AudaLink 8 A/W

Link-Up
with Audatex and Unlock the Potential
Issue 11
Summer 2012
Partnership with Groupama Insurances
streamlines workflow
We are pleased to announce that we are working with Groupama
Insurances to implement a fully-integrated technology platform to
help improve its motor claims processes. Seamless links will be
put in place between Groupama’s in-house image assessment,
motor claims and customer service functions, as well as with its
approved body repair and engineering partners.
turn to page three...
page four:
page six:
page seven:
Menu driven
estimating with
Global Repair
Solutions
Vehicle Health
Check –
the diagnostics
system of choice
Tracy Howard
shares his views
of our industry
Welcome
from Paul Sykes
“
In the current climate,
every business is
focussed on increasing
profitability through
performance and
efficiency improvements
Paul Sykes
Sales & Operations Director
Audatex UK
”
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Summer edition
of our Link-Up customer newsletter. This publication coincides
with some important announcements across our business
including: the appointment by Solera of Alastair McLeod to the
position of Regional Managing Director, our new partnership
with Groupama Insurances and with QBE Europe; and the
introduction of our innovative menu-driven estimating solution in
association with Global Repair Solutions.
Product innovation continues to be under the spotlight, with feedback from our
customers and the Audatex Technical Committee playing a major part in the next
phase AudaEnterpriseGold developments – see our preview on the features and
benefits on page 5. In recognition of the importance of vehicle diagnostics as an
integral part of the repair process, we also cover our Vehicle Health Check
diagnostics solution which, as you will read, is fast becoming the system of choice
for bodyshops nationwide.
As we look forward to our new financial year (commencing 1st July) we are putting
increased emphasis on structuring our business and, to use a Technical Committee
phrase, formulating our ‘Work Plan’ to ensure that our priorities reflect your priorities.
In the current climate, every business is focussed on increasing profitability through
performance and efficiency improvements. We are proud to employ the Solera
guiding principles (see opposite) to develop and deliver the systems and solutions
that will help all our customers achieve this goal.
Solera appoints new Regional Managing Director
Alastair MacLeod joined us
year as Regional Managing
Solera companies located
Ireland, South Africa and
in April this
Director for
in the UK,
the United
Arab Emirates, including Audatex.
Alastair joins Solera after almost 25 years
in a variety of senior management and
executive roles in telecommunications,
IT solutions and business information.
His most recent position was as Group
Chief Executive Officer of EurotaxGlass’s
International. Alastair holds an MBA
2
from the London Business School, and
an M.Eng.Hons from the University of
York, where he studied Electronic
Systems Engineering.
“I’m very excited to be on board at
Solera and to join the market leader. The
group and its companies have a proud
and impressive history, and I am already
enjoying taking the first steps in being a
part of its future. We will work tirelessly
to bring innovations and high-ROI
solutions to our customers.” said Alastair.
Partnership with Groupama Insurances
Announcing the news of the relationship
between Audatex and Groupama,
Darren Wills, Claims Director, Groupama
Insurances said: “A review of our
motor engineering and body repair
processes highlighted an opportunity to
streamline our workflow by establishing
faster communication links between
the various parties in our supply chain.
We were impressed with the flexibility
of the solution which delivers
everything we need now, as well as
new opportunities for improvement in
the future.”
The integrated solution will support a
broad range of key functions including
accident damage repair routing and
instruction, vehicle damage assessment,
estimate auditing, plus real-time access
to claims status information, with images.
In addition our extensive vehicle data
ideally supports Groupama’s developing
specialist service offering, including its
objective to become the UK’s leading
motor cycle insurer.
“We’re delighted to be working in
partnership with Darren Wills and his
team and pleased that the combined
strength of our product portfolio, data
coverage and relationships with
Groupama’s supply chain partners, has
enabled us to step up to the challenge.”
said Paul Sykes.
“
We were impressed
with the flexibility of
the solution which
delivers everything we
need now, as well as
new opportunities
for improvement in
the future.
