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ADP Claims Services Group Introduces Automated Features with New Release of PenPro Estimating System

ADP Claims Services Group has released the 4.05 version of PenPro, their award-winning automated mobile collision repair estimating system. This new version adds new features -- Internet connectivity, advanced refinish and recall bulletins -- aimed at handling insurers' estimate vehicle claims with greater efficiency, accuracy and cost savings.

"This is a very exciting release," said PenPro product manager Theresa Marron. "It was carefully designed based upon market needs to provide new features and enhanced functionality that specifically help insurers increase productivity and shorten their cycle time."

Key among PenPro's new features, says Marron, is an Internet connectivity capability that allows users to upload or download -- via their own Internet connection -- eliminating the need for separate dial-up.

PenPro is also designed with enhanced refinished operations that guide the appraiser through proper refinish procedures such as blend, two tone and chip guard. This prompts the appraiser when blend operations conflict with the selected repair method, reducing confusion and controversy regarding what refinish method should be used.

Another PenPro feature, Recall Bulletins, allows users to easily access recall data for the estimate, helping to determine whether a loss was caused by a manufacturer defect. For example, when writing an estimate on a vehicle damaged by an engine fire, a user can instantly access current recall information to easily see whether the manufacturer issued a faulty wiring recall. This information could be passed on to the subrogation unit for further negotiations with the manufacturer that could result in financial gains to the insurer. For recalls not related to the accident, users can print and hand the recall bulletins to the vehicle owner, as an added service, to alert the vehicle owner of potential issues.

"PenPro has always been user-friendly and this release makes it even better," said Greg Sherman, physical damage consultant for Motorists Insurance Group. "It makes our people in the field more efficient and allows them to communicate with claims reps. That saves the insurance company money." PenPro, the industry's leading automated tool for writing vehicle estimates, identifies parts and labor information specific to vehicle make, model, style, year, engine and options, so appraisers can rapidly write, transmit, track and store accurate vehicle repair estimates. Additional version 4.05 enhancements and features designed to simplify operations and improve cycle time include:

• A "Find Parts" capability enabling parts searches by description or part number
• Graphic Tool Tips enabling a user to merely "roll over" the part with their cursor to receive an actual description of the part
• An enhanced Total Loss feature now displays the actual value of the loss, as well as the total loss warning
• Multiple imaging options, including a digital image gallery, streamlining workflow along with new image manipulation options
• Integrated check processing enables appraisers to complete an estimate or supplement and send the payment information to the insurance company's centralized check-processing system

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