts in every make and model, and customers benefit from precision repair no matter what they drive,” Mulgrew says. “The ROI is worth considering.”