SERMI goes live to level playing field for independents
SERMI is now live in the UK, providing approved repairers with access to security-related vehicle manufacturer data critical to vehicle repair.
Information now available to independent workshops as part of the scheme include diagnostics, software updates, key programming and maintenance protocols.
By providing access to this data without the need for manufacturer-by-manufacturer approvals, SERMI is intended to improve operational agility, strengthen data protection, and level the playing field between independent garages and dealerships.
Digidentity has been appointed as the official Trust Centre for the UK automotive industry. It will issue digital certificates – valid for five years – and provide access tokens via its secure Wallet app. Once verified, individuals can then access manufacturer systems in line with SERMI requirements.
Access
Digidentity CTO and founder, Marcel Wendt, said: “For modern repairs, access to software, diagnostics and security data is now just as important as access to the parts themselves.
“By acting as the Trust Centre for SERMI in the UK, our role is to verify technicians, issue credentials securely, and give manufacturers full visibility into who’s accessing their systems. This protects security information for drivers and enhances the safety of modern connected vehicles.”
Stuart James, chief executive of the IGA, added: “Independent garages have always had the capability to carry out complex, high-quality repairs. What they haven’t had is consistent access to the data that modern vehicles now rely on. As more systems go digital and EV adoption accelerates, that lack of access has become a serious barrier.
“SERMI puts a structure around something we’ve needed for years, bringing trusted access to the systems and information that have held the sector back for too long.”