Darren Wills
Claims Director
Groupama Insurances
”
QBE chooses Audatex
Business insurance specialist, QBE
Europe has streamlined its commercial
motor claims and is now using Audatex
as its preferred estimating system and
is proactively encouraging bodyshops
throughout the UK to use Audatex as
the conduit for submitting vehicle
damage assessments to QBE’s in-house
gives us access to a trained and
certified bodyshop network through
which to manage our motor claims and
repairs. Complemented by our in-house
engineering resource, we’re in a great
position to increase efficiency and
improve management visibility and
control,” said Russell England, Senior
vehicle down-time following an accident
can have a significant financial effect on
a business and our aim is always to pay
valid claims as soon as possible.
Working with Audatex and being able to
access their integrated supply chain
means that we’ll be able to pass on the
benefits of faster processes, enhanced
engineering team.
Claims Engineer, QBE Europe.
knowledge and information directly to
“With around 2,000 bodyshops in the
UK using AudaEnterpriseGold, Audatex
Matthew Crane, Managing Director –
Motor, at QBE said: “We know that
Ready to take on the World
Audatex UK is part of the Solera
group of companies, a leading global
provider of software and services
to the automobile insurance claims
processing industry active in over
60 countries across six continents.
As a Solera company, we follow a
set of organizational principles that
encourage and foster an environment
of innovation, high performance, and
outstanding results.
Visit www.solerainc.com
our customers and help them get back
on the road more quickly.”
Each day, these principles
guide how we operate…
80/20:
80% of results through
20% of all efforts
30/30:
30% greater efficiency,
30% more productivity
90/10:
90% individual accountability,
10% externally controlled
3
Menu driven estimating with Global Repair Solutions
In support of its fast-track repair
strategy, Global Repair Solutions’ 38
strong,
approved
network
of
independent bodyshops are benefiting
from a pioneering, bespoke Lite
Estimating application, which we are
hosting and delivering on the
AudaEnterpriseGold platform.
“
Global Repair Solutions
offers a comprehensive
package of value-added
services to our bodyshop
network and our insurer,
accident management
and fleet management
customers
Neville Pearson
Director
Global Repair Solutions
”
The new solution, which introduces
menu
driven
estimating
to
AudaEnterpriseGold customers, provides
an easy to use, intuitive interface which
allows users to select the vehicle
make/model, areas of damage, parts
and miscellaneous items required to
restore a vehicle to its pre-accident
condition.
Core AudaEnterpriseGold functionality
such as the attachment of images,
calculation, estimate authorisation and
production of full, summary, customer
and engineer reports provides a
comprehensive,
transparent
and
manageable solution for Global Repair
Solutions, its repair network and work
providers.
“Global Repair Solutions offers a
comprehensive package of value-added
services to our bodyshop network and
our insurer, accident management and
fleet management customers”, said
Neville Pearson, Director, Global Repair
Solutions. “The provision of our menu
pricing matrix, plus agreed authorisation
rules and electronic communications,
via Audatex’ widely used estimating
platform is an important development”.
“We have enjoyed working with the
Global Repair Solutions team to develop
this solution, it’s an exciting step
forward for Audatex which enables
us to meet market needs for the
effective management of smaller claims
and fast-track cosmetic repairs.” said
Paul Sykes.
Getting it right with AudaProFile
In support of ‘right first time’ estimating
and to help improve the speed and
accuracy of the vehicle damage
assessment process, we have designed
allowances, parts discounts, sundry parts
and miscellaneous (Zone 99) items. This
ensures all necessary repair items are
included and that the correct costs are
AudaProFile,
estimating service to:
identified, consistent with the associated
contract. This reduces the need for
• Simplify the time-consuming process
supplementary
our
‘right
first
time’
of ensuring that up-to-date contractual
rates and data are consistently
applied.
• Enable users to create and apply
pre-set templates for individual work
providers to all assessments using
AudaEnterpriseGold.
