Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become a standard feature in modern vehicles, introducing new levels of complexity to collision repair. With cameras, sensors, and radar integrated into nearly every aspect of a vehicle, proper calibration and verification of these systems are critical to ensuring a safe repair.

Many collision repair shops rely on third-party ADAS vendors for calibrations and diagnostics, which is often a necessary and effective solution. However, some shops take a hands-off approach, assuming the vendor will handle everything without oversight. While ADAS service providers play a vital role, the shop remains responsible for the overall repair, including ensuring calibrations are correctly completed, documentation is thorough, and all OEM requirements are met. The liability still falls on the shop if something is missed, misbilled, or poorly documented.

Proper vendor management isn’t about questioning the capabilities of ADAS service providers—it’s about collaboration, accountability, and shared responsibility. Shops actively participating in the process can improve efficiency, maintain compliance, and ensure the safest possible repairs for their customers.

ADAS is Not a Hands-Off Sublet

Outsourcing ADAS services isn’t like sending a wheel out for repair, where a quick visual check confirms the job was done correctly. ADAS calibrations and diagnostics require detailed oversight, validation, and documentation.

Many shops assume their ADAS vendor will automatically perform the correct calibrations, bill accurately, and follow OEM procedures. While most vendors operate with high standards, procedures can vary. Because the shop is ultimately responsible for the repair, it must actively engage in the ADAS process to ensure compliance and quality.

One of the most common challenges in vendor management is billing transparency. Without oversight, shops may pass along calibration charges to insurers or customers without fully understanding whether all billed operations were necessary. Over time, unchecked billing inconsistencies can create financial strain and impact trust with customers and insurance providers. Shops should understand every invoiced operation and be able to explain it to customers and insurers. A good ADAS vendor will always be willing to review charges and provide clarity when needed.

Another risk is missed calibrations or incomplete procedures. If a required calibration is overlooked, the vehicle’s ADAS system may not function properly, creating a potential safety hazard. For example, a misaligned forward collision warning system could fail to engage when needed or activate at the wrong time. Shops that do not verify completed calibrations and ensure compliance with OEM guidelines could face liability if a customer experiences a failure due to improper ADAS restoration.

Shops must actively determine what calibrations are required for the repair. This may mean utilizing a scrubbing platform like 1Source ADAS or researching OEM repair procedures. Shops should also include an ADAS check during the final test drive before delivering the vehicle to the customer.

Documentation is another critical component of ADAS repair. Without clear proof of work—such as pre- and post-scan reports and calibration records—shops may struggle to demonstrate compliance in the event of an audit, customer concern, or legal claim. Shops should work closely with their ADAS vendors to ensure proper documentation is provided for every calibration performed and stored in the repair file.

How Shops Can Take an Active Role in ADAS Vendor Management

Shops don’t need to micromanage their ADAS vendors, but they do need to stay engaged in the process. One of the most effective ways to do this is by understanding which ADAS operations are required for each repair before sending a vehicle to an ADAS provider. Instead of relying solely on vendors to determine necessary calibrations, shops should verify required operations using OEM repair procedures or an ADAS identification tool like 1Source ADAS.

Another critical step is reviewing vendor invoices carefully before passing costs along. If a charge seems unclear, discussing it with the vendor beforehand can prevent future conflicts with customers or insurers. No one likes backtracking and issuing credits for repairs that weren’t covered. Open communication with vendors helps prevent disputes and keeps the repair process running smoothly.

Setting clear expectations from the beginning is also key to a successful partnership. Shops and ADAS vendors should align on pricing, procedural adherence, and documentation requirements to avoid discrepancies down the road.

At the end of the day, the shop owns the repair process. Even if an ADAS vendor performs the calibrations, the shop is responsible for ensuring everything is done correctly before delivering the vehicle back to the customer. A proactive approach to vendor management isn’t about questioning a vendor’s expertise—it’s about ensuring alignment, accuracy, and accountability.

The Risks of a Passive Approach

Shops that take a passive role in ADAS vendor management may not immediately notice the consequences, but over time, the risks become clear. Mismanaged billing can lead to financial losses, while overlooked calibrations can compromise vehicle safety. If an insurance audit, customer complaint, or legal dispute arises, the shop—not the vendor—must be able to prove that all necessary ADAS operations were performed according to OEM guidelines.

With the increasing complexity of modern vehicle technology, shops that stay proactive in vendor management will be best positioned for long-term success. Those who fail to engage in the process risk inefficiencies, compliance challenges, and potential liability issues.

Good Partners and Safe Repairs

Outsourcing ADAS work is an innovative solution for many shops, but outsourcing responsibility is not an option. Effective vendor management is about creating a collaborative relationship where the shop and the ADAS provider share a commitment to accuracy, transparency, and quality.

For shops looking to simplify ADAS identification and ensure full visibility into required operations, 1Source ADAS provides a powerful solution. Our platform helps shops verify calibrations upfront, giving them the confidence to oversee ADAS repairs effectively. With 1Source ADAS, you can instantly know the required operations based on your repair estimate. This allows you to plan the ADAS portion of the repair from the blueprint phase, reducing delays and ensuring compliance.

Start your free seven-day unlimited trial today at http://1sourceadas.com.