Diagnostics is the core to access to the car. The ability to ‘talk’ to a car is vital for technicians and will only become more important as automobiles continues to get more complicated and, eventually, automated. Connectivity in passenger and fleet vehicles will present challenges for technicians, necessitating a powerful and reliable diagnostics tool.
The complexity of vehicles is driving our efforts in the re-launch of the Encore diagnostics tool and Bravo 2.0 software. The tool worked well in many aspects, and we heard from technicians that it underperformed in others, so we took action. To be competitive and build trust, underperforming is not an option – for us or the technician.
The Encore carries OTC’s 90-year heritage and brand reputation to the market. It represents a vital part of our business and can be even more important to a shop. To keep that reputation, the tool must stand for longevity and quality while improving the technician’s ability to fix vehicles, which is why all improvements were driven by technician feedback.
The re-launch and Bravo 2.0 software includes engineering, sales, marketing, a lifetime warranty* and more to address and fix any software bugs, close gaps in coverage and make the tool more intuitive. Coverage continues to expand, the tool is faster and small changes will result in a better experience.
It doesn’t stop there. The engineering process will continue because you will continue to see new cars and new vehicle problems in your shop. One major thing to look for this year is expanded European coverage, a major benefit of being connected with Bosch. We will be your diagnostics choice because of coverage, usability and function. And if we’re not, we need to hear why.
There is no shortage of diagnostic tool choices, with several companies offering tools at nearly every price range. Our goal is to be the technician’s first choice, with a combination of coverage, speed, quality, usability and value as the day-to-day diagnostics tool.
To do that, we will:
-Continue to improve our diagnostics tools through technician feedback
-Focus on increased tech communication and testing, and;
-Work with internal audiences to constantly audit our own tools to pinpoint where improvements can be made.
Do you have an Encore and have you upgraded to Bravo 2.0? If so, let us know what you think. If you don’t have an Encore, see if the Technician Challenge [http://www.otctools.com/technician-challenge] national tour will stop near you to test the tool, try to beat your fellow techs and compete to win OTC Tools, including an Encore.
*Terms and conditions apply. See the OTC Encore warranty statement.
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