• Improve the accuracy and speed
of the assessment process for
bodyshops and work providers.
AudaProFile templates can be set up
to include data on specific and detailed
rates information including paint
4
assessments
which
typically slow the processing of motor
claims and negatively affect cycle times.
AudaProFile also makes repair hints
and tips available at the point of
estimate to ensure appropriate items
have been considered, including
model-specific bonding techniques,
bumper reinforcement and other
reminders that are relevant to the
particular parts or repair operations
chosen. For more information or
to sign up for AudaProFile visit:
www.audatex.co.uk/profile or call
0118 923 5667.
“AudaProFile is an excellent tool.
It not only helps avoid the chance of
missing valuable allowances on
individual contracts, but also saves
time by not having to dig out
paperwork to check menu pricings
etc for different work providers.
With all of the changes and
additions to the VDA’s role in the last
couple of years, it’s encouraging to
see something that actually helps
simplify the process.”
William Smith
Group Purchasing and Divisional
Bodyshop Manager,
JM Accident Repair Group
Foundations for the future with AudaEnterpriseGold 3.7
Work is in progress for the imminent
roll out to all our customers of the
latest version of AudaEnterpriseGold.
Version 3.7 includes some key
features as requested by you and
also paves the way for the future with
capability for exciting new functionality.
As with all our AudaEnterpriseGold
software releases, extensive pilot
testing will have been carried out with
customer groups, prior to its release
to our entire user community.
What’s new for 3.7
• Holding part prices, this feature
prevents parts being updated with the
manufacturers’ updated prices by
‘holding’ the part at the first calculated
price, therefore removing the need to
manually overwrite prices.
- Held part prices will be identified
in reports, ability to ‘remove’ held
part prices and alerts to show an
assessment contains held parts
prices
• Print multiple Thatcham methods,
from within the Job Log it is possible
to select multiple methods and group
them into one PDF document which
can then be saved and printed.
- can select multiple methods and
consolidate into one report/methods
pack.
AudaEnterpriseGold 3.7 will also
contain foundation capabilities for –
• Comments displayed in reports, all
reports will now display comments
which have been added to parts
within AudaGraphics.
3D graphics capability
Pilot data is being prepared and
from Data Release D4.08 we will
- comments will be displayed
underneath relevant part, plus
summary box on full report
start to include 3D files, but users
must be on v3.7 to view these.
Free link to Thatcham Integrated Methods
2013 will see a new ‘escribe’ product
offering from Thatcham, providing
enhanced repair methods access and
functionality to repairers and insurance
engineers, at no additional cost. The
new 2013 product will also be available
at 2012 prices. Going forward all
escribe customers, who are also
AudaEnterpriseGold users, will also be
able to benefit from a free of charge link
to Thatcham Integrated Methods (TIM),
which provides users with technical repair
information at the point of estimate.
Thatcham Integrated Methods are
available to all escribe users who have
access to AudaEnterpriseGold.
For more details contact the Thatcham
Sales Team on 01635 294826 or email
enquiries@thatcham.org
Customer input drives Certification course content
The latest course has placed particular
emphasis on delegates’ learning, with the
aim of developing existing knowledge,
rather than purely testing skills.
Our ever-popular Certification training
courses are refreshed annually with input
from the Technical Committee, Crash
Repair Team and our customers directly.
“As part of the Technical Committee’s
remit, we review all Audatex training
courses to ensure the content is
consistent with the demands of our
ever-changing industry and supports
the needs of Audatex users,” said Andy
Pennell, Group Operations Manager,
Balgores Motors.
New course module
‘Four wheel alignment and geometry’ is
the latest addition to our Certification
course profile and provides delegates
with a foundation knowledge on areas
including castor, camber, KPI/SAI (King
Pin Inclination/Steering Axis Inclination),
thrust and axis. The aim of this new
element enables VDAs to embrace key
principles and to interact with work
providers and their own workshop with a
degree of confidence.
