Autotech Connect has expanded its workshop technology platform through the development of a new AI-supported voice-to-text solution that is already reducing warranty and reporting administration time by more than 80% during early dealership trials.
Developed in partnership with FieldPal.ai, the software enables vehicle technicians to verbally document diagnostics, repairs and warranty processes in real time while working on vehicles, significantly reducing the amount of time spent manually completing reports and searching for technical information.
Early pilot programmes have shown that warranty reports, which could take more than 30 minutes to complete, can now be generated in as little as five minutes, while technicians can retrieve relevant technical information and guided workflows within seconds using voice commands.
The platform builds on the Assisted Reality hardware solutions Autotech Connect has already been rolling out across the automotive sector, combining AI-supported workflows with voice-enabled technology specifically designed for aftermarket operations.
Accessible through tablets or Assisted Reality headsets, the technology operates within a controlled, dealership-specific environment using manufacturer-approved technical data, workflows and compliance requirements. The system can also be white-labelled and configured to individual dealer group or manufacturer requirements.
Unlike public AI tools, the platform is designed specifically for automotive workshop environments, enabling technicians to generate structured reports, access technical procedures and navigate repair processes without manually searching across multiple systems or technical documents.
The solution also allows less experienced technicians to connect remotely with master technicians for live support and guidance during diagnostics and repair procedures, helping dealer groups share expertise more effectively across multiple sites while reducing delays in the workshop.
Vehicle technicians are estimated to spend between 10% and 20% of their working day completing documentation and administrative processes, including warranty reporting, repair records and compliance procedures. While essential for manufacturer requirements, customer transparency and workshop efficiency, these growing administrative demands continue to place pressure on already stretched technical teams.
By allowing technicians to capture information naturally as they work, the platform is designed to increase productive workshop time while reducing duplicated administration and improving reporting consistency.
“Modern technicians are balancing increasingly complex diagnostics and repair procedures alongside growing administrative workloads,” comments Darren Dowling, Client Services Director at Autotech Connect. “We developed this platform to remove much of that friction by allowing technicians to document work naturally while carrying out the task, rather than stopping to manually complete reports afterwards.
The early results have been extremely encouraging, particularly around the reduction in warranty administration time and the speed at which technicians can now access relevant technical information. Just as importantly, the ability to remotely connect with experienced technicians creates another layer of support for workshops managing skills shortages and increasingly complex vehicle technology.”
With early trials already demonstrating significant time savings, Autotech Connect is continuing to develop the platform around the practical challenges faced by modern workshops, including increasing administrative demands and growing pressure on technical teams.
