Users of escribe, the repair methods solution from Thatcham Research, can now instantly identify ADAS fitment and system features. Repairers can now view key Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) fitment information before they undertake any repairs to a vehicle, following a pioneering update to Methods Direct, within the escribe portal.

With thousands of new cars now fitted with ADAS technologies, Thatcham Research is addressing a central issue for bodyshops, by enabling the positive identification of ADAS technologies fitted to a vehicle requiring repair. Repairers are now able to see key ADAS Fitment and Systems information before they undertake any repairs, easing workflow and improving the planning process through greater awareness.

Joe Dunn, Product Lead at Thatcham Research commented, “escribe is the only source in the world that can so rapidly provide this information. Up to now the correct identification of ADAS fitment has been a huge challenge for repairers and bodyshops. Understanding which sensors or technology types are present on a vehicle will allow repairers to order parts and ascertain what equipment they may need in advance of repair.”

Thatcham  say that at present, repairers may not realise that a vehicle has ADAS capability until the vehicle is in the workshop bay and may have even been partially stripped down. This means that parts in a repair may not have been preoredered or the required space and expertise is not available to perform the repair.

The new capability will allow escribe users to:

• Indentify sensors and instruments on the vehicle for example; camera, stereo camera, RADAR, LIDAR, or ultrasonic sensors
• See what technology types are used. For example that may require calibrating, such as AEB, Reverse AEB, Lane Assist or Park Assist
• Identify if the fitment (Standard or Optional fit), to allow estimates to be adjusted accordingly

The latest addition is part of Thatcham Research’s ongoing commitment to providing the best level of repair service possible to subscribers. This has also included, parts information included as standard on escribe and escribe plus package, access to vehicle manufacturer data through Methods Direct for escribe Plus customers and manual lookup of vehicles in Methods Direct.

For more information visit www.thatcham.org/escribe