To book a training course visit: www.audatex.co.uk/training or call: 0118 923 5684
5
Get ahead with in-house diagnostics
Don’t just take our word
for it... Here’s what some
VHC users are saying:
“Vehicle Health Check has given
us the ability to check, report, and
reset every vehicle we see; making
sure every vehicle is 100% and
fault-free before leaving our care.
It has generated extra income as
well as reduce key to key times,
transportation costs and main
dealer charges. This is an excellent
product with a service and support
team to match.”
With the increasing emphasis on the
Richie Jewiss
Quality Controller
importance of pre- and post-repair
East Bilney Coachworks
diagnostic checks as part of best
practice, Vehicle Health Check (VHC),
our new vehicle diagnostics system, is
fast becoming the system of choice for
both independent and group bodyshops.
VHC has been designed specifically with
the body repair industry in mind and
is a comprehensive ‘out of the box’
diagnostics solution, which allows users
to complete diagnostic scans to identify
electronic fault codes, including air
bags, tyre pressure monitoring systems,
ABS and engines.
Customer feedback is also highlighting
the reduction in key-to-key times and
courtesy car costs enabled by removing
the need to transport vehicles off-site for
specialist diagnostic checks.
Vehicle Health Check is
available for a £235.00 monthly
license fee
The fee includes regular free software
updates and full warranty and support
via a dedicated Audatex Support Line,
offering advice on system usage, as well
as answers to vehicle-specific enquiries.
In order to satisfy the demand for
information on Vehicle Health Check,
we have launched a video to
demonstrate the product’s ease and
speed of use. Available online at
www.audatexvehiclehealthcheck.com,
the four minute video takes the viewer
through the kit available, connection
to a vehicle, running a scan and
clearing faults.
The dedicated www.audatexvehiclehealthcheck.com website also features
answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), helpful tips and user guides.
In addition, a free on-site demo can be booked. Alternatively call the Audatex
Sales Team on 0118 923 5667 or email salesdesk@audatex.co.uk
6
“The technical back-up provided
by Audatex with the Vehicle Health
Check diagnostics system is
superb. If we need some advice or
to confirm our thinking on a fault
code, all we need to do is pick
up the phone. They system itself
is comprehensive and quick and
we’re already seeing a return on
our investment.”
David Lloyd
Technical Compliance Manager
XL Motors Accident Repair Centre
“The low monthly cost of VHC
enabled us to make a very simple
decision: to switch from outsourcing
our diagnostics requirements and
take full control with our own
VHC unit.
The free daily software updates are
incredibly useful and the fact that
we are no longer reliant on a third
party has made a huge difference
to our flow of work. The feedback
we’ve had from staff who have
used VHC is extremely positive –
it’s proving quick and easy to use.”
Steve Harris
Bodyshop Manager
Lynn Road Motors
Inside Out
Tracy Howard
Tracy Howard, in the words of the ABP Club as 2011’s Industry
Knight, is ‘one of the most charismatic and gregarious characters
of our industry’. From his roots as a mechanical engineer, to
starting his own business repairing sports cars and finally moving
into the crash repair market, the Chairman of Howard Basford Ltd
is a well-known face to all.
Q
A
Which aspect of the bodyshop
change is a constant. I think we
world has most influenced you
all need to take time out to take
in recent years?
stock, recognise what we’ve
achieved and then to look at
Of late customer expectations.
The
dynamic
of
what
where we should be going next.
our
Making the right investment to
enhance our proposition is critical.
customers do and don’t want,
and
how
they
want
it
has
become a focus of our business.
I think all bodyshops ought to
look through the eyes of the
customer and understand their
needs to ensure this challenge is
“
The dynamic of what our
customers do and don’t
want, and how they
want it has become a
focus of our business.
Q
What will you be spending
A
My personal trainer – it’s just not
Q
What’s been your greatest
business challenge?
