Longstanding industry practices are being challenged by the coronavirus pandemic but it’s also a time to seize opportunities, says Greg Tunks, MVP Business Solutions Manager ANZ.
Collision repair is changing – it’s just a matter of to what degree. For collision repair businesses looking to navigate these difficult times, perhaps the key factor is mindset. Accepting change can be a difficult thing but this is actually a time to embrace change and begin adapting your business for the future. And there is not a moment to lose.
Adapt and prosper
Even in the best of times, the region-wide MVP Business Solutions team recommends that collision repair businesses review their performance on a consistent basis and now it’s more important than ever. The shake up from the coronavirus pandemic represents a moment in time to stop and take stock – an opportunity to reassess everything you do to ensure it’s being done in the most efficient and productive way. For example, due to COVID-19 concerns in the general public, many repairers have altered the way they interact with customers. Indeed, many have come up with innovative contactless estimating and drop-off / pick-up processes which work so well, they will continue even after the pandemic has passed. What’s more, opportunities are not just in customer interaction – they can be found across the whole business. This includes putting everything you need in place to allow you to go looking for opportunities to grow the business.
Building a solid foundation
For many repairers, this pandemic has served as a rude wakeup call. When our region comes out the other side into the ‘new normal’, repairers need to be confident that they have done everything in their power to build themselves a solid foundation for a sustainable business. As part of this, it’s about planning for the business to survive any crisis, whether it’s another pandemic lockdown, some sort of work downturn or even a major equipment failure or workshop fire. What are your current contingency plans if any of these events were to happen?
Support network
Day-in, day-out, for past couple of decades, the region-wide PPG MVP Business Solutions team has worked closely with small, medium and large collision repairers to help them strengthen their businesses. This service is included as part of PPG’s comprehensive support package and accessing it is as simple as contacting your local MVP Business Solutions Manager or making an enquiry via mvp.anz@ppg.com. If you are not quite sure where to begin on your pathway to building strong business foundations, your MVP Business Solutions Manager has the solutions. It starts with an audit of the business which generates an ‘Action Plan’ that sets out all the improvements needed and includes detailed recommendations and support to achieve them.
Following are a few suggestions to help put your business in a better position to take advantage of future opportunities:
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Do a total workshop clean and tidy to enhance efficiency
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Begin implementing 5S workplace organisation
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Assess your workshop layout and make adjustments to help streamline workflow
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Remove production roadblocks and hurdles by reviewing all of your repair processes
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Upskill staff with appropriate training to boost productivity
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Plan for the future. Along with a business plan, include a financial plan, a marketing plan, a production plan, etc.
For further information or to access the wide variety of support services on offer, contact the MVP Business Solutions team at mvp.anz@ppg.com.