Garage Vitals founder Mark Webb is the latest to feature on The Blend Podcast, providing a timely look into OEM diagnostics and SERMI compliance ahead of his live session at The Blend later this month.
Joining podcast host Mike Ruff, Mark explores how workshops can make the most of OEM diagnostic capability without tying up unnecessary capital or creating additional complexity.
Reflecting on his own “baptism of fire” with dealer diagnostics in 2008, Mark explains how the experience eventually led him to establish a support business helping independent garages navigate manufacturer registrations, portal access and changing software permissions.
Rather than investing in every dealer tool available, Mark advocates using workshop management systems to analyse vehicle intake over 12 to 24 months and identify the three or four manufacturers that justify genuine equipment.
“For everything else, remote diagnostics can be a much more sensible option,” he explains.
The episode also explores the practical challenges that can follow an OEM investment, including unpredictable manufacturer portals. Mark highlights examples ranging from changes to flash-programming permissions within Mercedes-Benz UMAS accounts to the Volkswagen Group’s move towards the unified ‘One Business’ erWin platform.
SERMI is another key focus, with Mark stressing the importance of robust record-keeping and processes capable of meeting the RMI’s six-day document production requirement during an audit.
“Dealer diagnostics can be a minefield of moving goalposts, dropped permissions, and steep learning curves,” said Mike Ruff. “Mark’s practical advice cuts through the noise and shows workshop owners how to make genuine OEM capability a structured part of their business.”
The episode provides an advance look at Mark’s live session at The Blend 2026, taking place at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday 10th October.
The Blend Podcast is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major streaming platforms, as well as through The Blend website: https://www.theblend.events/podcast.
