A Lancashire ADAS specialist has more than doubled its monthly ADAS revenue after investing in an integrated calibration, wheel alignment and remote diagnostics workflow designed to remove workshop bottlenecks.
Lancashire ADAS, based in Chorley, has increased monthly ADAS turnover from £4k to as much as £10kafter replacing equipment that was struggling to cope with rising workloads. The investment has also enabled the business to recruit an additional full-time ADAS technician and puts the business on course to recoup its investment within six months.
Owner Andy Wren said the business had simply outgrown its previous setup.
“When we were carrying out around 10 ADAS calibrations a month, the limitations weren’t really an issue. Once we were doing around 40 vehicles, the problems became obvious.
“The old software was hard work, jobs were taking longer, and there were vehicles we simply couldn’t complete. Anything with larger wheels, long-wheelbase vans or some of the latest vehicles, particularly Hyundai models, could become difficult.
“The last thing we want is cars hanging around waiting to be finished.”
To remove those bottlenecks, Lancashire ADAS invested in an Autel IA900WA ADAS calibration system with integrated wheel alignment, a new four-post lift to use alongside the system to maximise its capability across a wider range of vehicles, and an A1 Remote Diagnostics interface, all supplied by A1 ADAS Group.
The integrated workflow now enables the business to complete every calibration in-house while producing comprehensive geometry reports, pre- and post-scan documentation and calibration evidence for customers and insurers.
“Improved efficiency has enabled us to complete more vehicles every day, driving substantial growth,” said Wren. “ADAS work alone can generate as much as £10k in monthly turnover.
“The equipment has transformed the way we operate. Everything flows through one process, we don’t have delays anymore, and we’re not outsourcing long-wheelbase work.”
The A1 Remote Diagnostics interface has also significantly reduced diagnostic delays by giving technicians immediate access to specialist support for secure gateway access, programming and complex diagnostic procedures.
“Sometimes technicians simply get stuck. It isn’t because they aren’t good technicians; modern vehicles are changing so quickly that you need access to broader expertise.
“With our previous supplier we could sometimes be waiting two days for an answer. Now we can usually speak to A1 within half an hour. Having that support behind us means we can confidently take on work from every manufacturer.”
The business has also significantly reduced the cost of secure gateway access.
“We were previously paying £99 every time we needed gateway access. Now we’re paying a flat fee per year, so our margins on those jobs are far healthier while still providing customers with the same service.”
As part of the investment, A1 ADAS Group provided both ADAS technicians with a complimentary two-day training course on the IA900WA system.
Wren added: “From the first site visit through to installation, training and ongoing support, Ant Yates and the team have gone the extra mile. Nothing has been too much trouble.
“The knowledge throughout A1 is incredible. If we need help, it’s there almost immediately. I honestly wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else.”
Ant Yates, regional sales manager at A1 ADAS Group, said Lancashire ADAS reflects a growing number of specialist workshops whose success has overtaken the capability of older equipment.
“Five years ago, workshops could often work around the limitations of their equipment. Today, the latest vehicle technology, secure gateways and manufacturer requirements mean it just isn’t possible.
“The biggest gains don’t come from buying a calibration rig on its own. They come from creating a complete workflow where lifting equipment, wheel alignment, calibration technology and technical expertise work together. That’s what enables workshops to complete more vehicles, keep repairs in-house and have confidence that every calibration is completed correctly.”
Having removed the bottlenecks that were slowing productivity, Lancashire ADAS is now focused on supporting growing demand from both trade customers and retail motorists, with plans to further expand its ADAS capability in the future.
