PPG announced it has partnered with Auto Claim Solutions, an Arlington, Texas-based, vehicle repair information company, to provide collision centers with an advanced integrated repair management system. The announcement was made jointly by PPG global color director Mary Kimbro and Auto Claim Solutions managing director Tim Hoover.
As a result of the partnership, collision centers choosing to integrate PPG's PaintManager program with Auto Claim Solutions' Repair Tracker Interactive body shop management system will now be able to increase their repair productivity and operate more efficiently.
PaintManager is PPG's network solution that combines the accuracy and efficiency of computerized color mixing with comprehensive reporting and tracking features. And by incorporating PPG's paint shop interface tool, ROCO, the sharing of critical information between the front office and the paint operation provides a more efficient workflow. Auto Claim Solutions' Repair Tracker Interactive is an Internet-based application that provides direct data access and real-time communication between customers, repair facilities, and insurance companies. When paired, the two programs allow a seamless and accessible flow of critical data to monitor and manage body shop repair and paint procedures.
"This arrangement is part of our commitment to make certain PPG customers receive the most advanced applications to ensure improved paint operation performance," said Kimbro. "We're very pleased our companies worked together to integrate these innovative systems. We designed PaintManager for compatibility with any body shop management system, and Repair Tracker Interactive has proven to be an excellent match for it. Collision shops using the integrated system will benefit greatly from the improved workflow efficiency, materials management usage, and, ultimately, their financial performance."
"Shops using Repair Tracker Interactive have found it to be an extremely user-friendly system while providing the functionality and flexibility expected of a collision management program," said Hoover. "It's been available for seven years with all the advanced functions shops want and need to improve their processes and add to their bottom line. Now, by linking it to PPG's PaintManager, we've made it all that much more rewarding."
Repair Tracker Interactive is currently in use in 140 locations in 12 states and in 55 locations in combination with PaintManager. These numbers are expected to increase rapidly as collision centers familiarize themselves with the programs' benefits. One of the largest users of the integrated system is the Van Tuyl Group, an Irving, Texas, company with more than 70 automotive dealerships across the country.
"We have been using Repair Tracker Interactive exclusively in all of our 34 collision centers for over five years, and without a doubt it has given us the competitive advantage with our customers, insurance partners, and the extended business community," said Darren Huggins, national collision director, Van Tuyl Group. "With the rising cost of materials, the PaintManager integration has become absolutely necessary for us to measure performance and maximize profitability."
PaintManager and Repair Tracker Interactive are available now to collision centers across North America through PPG and Auto Claim Solutions.
