Nearly 90% of auto service technicians actively use their cell phones while working in service bays, according to results of a recent study conducted by aftermarket research firm IMR Inc.
Techs use phones to access "technical information, technician manual sites, catalog information, parts manufacturer websites" and other information sources, say IMR officials. They also use phones to order parts and access instructional content, such as videos.
"Research shows that 99.6% of automotive repair technicians own a cell phone, with nearly half (46.4%) also owning a tablet or iPad. Of these devices, 57% will end up in the technician's working bay as a part of their daily toolkit."
According to IMR, more cell phones are used in shops that have one to three service bays. Techs in shops that have eight or more bays use their cell phones less frequently, "but approximately 20% more for ordering parts."
"Smartphones and tablets play such an important role in how so many industries are doing business," says Bill Thompson, president of IMR. "The automotive aftermarket is by no means immune to this trend. It's critical for parts manufacturers, distributors and shop owners to understand how reaching technicians is changing in the digital age."
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