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ALOA/NASTF Locksmith Key Code Registry Bypassed - VIN to Code Software

6/7/2011

13 Comments

 
Being in the locksmith business is kinda like sitting on an inner tube in the middle of the ocean watching the swells roll up and down.  One moment your floating along in the trough, then rising up to the crest and back down into the trough again.  A roller coaster adventure of sorts with anticipation and disappointments.  Some days as a locksmith it is a feast, while other days can be famine. You know the routine, up, down, up...down again with jobs, getting paid etc.

As a professional sitting in that inner tube, you try to take advantage of seeing the horizon as you reach the crest of the swells, since their presence sometimes indicate a storm off into the distance.  Knowing how to navigate and to spot trends can prepare oneself for what may come next.  A few years back the locksmith industry found themselves in the inner tube when it came to the serviceability of automobiles utilizing transponder technology.  A big outcry could be heard from sea to sea of how stranded motorists could not be serviced "after hours" and were stranded because of the dealers grip on the service information, equipment, & keys.

So much was this concern for the "consumer" that a piece of legislation known as the Automotive Right to Repair Act was drafted, that was intended to support the vehicle owner and give them options such as choosing a local locksmith instead of a dealer for service.  The impact of this potential legislation forced others to resolve the problems or face legislative compliance.  The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Vehicle Security Committee (VSC) was born which comprised of a collection of locksmiths, organizations and automotive manufacturer reps. There was even a guy on it that was claiming to be the Executive Director of Communications for an organization that didn't even exist who was demanding that the locksmith could only use the products he represented.  But that's another story!

Things eventually evolved which included the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) as being the "clearing house" or gateway for the locksmiths and others. In order for a locksmith to receive access to service information and key codes for automobile, they must be cleared by ALOA and pay some handsome fees to each manufacturers website.  Please remember, the focus was supposed to be about consumer roadside assistance after hours, however, it was being intentionally molested by some who had other interests....in other words...follow the money.  

I will spare you the underhanded activities surrounding what occurred during all these activities, but I can say that those who screwed with the original intent of the issue and introduced the demand for key codes spent no time looking at the horizon even when they were warned repeatedly of the oncoming storm they were floating the industry into.

Now today here comes OPENLANE, a company that runs the re-marketing programs for the OEM's, independent finance companies, regional banks and rental car companies.  Their subsidiary known as Recovery Database Network are partnering with a company called KeyCode Pro to provide repossession subscribers the ability to order a key code within their software environment, providing a key code by VIN with the click of a button 24/7.

What's the big deal you ask?  Well, let's consider a few things. Click the links!

OpenLane is a leading online auction company in North America for automotive dealers.  Now the repo dealer will handle all phases of the vehicles recovered and essentially act as the service provider, storage facility and transportation.  A sort of cradle to grave initiative - One Stop Recovery & Remarketing.   Did I also mention, the repo agents act as the automotive locksmith? Recovery Industry Services Company has already established their Locksmith Training School and others also exist but now there is a coordinated agenda.

Years ago I wrote an article talking about the future of the automotive locksmiths which described the convergence of such things now occurring.  The idea of the wholesale use of automotive key codes by those who meddled with it during the VSC & NASTF is about to come full circle and we will see the tsunami which others ignored and were warned about.

KeyCode Pro is also about to release a website as well which will also service the locksmiths.  So with a simple Internet connection, a VIN number and a password, the user will receive a key code via email 24/7 from an interactive website at a cost far below the ALOA/NASTF gateway.  

So how will this affect current independent key code services?  Considering most have their own "connections", it would appear to be minimal, however the convergence and consolidation under OPENLANES software suite my draw a large volume of users away.  

I don't think the local well rounded locksmiths who are truly servicing the consumer on a roadside call will suffer but the locksmiths who put their eggs in one basket with the dealers, auctions etc. and those who opened Pandora's key code box and colluded with each other during the NASTF VSC, most certainly will be affected.

For those "automotive guys" who once would obnoxiously say..."I'm NOT a Locksmith" as if it were a bad thing to really know about locksmithing.....what are ya gonna do now?  

So it looks like the chickens have come home to roost with this interesting turn of events and once again the locksmiths will have to decide to "swim, sink - live or die" as they ride the waves.
13 Comments
Mike Bronzell link
6/7/2011 17:14:30

I hear you Tom I actually flew to vegas to express my discust at the antics that were perpetrated by people trying to enrich their own pockets as opposed to looking out for the interests of the locksmiths as a whole which they self proclaimed they represented.

