The tools of an automotive technician have evolved way beyond wrenches.

A survey conducted by Anyline, a provider of artificial intelligence-powered data-capture software, found 70% of technicians said at least half of their daily tasks depend on some level of technology, and 68% feel comfortable using advanced digital diagnostic tools.

In a news release, the Austrian-based company said the study, unveiled during last week’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, highlights the “increasingly critical role of technology in addressing key challenges facing the tire and automotive service industry” and how advanced technology can be used to streamline operations and improve the customer service experience.

The survey also showed 87% of techs believe digital data and analytics build customer trust and improve satisfaction.

“Our survey confirms a growing enthusiasm among technicians for technology’s role in shaping the future of automotive service,” Anyline head of U.S. automotive Chris Garcia said. “Anyline is excited to contribute to this technology revolution with our mobile data capture platforms that increase operational efficiency and eliminate manual data-entry errors.

“Digitized data empowers techs to service more vehicles every day, reducing customer wait times and improving the overall service experience.”

The increasing integration of tech-focused solutions comes during a shortage of skilled labor in the auto service industry – 46% of the survey respondents said the technician shortage is the biggest challenge they’ll face over the next decade.

Anyline said “future-forward” service shops are responding with digital vehicle diagnostic platforms to increase efficiency and allow their techs to service more vehicles.

The company cited its new technology platform, designed to instantly measure tire tread depth using a smartphone, as an example of such tools, saying it “helps address the industry’s labor challenges and technicians’ needs head-on.” In the survey, Anyline said, 60% of techs expressed interest in incorporating that tool into their daily workflow.

“Shops that deploy digital tire and vehicle inspection platforms are better positioned to recruit and retain highly sought-after technicians,” Garcia said. “These tools eliminate manual data entry and streamline operations so technicians can spend more time under the hood doing the parts of the job they enjoy most.”

According to the survey, 57% of techs manually log tire information into point-of-sale systems and CRM platforms, and 72% said manual data entry is time-consuming.

Anyline said its tire sidewall and tread depth scanner is an AI-powered platform that integrates with existing digital vehicle inspection and point-of-sale systems and provides insights based on the data designed to optimize service operations and reduce human error.