Electric vehicles (EVs) have swept the automotive industry and are slowly taking over. EVs are a more efficient, sustainable, and economical transportation option. The demand for EVs has only increased due to the sustainability factor and the significantly reduced carbon footprint. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), there were about 10 million electric cars in 2010 and this number is only going to increase.
As EVs are fairly new in the market, building customer trust is an essential factor. Delivering a machine that works efficiently is important. Through this blog we will be talking about pre-delivery inspections (PDI), the transition from traditional delivery inspections to software-driven inspections and their benefits.
What is Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)?
We thoroughly test the vehicle to ensure it functions to its pull potential before it is launched in the market or delivered to a customer. The EV is checked from top to bottom for any possible defects that could have been missed during production.
Traditional Methods of Pre-Delivery Inspection
Traditional methods of inspection were time-consuming and involved a standard procedure. Several physical inspections are carried out by trained professionals who examine the EV thoroughly.
The inspections carried out by the technicians involved various visual examinations and manual tests. The results of all these tests were then physically recorded on forms and spreadsheets for further inspection. The body as well as the interior is thoroughly checked and is taken for a test drive before being transported to the dealer.
Challenges Faced in the Traditional Method of Inspection
The traditional form of inspection has been serving the industry well for over a decade, but there were numerous flaws in the traditional method that had to be addressed. Since the traditional method is manual, there is always a chance of error. Here is a list of reasons why the traditional method of inspection had to be updated with a more efficient one.
- Time Constraints
Traditional inspection methods of EVs are labor-oriented and highly time-consuming due to the complex system of EVs. Several components of the system, including the electrical system, battery, integrated software, safety features, etc., need to be examined thoroughly. This process requires time and attention, as each component must meet the required standard of quality.
- Chances of Error
Since this step is carried out by a technician, common obstacles such as fatigue, distraction, and lack of attention produce inaccurate results. Human error has always been significant in this stage of inspection. These errors can result in a bad product reaching the market, compromising the overall quality of the vehicle.
- Lack of Documentation
During the inspection, it is crucial to maintain up-to-date records to understand the history of the vehicle. In the traditional method of inspection, this step is often overlooked, and proper documentation may or may not be present.
- Limited Data Collection
Traditional methods of inspection often relied on paper-based records of the data collected. This method limits the possibilities of analysis and detecting any possible pattern during the inspection of the vehicles.
- Complexity of EV systems
EVs have a complex electric system that needs to be handled with supervision and knowledge. Without accurate knowledge of the workings of EVs and their intricate electronic systems, it can result in inaccurate evaluations and pose serious hazards.
- Labour Cost
Manual inspections had to be done one at a time. To speed up this process, dealers had to hire more technicians, invest in their training, and then depend on their skills. This had significantly increased their operational costs.
Now that we know the challenges faced by dealers during and after PDI, which were arguably a huge gap in the aftermarket, Let us look at how this challenge was tackled through the benefits of automation in EV delivery inspection.
What Are the Benefits of Automation in PDI?
- Accuracy
Pre-delivery inspection software tends to eliminate the human error factor associated with this stage. With precise information and AI, even the smallest defects and malfunctions can be detected as well as documented. With the help of such high-level precision, it becomes easier to deliver top-quality products.
- Better Time Management
With the help of automation software, the rate of production has significantly increased. Automated systems have reduced the total time significantly as they can run checks on multiple vehicles at the same time.
Unlike traditional inspection methods that required more labor as well as time. With efficient production time, manufacturers can efficiently manage higher numbers compared to traditional supply chains.
- Improved Safety
Software-driven automation ensures that every vehicle that surpasses PDI follows all safety precautions strictly. By ensuring this, the risk factor associated with vehicles is reduced by a significant percentage, along with the risk of non-compliance. Compliance to safety precautions strictly manages to build customer trust.
- Efficient Data Collection
During every automated inspection, real-time data is collected and analyzed. Unlike traditional methods of inspection, it does not include hefty paperwork and procedures. After the automated procedures, the digital inspection software provides valuable insights about the possible recurring issues, potential areas that need improvement, and prediction of which part might need repair or replacement. This insightful automation not only gives a valuable result, but it also gives the dealers an opportunity to get a hold of an issue before it becomes significant.
- Economical
Automated inspections have helped dealers save a huge amount on manual labor. Unlike traditional inspection, this method has a huge initial cost, but the savings over the years are a successful bargain. The power of detecting all possible long-term and short-term defects early has helped in saving upfront costs, making automotive inspections an economical option compared to traditional inspections.
In Conclusion
There have been several limitations that resulted in the emergence of an effective solution in the form of automated inspection software. Switching to automation software has increased production and reduced cost, along with a hope for a promising future. Safety and quality have drastically increased with a strict database in place. As the demand for EV vehicles is constantly increasing and the shift towards a sustainable future is actively taking place, there will always be scope for improvement and for more accurate software.
