Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1 » Shops write a preliminary estimate with OEM parts listed in the database.

2 » The estimate is exported to the shop’s EMS directory. The PartsTrader software pulls the parts listed in the estimate into the application automatically.

3 » The parts needed for the repair are forwarded to parts suppliers for quotes.

4 » Suppliers have a minimum of 30 minutes to submit price quotes back to the shop. When the time expires, shops review the price quotes and order selected parts.

5 » Shops update the original estimate with the selected part types and prices.

6 » Lock-in and upload the final estimate.

The process seems easy enough but will take you giving it a try yourself. Stay plugged into what others in our industry are saying, both the positive and negative. It’s healthy to question the process as it is the skeptics that will unearth any inappropriate behaviors or processes. The rest of us are working very hard at making these changes work within our shops or personal businesses.

These interviews show you three different personality types and how each deals with change. You have the optimist, the realist and the sceptic. Each has a valued opinion and each causes a pause in our day while evaluating their concerns and thoughts. You have to find your own way and yet stay vigilant in your concerns and questions. This system may not be the answer for a PDR technician working with State Farm, but it may. Hopefully, State Farm is willing to make adjustments to meet all of the collision repair industry and aren’t stuck in the “One size fits all” mentality. Only time will tell but in the meantime you must keep an open mind and be willing to make the changes as they come. If all insurers eventually adopt the same program, you will have no choice but to use them.