Auto-Quote receives NRMA certification

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NRMA Insurance confirmed late last year that Auto-Quote's software is compatible with NRMA Insurance Online Repair Management.
Online Repair Management (ORM) is an e-commerce solution allowing electronic communication between NRMA Insurance and smash repairers in the process of managing a claim.
Auto-Quote had 49 clients online and working with NRMA Insurance by the end of 2001, and many more repairers are to be connected during 2002.
The company worked closely with NRMA Insurance to develop the ORM solution. A 12-month trial was then conducted in Canberra, and ORM was subsequently introduced to selected repairers across NSW/ACT and Victoria.
NRMA Insurance is committed to the success of ORM, and with the help of Auto-Quote is moving closer to introducing ORM in other regions. Repairers should benefit from the program through less administration, faster turnaround of job authorisations and improved processing of tax invoices.
The initial point of contact in the new system comes via a message over the internet from the NRMA Online Repair Management Centre (ORMC), requesting a quote from the repairer. The bodyshop then assigns their estimate to that request, attaches images to the estimate and sends the quote, via the internet, back to the ORMC. The assessor views the estimate and images and then sends back the authority to repair along with any changes.
This messaging process follows the job right through to invoicing and payment authorisation and will complete with EFT (electronic funds transfer). Payment by cheque is still an option.
Auto-Quote ensures repairers can take advantage of its technological expertise by setting up training seminars, allowing the repairers to become proficient with all of the Auto-Quote modules, including e-commerce.
NRMA Insurance will be holding ORM presentations for repairers in those regions where meetings have not previously been held. These presentations should provide repairers with valuable information about ORM, including the process of computerised quoting using digital imaging and internet access, and announcing the timetable for ORM rollout in their area.
Auto-Quote clients will require the digital imaging program and a digital camera, along with additional hardware enhancements.
The company's qualified technicians will install the Auto-Quote software to the client's server. Auto-Quote will then follow up with onsite training to ensure its successful implementation.

Sikkens launches bodyshop consultancy
Last year, Sikkens Australia hired its first bodyshop consultant, Paul Wake, and concurrently opened the doors of its state-of-the art training facility in Melbourne. Now, its Acoat Selected program is ready to start operating in Australia.
During the last 20 years, Acoat Selected has become a worldwide symbol of quality for car repair companies and bodyshops internationally. Acoat Selected stands for an international network of top-flight repair organisations using Sikkens repair systems. These organisations pay a lot of attention to quality, service and efficiency. The end result is that they achieve perfect repairs for their customers with excellent price/performance ratios, and with first-rate service, according to Sikkens.
The services of the Acoat Selected program focus on the functional areas of collision repair businesses. Educational seminars and group training sessions are conducted to review the important areas of operations, marketing, finance, human resources, sales and administration.
To address specific business needs, consulting services for Acoat selected members include individual on-site and telephone consulting. After an assessment of the current situation of the bodyshop by means of a shop scan, a business development plan is formulated for the forthcoming 12 months. The plan prioritises all required activities for the bodyshop manager, and with the assistance of the Sikkens consultant, implementation is commenced.
All Acoat Selected companies must meet a number of important criteria, including computerised administration, working with automotive parts, repair warranties and conscientious environmental and waste management. Possessing these credentials allows members to benchmark their performance with the best in class.
For more information contact Paul Wake, tel: (03) 9646 5988 or email: pwake@sikkens.com.au.