A
As a bit of a maverick I would say
when we sold Howard Basford to
Ford in the late 90s. Becoming a
part of a Plc and adapting to the
change, growing the business
”
less on?
working!
met and taken seriously.
Q
What do you enjoy most about
your profession?
A
Our industry is made up of a
fantastically diverse group of
people and no matter where I go
or what event I attend, I always
come away with a nugget of
information. I think these people
have a truly blended balance of
knowledge, interpersonal skills
and IQ which combine to make
ours a unique and close-knit world.
and making the step-changes in
management was a challenging
time for me. Now I would say it’s
finding the right people and
having them in the right place to
ensure continued success.
Q
What single thing would
improve the quality of your life?
Q
What keeps you awake
at night?
A
I’d love it if all airlines would
extend the lap straps on the seats
of all their planes (only joking).
A
Not a lot really, I am a good
sleeper, but I do need to get my
7 hours!
Q
What will you be spending more
money on this year?
Q
Where would you like to be
right now?
A
Where we should go next. We are
in an ever-evolving industry where
A
Given my love of fast cars – at the
Monaco Grand Prix please.
“
Our industry is made up
of a fantastically diverse
group of people and no
matter where I go or
what event I attend, I
always come away with
a nugget of information.
”
7
Honda sets new standards for Bodyshops
For the first time, we are delivering a
bespoke programme of benchmarking
and training to Honda’s 138 approved
bodyshops nationwide. The programme,
which is being fully funded by Honda,
commenced with a benchmarking
exercise to determine delegates’
individual performance. Delegates were
tested on their ability to apply the
methodology
to
their
correct
assessments, drawing specifically on
MARIS, Honda’s own methods.
We are now underway with delivering
training courses, for 50 invited VDAs,
which have been tailored to ensure
delegates are able to demonstrate the
ability to research and understand
the information available to create
vehicle
damage
comprehensive
assessments. The courses will also
equip VDAs with the skills and
knowledge to fully utilise the Audatex
system, to maximise profitability for
John Powell, Programme Manager,
Honda explained “We are pleased to
announce that we have joined with
Audatex to introduce this training and
development programme to our network.
We are anticipating an extremely
positive response from our network.”
business.
BE2012 – 20-21 September, Birmingham Hilton Metropole
Dates for
the diary
The ‘BE’ format is now a well established event for Bodyshop Magazine. Last year
over 500 delegates joined industry colleagues for a day of tutorials and debates,
networking and exhibitions and this year’s event looks set to deliver more of the
same. Of course the day’s events will be followed by this year’s rock themed Awards
ceremony and dinner – expect it to be live and loud! www.bodyshopevent.co.uk
ABP Convention – 23 October, Hinckley Island Hotel
This year we will be the headline sponsor for the ABP’s annual convention for
the sixth consecutive year. The Convention will highlight the challenges in our
ever-changing market and addresses hot topics, face-on.
The Convention is followed the Awards ceremony, many categories are voted for by
bodyshops themselves. The awards culminate in the extremely popular Industry
Knight award and 2011’s winner, Tracy Howard features on Page 7 of this edition
of Link-Up. www.abpclub.co.uk
Cycling for Marie Curie Cancer Care
Martin Ryan and Steven Hames
Audatex’ Best Practice Advisor
Steven Hames and Martin Ryan
of Parkford Coachworks recently
donned their lycra and cycled
81 miles through the challenging
terrain of the Scottish Highlands,
to raise money for Marie Curie
Cancer Care in the Etape
Caledonia. More than 4,00 riders
braved high winds and heavy rain
and were also joined by a runaway
horse for part of the course,
between them Steven and Martin
have raised a grand total of
£1499.50 – well done guys!
Audatex (UK) Limited, The Forum, Station Road, Theale, Reading, RG7 4RA
Tel: 0118 932 3535 Fax: 0118 932 3428 Email: marketing@audatex.co.uk
www.audatex.co.uk www.solerainc.com
Please note that calls to our Service Desk may be recorded for quality or training purposes.
8
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