The Challenge of Workshop Solutions with Software-defined Vehicles – SOVD in Action

In the latest issue of OEM & Lieferant (02/2025), Softing highlights how software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are transforming diagnostics. As powerful high-performance computers (HPCs) replace traditional ECUs, workshops face new challenges – and the new standard SOVD (Service Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics) provides the answer.

SOVD as the New Diagnostic Standard

SOVD (Service-Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics) introduces a unified interface for vehicle diagnostics. While user interface, business logic and content remain on the tester, the diagnostic services themselves run directly on the vehicle’s HPC. This clear separation simplifies processes and reduces complexity.

Three Diagnostic Modes

SOVD supports three key modes:

• Proximity – diagnostics directly at the vehicle

• Remote – diagnostics via online access

• In-Vehicle – continuous monitoring of the vehicle’s health state

These modes create flexibility and ensure that diagnostics can be adapted to every stage of the vehicle lifecycle.

Benefits for Workshops and Aftersales

Workshops must update their systems to support SOVD. In return, they gain more efficient workflows, remote support capabilities, and continuous monitoring for predictive maintenance. This makes aftersales more effective and future-proof.