logo_sm.gif (4042 bytes)
Your Source for Up-To-Date News and Research on the Collision Repair Industry 

 
Subscribe to INSIGHT Editor's Desk News Alerts
click here to subscribe to the FREE INSIGHT Editor's Desk News Alert Email


lftspace.GIF (57 bytes)
SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY
Today's News
INSIGHT This Month
INSIGHT Archives
Survey Center
Letter to the Editor
Business Tools
Subscription Information
CSI Reporting
Financial Analysis
IRS Audit Guide
Management/
Technical Info

Market Watch Rates
INSIGHT Inside this month's issue...
Feedback
Letter to the Editor
cntspace.GIF (53 bytes)
Tuesday July 19

ADP Claims Services Group Streamlines Estimating and Parts Ordering Workflow with Latest Shoplink Release

ADP Claims Services Group has announced DealerElement(TM), a Shoplink(R) add-on module that allows collision repair shops to synchronize data between their Shoplink estimating system and the parts and service applications of ADP's w.e.b.Suite(TM)2005 dealer management system.

By seamlessly linking customer, vehicle and parts information from the Shoplink estimating system and w.e.b.Suite2005, DealerElement reduces the time needed to write an estimate, eliminates mistakes associated with entering administrative information and significantly improves parts ordering efficiency for both the body shop and for the dealership.

ADP has also introduced several innovations in the latest release of its Shoplink platform, Shoplink 6.37.1, including enhanced vehicle graphics on DVD, electronic part price downloads and an I- CAR(R) toolbar. These new features aim to allow estimators to generate estimates faster and more accurately, improve workflow by eliminating the need to re-key information and provide on-demand access to industry standards for collision repair.

DealerElement integration streamlines workflow by enabling estimators using Shoplink to search a dealer's w.e.b.Suite2005 client database. Estimates are then automatically populated with the relevant customer and vehicle information. DealerElement integration also enables Shoplink users to order parts directly through the dealer management system with a click of a button.

"I am continuously impressed with ADP's ability to innovate their product line in order to meet our specific needs," said Lynea Wells, Parts Director of Beaverton Honda in Beaverton, Oregon. "DealerElement seamlessly connects our estimating platform, Shoplink, with our dealership's w.e.b.Suite2005 parts and service applications. This integration increases our efficiency and is saving us approximately 15 minutes per repair order."

"DealerElement offers substantial process improvements and time savings to our mutual clients," said Clifton Mason, senior director of product marketing for ADP Dealer Services. "Redundancy that is associated with any information re-key process is probably one of the most frustrating aspects of any workflow. DealerElement eliminates this redundant process and combines powerful solutions from two divisions of ADP to help get consumers back into their vehicles more quickly."

Other new Shoplink features in the latest release facilitate the creation of the estimates. Enhanced vehicle graphics on DVD provide a much sharper image of part options, improving part recognition and, in turn, the accuracy of estimates while reducing the time spent evaluating the vehicle damage. With electronic part price updates, Shoplink users can access accurate, up-to-the minute OEM pricing information, eliminating the need for manual part price overrides and reducing supplements.

Shoplink's new I-CAR toolbar provides one-click access to I-CAR's Uniform Procedures for Collision Repair, allowing estimators to compare proposed repairs with accepted industry guidelines. In addition to providing on-demand access to collision repair information for training purposes, the I-CAR toolbar strengthens DRP relationships by improving the quality of the repair.

"ADP has become a valued partner in our business," said Sabra Burge, Collision Center Manager of Canyon Road Auto Body in Beaverton, Oregon. "Electronic part price updates in Shoplink eliminated the need to wait for monthly data updates. The update process is fast and occurs automatically, resulting in part pricing data that is always current, eliminating the need for manual part price overrides and reducing supplements, which in turn allows us to better comply with DRP requirements."

"DealerElement and the new features in Shoplink demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing innovation that enables repair shops to spend less time on paperwork and more time generating revenue," said Daphne Li, vice president of marketing for ADP Claims Services Group. "We're constantly looking for ways to help our customers automate critical administrative and business processes to improve their workflow and be more profitable."

ADP clients will receive the Shoplink 6.37.1 upgrade in July. Clients wishing to enable the optional DealerElement add-on module should contact their ADP sales representative.

©2005 Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT
All Rights Reserved

FEATURED
LINKS:

PPG Automotive Refinish

Akzo Nobel

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes

DuPont Automotive Refinish

Spies-Hecker Automotive Refinish

National Auto Body Council
INSIGHT Supports the NABC!
Do You?