Digitalisation key to capitalising on SERMI
UK approval for the Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) framework won’t be enough on its own to boost revenue for independent repairers.
To make the most of it, bodyshops need to ensure they have a clear online presence and establish trust with consumers.
SERMI is intended to provide independent repairers with access to manufacturer data and has been heralded as a major breakthrough for the UK automotive aftermarket.
Recommended for approval by UKAS, the initiative will soon give certified independents secure access to critical vehicle data including key coding, ECU programming and software downloads. Until now, such information has been largely restricted to franchised dealerships.
Online presence
However, Jim Lang, managing director at Garage Services Online, has warned SERMI alone won’t deliver new revenue streams.
He said: “This is one of the most important milestones in recent years for independent garages. It levels the technical playing field with dealerships, but the real benefits will only be realised if workshops are visible and trusted online. Access to manufacturer data is invaluable, but on its own it won’t bring customers through the door, that requires visibility and credibility.”
He stressed that, with most motorists now relying on Google to choose a workshop, a strong online presence is as vital as technical capability.
Lang said:
“SERMI clears a long-standing hurdle for independents. The next challenge is to convert that progress into real business. By building a strong digital presence, garages can showcase their expertise at the exact moment drivers are looking for it, turning opportunity into sustainable growth.”
