Stand Alone Testing
On 18th June 2007 VOSA introduced a new process that allows the Vehicle Test Station (VTS) device to be used by itself, in ‘stand alone’ mode, when Siemens Central Services are unavailable. It’s called Stand Alone Testing (SAT). In SAT mode test results are recorded on the device as normal and when Siemens Central Services are restored they are added to the central database automatically removing the need to perform ‘Catch Up’.
SAT has not replaced Fallback or Emergency Testing (ET), but its availability should reduce the need to declare ET as often as before.
What are the benefits of SAT?
For MOT garages:
- is less disruptive than ET or Fallback.
- uses normal computer-produced documentation, including an Advisory Notice with the Pass Certificate to explain the implications of SAT to the customer.
- is no need to call the Service Desk to start working in SAT mode (unlike the procedure for Fallback).
The benefits also stretch to VOSA - it makes reconciliation much easier, and for Siemens, SAT enables the Service Desk to continue providing its service to users without being overloaded.
How does SAT work?
1. When a problem with Siemens Central Services is detected, the system will go into SAT mode automatically. Relevant Information will be displayed on the screen.
2. Testers continue to register vehicles as normal, but previous test and DVLA information will not be available so they will need to input this information manually.
3. The test is carried out as normal and results input into the system.
4. The Tester prints off the appropriate documentation as normal. However, an advisory will always be produced in addition to a pass certificate, to explain to the customer the implications of having a test in SAT mode. The advisory will also explain to the customer that they cannot re-license the vehicle for about an hour. Site copies of all documents will also be produced. These will be retained at the garage in case they are needed later.
5. When Siemens Central Services are restored, the VTS Device automatically uploads all stored data relating to SAT tests - no need for catch-up, except in exceptional circumstances where the VTS Device breaks down mid-way through a SAT incident and SAT tests are ‘trapped’ on the VTS Device.
However, do remember to keep the site copies of documents in case your VTS Device develops a local problem, or local communications problems occur, before the stored data has been uploaded automatically.
Page last updated: 18/06/2007