Reply
lms software link
7/9/2012 21:44:13

Knowing how to navigate and to spot trends can prepare oneself for what may come next. A few years back the locksmith industry found themselves in the inner tube when it came to the serviceability of automobiles utilizing transponder technology.This blog gives us much information

Reply
Robert Sieveking link
6/11/2011 06:41:39

Licensing has never been a popular subject around here. There is no "policing" of the "locksmiths" that are operating without the license. There never were any teeth in the legislation. The NASTF was a scam from the outset. As you say, it was "invented" to create an income for the creators. I knew a few, and I am sad to see their interests enriched. My question is: How do we get a subscription to the new program? and How much will it cost? Key Code Pro has reached out to garner a corner on the market, now. I didn't subscribe to the Key Code Pro program either. The only time any of them is needed, is when I need PIN numbers for Chrysler autos that can't be interrogated by the AD unit.
NASTF has scribbled up the game "so badly," that my dealers have gotten letters from the manufacturers, stating that they are "forbidden" from dealing directly with "locksmiths." I had a copy of the letter here, somewhere, that stated that the locksmiths were to be directed to ALOA or NASTF to get authorization and codes/PINs ." I now go through a local mechanic, who calls in the VIN # to get the PINs. I used to call the parts dept. to get them directly, which was a lot easier and faster. Some things are better left alone. Licensing is just one of the things that is "killing" any new locksmiths. The code availability is letting non-locksmiths (repossessors, auctions, lot boys an the like) compete with the real locksmiths among us. To quote an old saying, "They're eating your lunch." Where's the craftsmanship in "calling in a code?" I like codes just as well as the next guy, but if they're there, there is no need for a "real" locksmith.
I don't mean to pick a fight, here, but I'd just as soon see the codes unavailable. Even for the Lexus's and infinities, which I hate to do. But, if that's where the work is,that's where the money will be.

Reply
Robert Sieveking link
6/11/2011 07:05:46

Wile I'm on the subject, here's another "biter" for you.
If you wonder why you're home sitting on your hands waiting for the phone to ring. There are web sites selling "keys to code" for desk locks. If you send them the code, they send out a key for your file cabinet or desk for $7.50. How about a new core, and a core key for that Hon file cabinet or any other cabinet? A little graphite, or a broken key extractor?

Why should they call an "expensive" locksmith, when they can order over the internet? I'm out a service call and the service to make the key.
The local "hardware has a 1200CM machine and a code book. They now make keys for the used furniture (office furniture) stores. Places where I used to be a "regular" servicer. Cars have gone the same way. If you buy the key, they will give you a photocopy of the "programming procedure" or go out in the parking lot and program it for you. Why would they ever need a "locksmith?" "They're eating your lunch, boys." There's no corner on the market, just because you call yourself a locksmith.
A local locksmith will take your VIN number and make you a key, if you come into the shop. I don't do that. I have to be at the car, to make the key. You can't compete with the code boys. I guess that's why I'm sitting here at the computer this morning.
If this is a "blog," I'd like to hear other points of view on this subject. Sorry if I stepped on any toes. It's just my thoughts on the subject.

Bob Sieveking
locksmith (with a small "L")

Reply
Michael Sink
4/12/2012 07:28:22

And you don't want licensing ? Are they licensed ?
In California you file a complaint and the must state respond within ten days.

Reply
Tom Lynch link
4/12/2012 09:19:33

What does licensing have to do with any of Bob's remarks? Are you trying to say that using licensing to control competition is needed?

Looking for Miami Contractor link
6/15/2011 09:31:03

This is quite interesting. I can't believe someone would screw that up. The locksmith profession is slowly dwindling, but I don't think that we will ever be without locks. I just can't see it--large companies will still need locks. They can have measures to prevent theft, but a lock is the most basic of them. You can't get rid of it. Thanks for this great article.

Reply
Danny Gurvis link
8/25/2011 20:31:05

You sound bitter Bob.

Reply
luis sun-locksmith link
1/18/2012 12:02:25

everyone now is trying to be a locksmith or call then selft a locksmith i mean who are this company calling my business every day wanting to work for fourty percent i hate this guys stop calling my business and if im on google map they leave bad review to get me out check this out i don't know when this is gonna change but my dad away say thing dont get better by then serf you have to do something to make then change ,
and fort the code problem buy ez or lischi reader they are great take your time to learn how to use then i bouth my from apollo-auto fort around 49.00 usd no but an they are good and i dont need aloa

Reply
steve link
3/24/2012 22:32:17

WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST OF YOUR CODE SERVICE!

Reply
twitter software link
4/17/2012 21:02:58

Software good too hear about them. Such type updates makes us perfect. How to new update we can use in our development side. Thank you for it.

Reply
microsoft coupon code link
6/10/2012 22:25:43

Technology advance is good but sometimes it may lead to some difficult choices to made. Locksmith profession it getting dwindling and some effort must be done in the way licensing i don't really understand the whole concept of it how come into play.

Reply
Danny link
1/3/2016 01:38:49

as a repossession agency owner, one side of this that was not mentioned, was that one of our own struggles in our industry, is that the banks and lenders we work for many times now require us to provide keys in our already lowered repo fee. We are being required more and more to provide "free" services to these lenders and being able to make our own keys is just one small place where we can make a little bit of money back since we have already been negotiated down to prices that make it harder to live off of.

I just wanted to share one more facet to this discussion and some insight into why some of these things are the way they are.

Thank you

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  • Home Page
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    • The Art of Masterkeying
    • Interchangeable Core
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