Deciding Whether to Bring ADAS in House

Deciding whether to bring ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibrations in-house at your collision center involves several key considerations. Here’s what to evaluate:

1. Volume & Demand

• How many vehicles needing ADAS calibrations does your shop handle per month?
• Are ADAS-equipped vehicles a significant portion of your workflow?
• Do you frequently outsource calibrations, leading to delays or inefficiencies?

2. Equipment Investment

• Can you justify the cost of purchasing ADAS calibration tools (targets, scan tools, alignment systems, etc.)?
• Do you have space for both static and dynamic calibrations? (Static requires a controlled indoor area, dynamic requires safe open-road testing.)
• Are your techs trained to use calibration systems properly?

3. Training & Expertise

• Do your technicians have the necessary training to perform ADAS calibrations accurately?
• Are your technicians equipped and capable of diagnosing failed calibrations?
• Will you need to invest in continuous training to keep up with evolving ADAS technology?
• Would manufacturer certifications be necessary for your shop’s credibility?

4. Space & Facility Requirements

• Static calibrations require a clean, well-lit, extremely level space (often 30x50 feet or more).
• Dynamic calibrations need open roadways with proper conditions (clear lane markings, minimal traffic).
• Can your shop accommodate both?

5. Liability & Compliance

• ADAS calibrations must be 100% precise—are you prepared for the liability if something goes wrong? A properly trained and equipped sublet partner might mitigate some of that liability.
• Do you have the right documentation process for calibrations to meet industry and OEM standards?
• Will you pursue OEM certifications for added credibility and warranty compliance?

6. Cost vs. ROI

• What is the current cost of outsourcing ADAS calibrations?
• Would bringing it in-house reduce cycle time, improve profitability, and enhance customer satisfaction?
• How long would it take to break even on the equipment investment?

7. Insurance & Compliance Considerations

• Will insurance companies recognize and reimburse your in-house calibrations?
• Are you prepared to start another business to run ADAS through for proper reimbursement from the insurance companies?
• Are you prepared for potential audits or legal implications of incorrect calibrations?

Final Thought:

If ADAS calibrations are frequent, and outsourcing delays are hurting efficiency, bringing them in-house can be a smart move. However, if the volume is low or space is limited, outsourcing may still be the better choice.

 Equipment Options & Cost Analysis for In-House ADAS Calibrations

1. Essential Equipment for ADAS Calibrations

A. Static Calibration Equipment (For Cameras, Radar, LIDAR)

• ADAS Calibration Targets & Frames – OEM-specific targets for manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, GM, etc.
• Digital Measurement Systems – Ensures precise positioning before calibration.
• ADAS Calibration Tools – Options include Bosch DAS 3000, Autel IA900WA, Hunter ADASLink, or OEM tools.
• Level & Lighting Setup – A dedicated, well-lit, level space (~30x50 ft).

B. Dynamic Calibration Tools (For Radar, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control)

• ADAS Scan Tool – Options like Autel, Launch, Bosch, or OE diagnostic tools to verify calibrations.
• Open Roadway Access – Required for vehicles needing dynamic calibrations.

C. Wheel Alignment & Pre-Calibration Setup

• ADAS-Compatible Alignment System – Many ADAS systems require precise wheel alignment (Hunter, John Bean, Hofmann, OEM Tools).
• Pre-Check Diagnostic Scanner – Ensures all modules function properly before calibration (Autel, Launch, Bosch, OEM (preferred method).

D. Calibration Identification, Requirements, and Procedures

• Calibration Identification Software – 1SourceADAS for identifying correct calibration requirements.
• OEM Calibration Requirements & Procedures – Alldata and manufacturer-specific subscriptions to ensure proper ADAS calibration steps are followed per OEM guidelines.
• Documentation & Reporting Tools – Software to log and verify completed calibrations for liability protection and compliance.

2. Cost Breakdown of In-House ADAS Calibration Setup

  Item Estimated Cost Range

          ADAS Calibration Targets & Stands                                                                                               $  15,000 –  $ 55,000

          Digital Measurement System                                                                                                         $   5,000 –  $  15,000

          Diagnostic Scan Tool                                                                                                                       $   3,000 –  $   8,000

          OEM Software & Subscriptions (1SourceADAS, Alldata, Sun Collision)                                      $  10,000 –  $ 20,000/year

          Alignment System (if needed)                                                                                                        $  25,000 – $  50,000

          Facility Modifications (Lighting, Flooring, Space Setup)                                                              $   5,000 –  $  20,000

          Training & Certification                                                                                                                    $   2,000 –  $   10,000

Total Initial Investment: $ 50,000 – $ 150,000+

(Depending on how advanced and OEM-compliant your setup needs to be.)

3. Cost vs. ROI Analysis

Current Outsourcing Costs:

• Typical cost per calibration: $300 – $600 per vehicle
• If your shop does 10+ ADAS calibrations per month, you could be paying $3,000 – $6,000/month externally.

Breakeven Analysis:

• Example: If your total investment is $75,000 and you’re currently spending $4,500/month on outsourcing, your breakeven point would be 16-18 months.
• Shops doing 20+ calibrations per month can recover costs even faster.