Opus IVS, leading provider of diagnostics solutions backed by OE master technicians, last week hosted two successful Technical Open Evenings, in partnership with the Independent Garage Association (IGA).
The events, which took place at the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills in Runcorn on 19th and 20th April, were open to all trade technicians, and garage owners looking to boost profits using the latest diagnostic technology.
“The aim was to bring industry people together to share common problems and discuss solutions,” said Pasquale Vaira, UK Sales Manager at Opus IVS. “For us, it’s all about showcasing the support that’s available for garages and to let them know that they’re not on their own.”
Frank Harvey, Head of Member Services at the IGA, opened the evening with an industry update on forthcoming changes to Block Exemption and the Department for Transport’s 4-1-1 MOT proposal. He also discussed the importance of setting the right labour rate and offered a word of warning on the latest round of scams hitting independent garages.
Pasquale then introduced Opus IVS, the technology behind the products and the expertise within its UK support centre. The flagship DrivePro™ Elite diagnostic tablet offers a remote services VCI and coverage for 64 brands all backed up with ‘game-changing’ IVS 360™ live support, giving workshops access to brand-specific OE master technicians.
“Opus IVS are the people I call when I need support”, said Steve Scott, founder of Simply Diagnostics and one of the delegates for the evening. “Having a brand-specific master technician at the end of the phone is next-level support, a helping hand to guide you through the most difficult jobs.”
The evening concluded with an eagerly anticipated technical session on high voltage systems. Keith Witherspoon, IVS 360™ BMW Master Technician, explained why garages should be upskilling staff to work on high voltage systems, warned on the dangers of naivety and shared plenty of tips and advice.
“High voltage is a whole new world for technicians and it requires an entirely new set of skills,” said Keith. “These vehicles are now already out there in large numbers, so it’s essential technicians have a complete understanding of systems and how to work safely on them.”
Between sessions, delegates networked over free food and drink with visitors agreeing they were glad to have found the time to attend.
“It was just a really insightful evening,” said Liam Plews, General Manager at Motor Marque in Leeds: “Some of the information on isolation procedures, I’ve not seen covered in other training courses and it was a great opportunity to meet some fantastic people too.”
Interested garages are urged to look out for future Technical Opening Evenings. Further information about Opus IVS can be found online at: https://www.opusivs-uk.com/.
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